Pandora: Case 25

by Blair Howard

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 24, 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

[Pamela Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pandora: Case 25 delivers exactly what long‑time fans of the Kate Gazzara series come for: a fast, tightly wound investigation with a modern twist. This time, the danger hits even closer to home—literally. When a tech CEO dies in a locked, camera‑monitored room and another victim is found frozen inside her sealed smart apartment, Kate is forced into a case where the killer doesn’t leave fingerprints… he leaves code.

The smart‑home angle feels unsettling in all the right ways, and the pacing stays sharp as the threat escalates. Kate’s decision to make herself the next target raises the stakes and keeps the tension high.
If you enjoy police procedurals with a tech‑thriller edge you’ll find this a gripping addition to the series. A strong, suspenseful entry for book 25.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book by an amazing author. This book is one more example of that statement. This is a long running series that never gets stale. Each book showcases the authors ability to draw his readers in and leave them wanting more. In this latest story Kate’s team races against the clock to not only solve the crime but prevent another murder. Great police procedural with the added plus of the hard working team member Samson being honored. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

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

[Sally Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected death, then another. Oh, I'm a bit chilly. That's how it started. Lt. Kate Gazzara and Samson, K-9 police, knew something was off, but didn't know what it was. The only thing linking the deceased was a home security company.  Why? Did it matter? They had assumptions, but how to go about tracking and proving their theory. The danger is real. How to capitalize on it legally? The characters are well-written.  The plot is current and realistic. The book takes you from a to z. I couldnt put it down. This is one of my favorites

[John Barberio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Kate Gazzara mystery where four people are murdered - remotely by system installed to control climate and security of their homes. To prove the point, Kate puts herself in danger. But successfully catching the culprit is not the end of the story. We follow the trial and the sentencing. Great read.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent police procedural with a well written storyline and an outstanding realistic main character. Captain Kate is out to solve multiple murders with her faithful K-9 and her team. Very enjoyable page turning read with plenty of action and a story that I highly recommend. Bring on the next adventure with Captain Kate and her K-9 companion Sampson.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta testers of a smart home system are dying in their homes after putting in a work order for a malfunction. Someