What do you think?
Rate this book
Max Freeman #7
Don't Loose Her
A Max Freeman Mystery
3557 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
120 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Jonathon King
15 books151 followersEdgar-award winning author Jonathon King is the creator of the Max Freeman crime series set in the Everglades and on the hard streets of urban South Florida. In his previous career as a journalist, he was a police and court reporter for 24 years with the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 17, 2021
A good entry in the Max Freeman series as Max must try to locate and rescue a pregnant federal judge.
This was a short book and the method of location was fairly simple, but the characters are so well drawn that a little simplicity doesn't hurt. Recommended to Freeman fans.
This was a short book and the method of location was fairly simple, but the characters are so well drawn that a little simplicity doesn't hurt. Recommended to Freeman fans.
June 2, 2015
This was just okay for me. It had some action and I stayed worried about the fact they kidnapped an eight month pregnant woman. And I liked that you got three perspectives, the kidnapper, the person kidnapped and the private investigator friend who was looking for her. I still don't understand why they moved her from the warehouse to the Everglades as that part isn't said.
It was pretty much a fast paced book and somewhat entertaining. I was surprised to find out that the guy had written several other books as it seemed to read more like a debut to me.
Thank you Open Road Integrated Media and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It was pretty much a fast paced book and somewhat entertaining. I was surprised to find out that the guy had written several other books as it seemed to read more like a debut to me.
Thank you Open Road Integrated Media and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Very readable. It certainly kept me turning the pages. Good plot and interesting characters. Everglades to me mean alligators so that section had me on the edge of my seat. Absolutely no kudos to whoever thought it was a good idea to put an ad between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue. They should be severely chastised.
May 29, 2015
When Federal judge Diane Manchester is kidnapped during a lunch break in a high profile case, a nationwide manhunt ensues. Diane’s lawyer husband, Billy, privately employs the talents of his close friend and former police officer turned private detective, Max Freeman, to help find out any info that he can, by any means necessary, legal or otherwise, that the police and detectives on the case might not be able to figure out. The race is on to find out who kidnapped Diane, why they kidnapped her, and hopefully find her and the unborn baby alive.
At 262 pages and told from three separate perspectives, this book takes you through a lot and the flow is seamless, riveting and original. DON”T LOSE HER is not a overly complex story, but it is a very well told story. Author Jonathan King has won me over with this book.
This is the 7th book in the Max Freeman, but having never read any of the others; I was never lost or confused as to what was going on. Max is an interesting character. He’s a “good guy” per se, but never turns his nose up at bending the rules and sometimes out right breaking the law to get to the bottom of a case. Max has made endless connections over the years, and those connections aren’t always on the side of the law that Max is.
Diane is a strong willed and determined character; exactly as she should be with being a judge. Despite her desperate situation, she never gives up and slowly works her courtroom magic on her captors. Through being a judge for several years, she has dealt with every criminal imaginable so in her hostage situation, she is more cognizant than most would be to any possible detail that might help free her, or help out those who are looking for her by leaving them clues. Not only that, but the maternal instincts that come with being 8 months pregnant, make her an even more determined character that we can sympathize with.
There’s never a dull moment in DON’T LOSE HER; fans of the crime/thriller genre will greatly enjoy this book and it’s certainly made me want to seek out the other Max Freeman novels. I hated for this book to end and that is rare; usually at the end of a book I am ready to be done and move onto the next and most of the time it isn’t because it’s bad at all, I’m just simply ready to start a new adventure with new characters. I would have been completely content with going on for another 200 pages. I give this one 4.5/5!
At 262 pages and told from three separate perspectives, this book takes you through a lot and the flow is seamless, riveting and original. DON”T LOSE HER is not a overly complex story, but it is a very well told story. Author Jonathan King has won me over with this book.
This is the 7th book in the Max Freeman, but having never read any of the others; I was never lost or confused as to what was going on. Max is an interesting character. He’s a “good guy” per se, but never turns his nose up at bending the rules and sometimes out right breaking the law to get to the bottom of a case. Max has made endless connections over the years, and those connections aren’t always on the side of the law that Max is.
Diane is a strong willed and determined character; exactly as she should be with being a judge. Despite her desperate situation, she never gives up and slowly works her courtroom magic on her captors. Through being a judge for several years, she has dealt with every criminal imaginable so in her hostage situation, she is more cognizant than most would be to any possible detail that might help free her, or help out those who are looking for her by leaving them clues. Not only that, but the maternal instincts that come with being 8 months pregnant, make her an even more determined character that we can sympathize with.
There’s never a dull moment in DON’T LOSE HER; fans of the crime/thriller genre will greatly enjoy this book and it’s certainly made me want to seek out the other Max Freeman novels. I hated for this book to end and that is rare; usually at the end of a book I am ready to be done and move onto the next and most of the time it isn’t because it’s bad at all, I’m just simply ready to start a new adventure with new characters. I would have been completely content with going on for another 200 pages. I give this one 4.5/5!
August 27, 2015
Don't Lose Her is the 7th Max Freeman mystery, but the first I have read. I was surprised I liked it so much, given that it really isn't the type of mystery I would normally choose. It tends toward the thrillerish and has a bit more action than I go for.
US district judge Diane Manchester is eight months pregnant and presiding over the extraditon trial of a Colombian drug lord. Before she calls recess for lunch, he taunts her, almost implying that she will suffer if the verdict doesn't go his way. When she takes a break for lunch, she is abducted, quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately for her captors, Max Freeman, South Florida private investigator, is employed by her husband, Billy Manchester, a litigator with connections in law enforcement agencies and beyond. Max and Billy are very good friends, and Max is ready to do anything necessary to find her and her abductors. They are not sure if members of the drug cartel are responsible. A judge can have many enemies.
The story was told from different viewpoints and that is well done. Max tells of his investigation in first person narrative, but we also get the perspective of one of the kidnapping crew and the victim herself. All three of these add an emotional component. Max is very concerned about Diane and knows how his friend Billy is suffering; Diane is primarily concerned about her unborn baby and how she will be treated.
Jonathon King's books are set in South Florida. This one starts out in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ends up in the Everglades. Fortunately Max knows the Everglades well. I liked that the ending was realistic, not over the top. Some events at the end were a tad predictable, but I enjoyed the journey. I intend to try more Max Freeman novels, and especially the first one, The Blue Edge of Midnight, which won the Edgar for best first novel. However, I had no problem getting into this seventh entry in the series without having read previous books. It can easily stand alone.
I was provided a copy by the publisher for review via NetGalley.
US district judge Diane Manchester is eight months pregnant and presiding over the extraditon trial of a Colombian drug lord. Before she calls recess for lunch, he taunts her, almost implying that she will suffer if the verdict doesn't go his way. When she takes a break for lunch, she is abducted, quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately for her captors, Max Freeman, South Florida private investigator, is employed by her husband, Billy Manchester, a litigator with connections in law enforcement agencies and beyond. Max and Billy are very good friends, and Max is ready to do anything necessary to find her and her abductors. They are not sure if members of the drug cartel are responsible. A judge can have many enemies.
The story was told from different viewpoints and that is well done. Max tells of his investigation in first person narrative, but we also get the perspective of one of the kidnapping crew and the victim herself. All three of these add an emotional component. Max is very concerned about Diane and knows how his friend Billy is suffering; Diane is primarily concerned about her unborn baby and how she will be treated.
Jonathon King's books are set in South Florida. This one starts out in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ends up in the Everglades. Fortunately Max knows the Everglades well. I liked that the ending was realistic, not over the top. Some events at the end were a tad predictable, but I enjoyed the journey. I intend to try more Max Freeman novels, and especially the first one, The Blue Edge of Midnight, which won the Edgar for best first novel. However, I had no problem getting into this seventh entry in the series without having read previous books. It can easily stand alone.
I was provided a copy by the publisher for review via NetGalley.
September 17, 2015
4.5 Stars
Finally! I patiently awaited this 7th installment of Jonathon King"s Max Freeman Series with great anticipation. And with good reason, my cynical loner Max is back! King really built the suspense in Don't Lose Her and never let up until the very last word. The Epitaph indicates the story line might not be finished. I love it! Hopefully the 8th in the series is being written as I write this review. Billy Manchester becomes more human too, willing to break the rules like Max. After all it is his wife and unborn child's life at stake.
Federal Judge Diane Manchester is hearing an extradition case involving the worst drug lord Columbia and the US have seen in a while. Soon after the defendant made a veiled threat toward her and her baby in court, Manchester is literally grabbed up from the Palm Beach street while she's walking to a cafe for lunch. Max answers Billy's call to find and rescue Diane. But things are never as they seem, aren't they? The Drug Cartel may not have kidnapped Diane. If it wasn't the cartel, then who and why?
Armed with 100K of walking money, Max follows leads throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. Eventually the trail leads him to the Everglades, and like Diane Manchester says while looking out of a window,"You're screwed. Max knows the Glades and you'll get hurt." But will Freeman get to Diane in time? The FIB's are always right behind him and are constantly demanding that Freeman be debriefed.
I loved the way King moved the story line by several POVs - Diane's,. a kidnapper's, Billy's, and Max's. This built the suspense and pacing brilliantly
Finally! I patiently awaited this 7th installment of Jonathon King"s Max Freeman Series with great anticipation. And with good reason, my cynical loner Max is back! King really built the suspense in Don't Lose Her and never let up until the very last word. The Epitaph indicates the story line might not be finished. I love it! Hopefully the 8th in the series is being written as I write this review. Billy Manchester becomes more human too, willing to break the rules like Max. After all it is his wife and unborn child's life at stake.
Federal Judge Diane Manchester is hearing an extradition case involving the worst drug lord Columbia and the US have seen in a while. Soon after the defendant made a veiled threat toward her and her baby in court, Manchester is literally grabbed up from the Palm Beach street while she's walking to a cafe for lunch. Max answers Billy's call to find and rescue Diane. But things are never as they seem, aren't they? The Drug Cartel may not have kidnapped Diane. If it wasn't the cartel, then who and why?
Armed with 100K of walking money, Max follows leads throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. Eventually the trail leads him to the Everglades, and like Diane Manchester says while looking out of a window,"You're screwed. Max knows the Glades and you'll get hurt." But will Freeman get to Diane in time? The FIB's are always right behind him and are constantly demanding that Freeman be debriefed.
I loved the way King moved the story line by several POVs - Diane's,. a kidnapper's, Billy's, and Max's. This built the suspense and pacing brilliantly
March 21, 2015
Kidnapping in the Florida Everglades
U.S. federal district judge Diane Manchester is 43 years old and is 8 months pregnant - vastly pregnant. She is hearing the case of a Colombian drug cartel leader, walks to lunch and is thrown in the back of a van - kidnapped.
Her lawyer husband is beyond frantic and calls on his P.I. employee Max Freeman to find his wife, before anything happens to her or the baby.
This story starts out exciting and ramps up from there. It is told from basically three points of view - the kidnapped judge, one of the kidnappers, and Max. This allows insight into the inner workings of the kidnapping - and the attempted rescue.
The judge, even though incapacitated by her pregnancy, is still a strong female protagonist. And Max is going to get the job done - no matter what.
There was some interesting descriptive passages about the Florida Everglades and Florida in general.
The author is very good at describing scenes and making the reader feel like they're right in the middle of the action. Dialogue felt authentic.
This is the 7th series book of Max Freeman's adventures and this is the first one I've read. Prior events were mentioned and described enough to keep me from feeling too lost.
This was a fun and exciting private investigator tale and I'm sure I will be reading more of author King's books. I liked his style of writing a lot.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
U.S. federal district judge Diane Manchester is 43 years old and is 8 months pregnant - vastly pregnant. She is hearing the case of a Colombian drug cartel leader, walks to lunch and is thrown in the back of a van - kidnapped.
Her lawyer husband is beyond frantic and calls on his P.I. employee Max Freeman to find his wife, before anything happens to her or the baby.
This story starts out exciting and ramps up from there. It is told from basically three points of view - the kidnapped judge, one of the kidnappers, and Max. This allows insight into the inner workings of the kidnapping - and the attempted rescue.
The judge, even though incapacitated by her pregnancy, is still a strong female protagonist. And Max is going to get the job done - no matter what.
There was some interesting descriptive passages about the Florida Everglades and Florida in general.
The author is very good at describing scenes and making the reader feel like they're right in the middle of the action. Dialogue felt authentic.
This is the 7th series book of Max Freeman's adventures and this is the first one I've read. Prior events were mentioned and described enough to keep me from feeling too lost.
This was a fun and exciting private investigator tale and I'm sure I will be reading more of author King's books. I liked his style of writing a lot.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2016
This story is about an eight months pregnant federal judge who gets kidnapped. The story alternates between the investigator who is searching for the kidnappers and the judge that has been kidnapped and also one of the kidnappers. The parts of the story that had to do with the perspective of the judge and the kidnapper were interesting, and kept me reading. The parts that dealt with the search for the kidnappers by the investigator, were uninteresting to me and did not hold my interest. I found myself putting the book down when I got to those chapters. This is why I rated the book 3 stars as opposed to 4 stars. Towards the end the book picked up steam as most of the events were about Diane the kidnapped judge and Rae, the kidnapper. When everything tied up at the end, and the reason for the kidnapping was revealed, it was sort of anticlimactic.
I was given the book by Netgalley for my honest review.
I was given the book by Netgalley for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much. I really enjoy mysteries and this book was very entertaining. I felt very sorry for the pregnant judge being held hostage. The ending was very good and I was trying to guess what was going to happen through the whole book. I have not read this author before but I would love to read more work by Jonathon King. This ARC book was mailed to me and not many authors send me paperback copies of there work, usually e-books. I do still very much enjoy reading the books that are not e-books as well. Thank you for sharing such a great book! I was surprised to learn this was book 7 in a series as well. I was not lost in this book and I like a series where you can jump in, in the middle and still understand the series. I would strongly encourage you to check out this book or series. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 17, 2019
Excellent entry in the Max Freeman series set in South Florida. The kidnapping of a pregnant judge sends Max on a journey through both the highest echelons of Florida Society as well as the underbelly to find his friend’s wife. The eminent birth adds a twist. Drugs, greed, gambling all play a role with the Everglades as usual players by it’s part. This was a welcome airplane read,
June 25, 2020
I simply loved it!
It was a really good mystery & fit in perfectly with The Max Freeman series. I loved the characters & the history.
It was a really good mystery & fit in perfectly with The Max Freeman series. I loved the characters & the history.
September 15, 2020
Liked this story a lot.
June 26, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
US district judge Diane Manchester has looked across the courtroom into the eyes of evil before. But today, as she presides over the extradition hearing of a notorious Colombian drug lord, she is also eight months pregnant. Her chair is uncomfortable, her robe is constrictive, and her due date is fast approaching. If she shows a single sign of weakness, Diane risks jeopardizing the biggest trial of her career and setting a vicious murderer free.
In seconds, her situation takes a harrowing turn for the worse. Walking to her favorite lunch spot, Diane is grabbed off the street, thrown into the back of a white van, blindfolded, and threatened with death. She has no idea who her kidnappers are or what they want. Maintaining a strict code of silence, they refuse to give her even the smallest glimmer of hope.
But Diane's captors have overlooked a crucial detail: Her husband, Billy, is the employer and best friend of Max Freeman, Philadelphia cop turned South Florida private investigator. Tossing off the rule of law, Freeman sets out to determine which of a rogues' gallery of suspects took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it's too late.
*3.5 stars*
This was another case of nailing one or two aspects of a story but failing in a few others...
The best thing about this book for me were the characters. Max Freeman is a brilliant private investigator and the real star of the show. Diane, eight months pregnant and Federal judge, plays the perfect hostage. We feel empathy toward her but also cheer for her at the same time. And even the abductors are written so well, we can't help but feel sorry for them.
The other thing that worked really well was the location - I have never been to the Florida Everglades but I sure felt like I had by the time I finished this book. Great descriptions of the area and really brought the area to life in my mind.
The biggest negative to me was the actual investigation itself. I have read more than my fair share of mystery/thriller novels and this one just really didn't have either of those things. We kinda know who the abductors are early on (so no real mystery) and the story was pretty slow. One of the biggest issues I had was the different POV's and the changes in tense. Told from 3 characters - some in present tense, some in past - this just never really had a chance to build real tension. And that is disappointing as it had all the hallmarks of being a cracking novel.
Overall, not a bad book - just one that fell down a little with execution (in my mind, at least) - but you should be the judge of that!
Paul
ARH
US district judge Diane Manchester has looked across the courtroom into the eyes of evil before. But today, as she presides over the extradition hearing of a notorious Colombian drug lord, she is also eight months pregnant. Her chair is uncomfortable, her robe is constrictive, and her due date is fast approaching. If she shows a single sign of weakness, Diane risks jeopardizing the biggest trial of her career and setting a vicious murderer free.
In seconds, her situation takes a harrowing turn for the worse. Walking to her favorite lunch spot, Diane is grabbed off the street, thrown into the back of a white van, blindfolded, and threatened with death. She has no idea who her kidnappers are or what they want. Maintaining a strict code of silence, they refuse to give her even the smallest glimmer of hope.
But Diane's captors have overlooked a crucial detail: Her husband, Billy, is the employer and best friend of Max Freeman, Philadelphia cop turned South Florida private investigator. Tossing off the rule of law, Freeman sets out to determine which of a rogues' gallery of suspects took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it's too late.
*3.5 stars*
This was another case of nailing one or two aspects of a story but failing in a few others...
The best thing about this book for me were the characters. Max Freeman is a brilliant private investigator and the real star of the show. Diane, eight months pregnant and Federal judge, plays the perfect hostage. We feel empathy toward her but also cheer for her at the same time. And even the abductors are written so well, we can't help but feel sorry for them.
The other thing that worked really well was the location - I have never been to the Florida Everglades but I sure felt like I had by the time I finished this book. Great descriptions of the area and really brought the area to life in my mind.
The biggest negative to me was the actual investigation itself. I have read more than my fair share of mystery/thriller novels and this one just really didn't have either of those things. We kinda know who the abductors are early on (so no real mystery) and the story was pretty slow. One of the biggest issues I had was the different POV's and the changes in tense. Told from 3 characters - some in present tense, some in past - this just never really had a chance to build real tension. And that is disappointing as it had all the hallmarks of being a cracking novel.
Overall, not a bad book - just one that fell down a little with execution (in my mind, at least) - but you should be the judge of that!
Paul
ARH
January 31, 2017
US district judge Diane Manchester presides over the extradition hearing of a notorious Colombian drug lord Escalante. Then Diane is abducted off the street and thrown into the back of a white van. She has no idea who her kidnappers are or what they want. Maintaining a strict code of silence, they refuse to give her even the smallest glimmer of hope.
But Diane’s husband, Billy Manchester works with Philadelphia cop turned South Florida PI Max Freeman. Freeman uses his wide set of connections to figure out who took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it’s too late.
But Diane’s husband, Billy Manchester works with Philadelphia cop turned South Florida PI Max Freeman. Freeman uses his wide set of connections to figure out who took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it’s too late.
April 9, 2020
I’ve read all of the Jonathon King books previous to this. Have certainly liked them enough to go back to the series but wasn’t always thrilled by them. This book is the Best by far! Stayed up late at night to finish and that is rare for me. The story - the eight months pregnant wife of Max’s best friend and employer, Billy, is kidnapped. She is also a judge hearing a case on a person charged with drug trafficking. While Max chases down leads we get to be in Diane’s mind as the kidnapee! Very well done page turner!! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 7, 2022
What an emotional roller coaster! I’m thinking that nothing would look so good to a kidnapped, pregnant woman about to give birth than Max Freeman’s face looking at her and then holding her hand. Billy’s wife, eight months pregnant, is kidnapped and is put through a horrifying experience—blindfolded, handcuffed, pregnant and frightened for her baby, thrown in the trunk of a car, and then taken by swamp boat to a holding place in the Everglades—and then she goes into labour. Fortunately, Max can use his Everglades knowledge to get there in time to help.
June 4, 2023
I’ve started this book twice, and I’m having trouble with the stupidity of a federal judge walking down a sidewalk without protection, no marshals, especially during such a high profile trial with a dangerous defendant and even more after being threatened in court, then throwing out the “do you know who I am card”. It’s ridiculous, in the extreme. So, I maybe can get past her foolishness and finish this book, but probably I’ll just go read another Vince Flynn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
very readable
I really enjoyed this. Very readable. It certainly kept me turning the pages. Good plot and interesting characters. Everglades to me mean alligators so that section had me on the edge of my seat. Absolutely no kudos to whoever thought it was a good idea to put an ad between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue should be severely chastised.
I really enjoyed this. Very readable. It certainly kept me turning the pages. Good plot and interesting characters. Everglades to me mean alligators so that section had me on the edge of my seat. Absolutely no kudos to whoever thought it was a good idea to put an ad between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue should be severely chastised.
June 21, 2018
Private eye Max Freeman's case is a kidnapping. Diane Manchester is a federal judge, 8 months pregnant, presiding over a trial of a Colombian drug cartel leader. Eventually, Diane is rescued from a lodge in the Everglades. This was a pretty good story and I may read some more by Jonathon King.
May 23, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley. Kidnapped and pregnant. Very pregnant. Told from several perspectives it is fact paced and action filled and it would probably make a decent movie. I have not read others in the series and did feel lost reading this one as a stand alone.
September 10, 2022
Great read, looking forward to book 8.
I enjoy the character development Jonathon King brings to his work. The story lines throughout the series are believable and exciting. I would recommend this author to those who enjoy realistic detective novels.
I enjoy the character development Jonathon King brings to his work. The story lines throughout the series are believable and exciting. I would recommend this author to those who enjoy realistic detective novels.
February 23, 2025
It may be a good book, but I couldn’t finish reading it, because of the bad language in it.
If these writers would only realize their books would be read as much or more if they left off the bad words!
If these writers would only realize their books would be read as much or more if they left off the bad words!
November 28, 2018
horrible. One of those books where life really is too short to waste time on finishing it.
June 18, 2021
A thriller
I always love the Max Freeman stories and the fact they aren't predictable. The characters in this story are believable. A great read that I didn't want to end.
I always love the Max Freeman stories and the fact they aren't predictable. The characters in this story are believable. A great read that I didn't want to end.
April 18, 2022
Great, fast, read
I liked the story; it was fast reading. The author used very descreptive language that made you want to continue reading!
I liked the story; it was fast reading. The author used very descreptive language that made you want to continue reading!
September 28, 2025
Did not want this book to end, and, given the 10 years since it was the last of the Max Freeman's to come out, I did not want the series to end either. Very sad. A great run.
February 7, 2016
Synopsis:
When a pregnant federal judge is abducted, Max Freeman pursues an eccentric gang deep into a hidden world he knows better than most: the shadowy waterways of the Florida Everglades
US district judge Diane Manchester has looked across the courtroom into the eyes of evil before. But today, as she presides over the extradition hearing of a notorious Colombian drug lord, she is also eight months pregnant. Her chair is uncomfortable, her robe is constrictive, and her due date is fast approaching. If she shows a single sign of weakness, Diane risks jeopardizing the biggest trial of her career and setting a vicious murderer free.
In seconds, her situation takes a harrowing turn for the worse. Walking to her favorite lunch spot, Diane is grabbed off the street, thrown into the back of a white van, blindfolded, and threatened with death. She has no idea who her kidnappers are or what they want. Maintaining a strict code of silence, they refuse to give her even the smallest glimmer of hope.
But Diane’s captors have overlooked a crucial detail: Her husband, Billy, is the employer and best friend of Max Freeman, Philadelphia cop turned South Florida private investigator. Tossing off the rule of law, Freeman sets out to determine which of a rogues’ gallery of suspects took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it’s too late. (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a well written suspenseful, action packed mystery thriller. When a very pregnant US district judge is kidnapped walking down the street, someone is in big trouble. The kidnapper made a big mistake when he abducted Diane. He must not have realized who he was abducting and what means would be used to return her and her baby back safely. They must not have known that Max Freeman would be pursuing them. They will find out what a critical error they made because Max will not rest until Diane and the baby are found and returned.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Diane is a take charge no nonsense woman who does not fold under pressure. She will use all of her smarts and years of experience dealing with criminals to help her get out of the situation she finds herself in. Max, a retired policeman and current private investigator, is tenacious and tireless when he is working on a case. And this case is even more personal to him because of his friendship with Diane and her husband.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. It is written in three different points of view: Diane, Max and the kidnappers. This made the book unique, in my opinion, and I thought it made the book even better. The author is very talented creating suspense and tension with the written word and I found myself reading well after I should have turned off the light and gone to sleep.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery suspense. I have not read any other book by this author, but after reading Don’t Lose Her, I will be getting more books to read and enjoy. I would suggest you do the same.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Open Road Media Mystery and Thriller for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When a pregnant federal judge is abducted, Max Freeman pursues an eccentric gang deep into a hidden world he knows better than most: the shadowy waterways of the Florida Everglades
US district judge Diane Manchester has looked across the courtroom into the eyes of evil before. But today, as she presides over the extradition hearing of a notorious Colombian drug lord, she is also eight months pregnant. Her chair is uncomfortable, her robe is constrictive, and her due date is fast approaching. If she shows a single sign of weakness, Diane risks jeopardizing the biggest trial of her career and setting a vicious murderer free.
In seconds, her situation takes a harrowing turn for the worse. Walking to her favorite lunch spot, Diane is grabbed off the street, thrown into the back of a white van, blindfolded, and threatened with death. She has no idea who her kidnappers are or what they want. Maintaining a strict code of silence, they refuse to give her even the smallest glimmer of hope.
But Diane’s captors have overlooked a crucial detail: Her husband, Billy, is the employer and best friend of Max Freeman, Philadelphia cop turned South Florida private investigator. Tossing off the rule of law, Freeman sets out to determine which of a rogues’ gallery of suspects took Diane—and to save her and her unborn child before it’s too late. (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a well written suspenseful, action packed mystery thriller. When a very pregnant US district judge is kidnapped walking down the street, someone is in big trouble. The kidnapper made a big mistake when he abducted Diane. He must not have realized who he was abducting and what means would be used to return her and her baby back safely. They must not have known that Max Freeman would be pursuing them. They will find out what a critical error they made because Max will not rest until Diane and the baby are found and returned.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Diane is a take charge no nonsense woman who does not fold under pressure. She will use all of her smarts and years of experience dealing with criminals to help her get out of the situation she finds herself in. Max, a retired policeman and current private investigator, is tenacious and tireless when he is working on a case. And this case is even more personal to him because of his friendship with Diane and her husband.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. It is written in three different points of view: Diane, Max and the kidnappers. This made the book unique, in my opinion, and I thought it made the book even better. The author is very talented creating suspense and tension with the written word and I found myself reading well after I should have turned off the light and gone to sleep.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery suspense. I have not read any other book by this author, but after reading Don’t Lose Her, I will be getting more books to read and enjoy. I would suggest you do the same.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Open Road Media Mystery and Thriller for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 2, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This book is a perfect example of a beautifully written, flawlessly edited effort by an obviously talented and successful author trying to force a weak story into submission. And the story is weak, in my opinion.
The main character, Max Freeman, and most of the secondary characters are strong and well developed. Max is a likable guy, smart and loyal to his friends. One of his friends is Diane Manchester, the kidnapped judge. Diane and her husband, Billy, are expecting a baby. Billy is a brilliant lawyer and financial planner for some of the most powerful people in this country and others, and he’s Max’s best friend and employer. Billy is black and Diane is white. I’m sure the backstory of this wonderful bi-racial couple in a previous book in the series is a great read; I liked them both. And I liked Sherry, Max’s girlfriend who lost her right leg in a previous book, but has never lost her drive as a detective with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and more importantly, she has never lost the love and devotion of Max. They are a great group.
Now I’ll tell you what I didn’t like. Everything else! The middle half or so of this book was so boring that I kept falling asleep. Honestly, I have given 5 star reviews to books that weren’t nearly as well written and constructed as this one because I was still wide awake at 4 in the morning, flipping pages as fast as I could read them because the story was just that compelling. Not this one. I stopped reading completely several times and dreaded getting back to it. Why? It was obvious to me from very early in the book that they were following the wrong leads. As a lover of mysteries, I have always tried to figure them out before the end of the book…sometimes successfully, sometimes not. This one was so easy to figure out that the surprise ending, the twist, wasn’t a surprise at all. Bummer. Just a long drawn out series of knowing they were on the wrong path and waiting endlessly for them to catch up with me. And, while I normally love books that give multiple points of view, the view point of the kidnapper elicited no sympathetic reaction from me, and while I should have been interested in Diane’s point of view, she got boring, too. Even Max, who I liked a lot, got boring with his constant reminders that “real life” cases aren’t solved as quickly as television or movies.
If you are a reader who can enjoy a book on the strength of writing skills, you might really like this one. There are some beautiful passages about the landscape and skies of southern Florida that would be worthy of the best travelogues. However, if it takes a well constructed mystery to keep your attention, you might want to skip this one. It fell short for me…into drudgery.
This book is a perfect example of a beautifully written, flawlessly edited effort by an obviously talented and successful author trying to force a weak story into submission. And the story is weak, in my opinion.
The main character, Max Freeman, and most of the secondary characters are strong and well developed. Max is a likable guy, smart and loyal to his friends. One of his friends is Diane Manchester, the kidnapped judge. Diane and her husband, Billy, are expecting a baby. Billy is a brilliant lawyer and financial planner for some of the most powerful people in this country and others, and he’s Max’s best friend and employer. Billy is black and Diane is white. I’m sure the backstory of this wonderful bi-racial couple in a previous book in the series is a great read; I liked them both. And I liked Sherry, Max’s girlfriend who lost her right leg in a previous book, but has never lost her drive as a detective with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and more importantly, she has never lost the love and devotion of Max. They are a great group.
Now I’ll tell you what I didn’t like. Everything else! The middle half or so of this book was so boring that I kept falling asleep. Honestly, I have given 5 star reviews to books that weren’t nearly as well written and constructed as this one because I was still wide awake at 4 in the morning, flipping pages as fast as I could read them because the story was just that compelling. Not this one. I stopped reading completely several times and dreaded getting back to it. Why? It was obvious to me from very early in the book that they were following the wrong leads. As a lover of mysteries, I have always tried to figure them out before the end of the book…sometimes successfully, sometimes not. This one was so easy to figure out that the surprise ending, the twist, wasn’t a surprise at all. Bummer. Just a long drawn out series of knowing they were on the wrong path and waiting endlessly for them to catch up with me. And, while I normally love books that give multiple points of view, the view point of the kidnapper elicited no sympathetic reaction from me, and while I should have been interested in Diane’s point of view, she got boring, too. Even Max, who I liked a lot, got boring with his constant reminders that “real life” cases aren’t solved as quickly as television or movies.
If you are a reader who can enjoy a book on the strength of writing skills, you might really like this one. There are some beautiful passages about the landscape and skies of southern Florida that would be worthy of the best travelogues. However, if it takes a well constructed mystery to keep your attention, you might want to skip this one. It fell short for me…into drudgery.
May 27, 2015
The people who kidnapped pregnant Diane aren’t overly cruel–as long as she keeps her hood on and does what they want her to do, they leave her largely alone. However, the rule is that none of the kidnappers can speak within her hearing. There’s one particular person, Rae, who has babysitting duties. Rae is independent, annoyed by having to take care of this woman (also annoyed with Diane’s perceived ‘whininess’)–yet at the same time, she does what she needs to in order to care for Diane and her baby. Rae is one of the point of view characters, which gives a very interesting view on the bad guys and what’s happening with Diane. This contrasts nicely with Max’s efforts, conclusions, and assumptions. It gives everyone a deeper level of characterization than there would otherwise be.
The real problem–for Max and Billy and, in a lesser way, us as readers–is that there’s no hint of a motive for the kidnapping. There are no ransom demands. Diane’s jailers don’t even speak to her, so they certainly aren’t making threats. On the one hand, this draws out the mystery, which is usually a good thing. Usually mysteries get drawn out, however, by providing multiple possible motives, enemies, or outcomes. In this case we had virtually nothing. There was a tiny incident partway through that, if you’re paying attention, you’ll realize indicates who’s actually behind everything. Not because there’s any real in-plot reason to think he’s done it, but simply because plot structure demands it.
Ideally when reading a mystery you get small hints and red herrings. It builds up until you start guessing what’s going on, and once you find out, you’re hopefully left smacking your forehead and calling yourself an idiot for not seeing it sooner. In this case however, there’s nothing for you to see. There’s no sense later of having figured something cool out. We weren’t kept in mystery by delightful sleight-of-hand; we were kept in mystery by a simple lack of any knowledge. It’s much less satisfying.
Thus, the characters were interesting, the setup was neat, and I enjoyed the milieu. But the author left us hanging with no sense of progress throughout most of the book.
NOTE: Review ebook provided free by publisher via NetGalley.
For a longer review including premise, visit Errant Dreams: http://www.errantdreams.com/2015/05/r...
The real problem–for Max and Billy and, in a lesser way, us as readers–is that there’s no hint of a motive for the kidnapping. There are no ransom demands. Diane’s jailers don’t even speak to her, so they certainly aren’t making threats. On the one hand, this draws out the mystery, which is usually a good thing. Usually mysteries get drawn out, however, by providing multiple possible motives, enemies, or outcomes. In this case we had virtually nothing. There was a tiny incident partway through that, if you’re paying attention, you’ll realize indicates who’s actually behind everything. Not because there’s any real in-plot reason to think he’s done it, but simply because plot structure demands it.
Ideally when reading a mystery you get small hints and red herrings. It builds up until you start guessing what’s going on, and once you find out, you’re hopefully left smacking your forehead and calling yourself an idiot for not seeing it sooner. In this case however, there’s nothing for you to see. There’s no sense later of having figured something cool out. We weren’t kept in mystery by delightful sleight-of-hand; we were kept in mystery by a simple lack of any knowledge. It’s much less satisfying.
Thus, the characters were interesting, the setup was neat, and I enjoyed the milieu. But the author left us hanging with no sense of progress throughout most of the book.
NOTE: Review ebook provided free by publisher via NetGalley.
For a longer review including premise, visit Errant Dreams: http://www.errantdreams.com/2015/05/r...
February 24, 2015
A very emotional, nail-biting tale of intrigue. “Don’t Lose Her” was a great title for, what was truly one of the finest mysteries I have read and enjoyed in a long time. The characters were so entertaining, and realistic; especially Max Freeman. If I ever needed a hero, he would be the one I would call on to help me, because when it came to detective work, Max went far beyond the call of duty. He carefully selected the right questions to ask to get what he needed and wanted to get ahead in the case; and dug up each clue like a hound dog after a big juicy bone. This exciting action-packed story was so skillfully
written that it kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very last word on the last page.
Our story opened in the courtroom with pregnant Judge Manchester making sure she had a serious look on her face before she scanned the courtroom and then stared down at the gruesome pictures laid out before her. Once the long morning session was over she scanned the courtroom one more time. Did someone just give her a dirty look? She dismissed it and looked down at her watch, then she decided it was time for lunch. After court was adjourned she took her routine way out, and decided she would walk to one of her favorite places for lunch. Just as she was about to step up onto the curb, a white van pulled up, then rough hands grabbed her and pulled her inside. The van suddenly sped away with Judge Manchester lying, face down, on the floorboard. Don’t these kidnappers realize they just seized a Federal judge? If they do, then why kidnap one that is pregnant? Or do they expect to get more for the price of two? Do they care who the judge is as long as they get what they want?
As the minutes ticked away and slowly turned into hours, then into days, Judge Manchester’s hopes of rescue began to grow slim as she sat on the small bed with her hands tied behind her back, a hood over her head, darkness all around her, and facing the unknown, will she be found in time? Will she still be alive? Will her baby still be alive?
written that it kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very last word on the last page.
Our story opened in the courtroom with pregnant Judge Manchester making sure she had a serious look on her face before she scanned the courtroom and then stared down at the gruesome pictures laid out before her. Once the long morning session was over she scanned the courtroom one more time. Did someone just give her a dirty look? She dismissed it and looked down at her watch, then she decided it was time for lunch. After court was adjourned she took her routine way out, and decided she would walk to one of her favorite places for lunch. Just as she was about to step up onto the curb, a white van pulled up, then rough hands grabbed her and pulled her inside. The van suddenly sped away with Judge Manchester lying, face down, on the floorboard. Don’t these kidnappers realize they just seized a Federal judge? If they do, then why kidnap one that is pregnant? Or do they expect to get more for the price of two? Do they care who the judge is as long as they get what they want?
As the minutes ticked away and slowly turned into hours, then into days, Judge Manchester’s hopes of rescue began to grow slim as she sat on the small bed with her hands tied behind her back, a hood over her head, darkness all around her, and facing the unknown, will she be found in time? Will she still be alive? Will her baby still be alive?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews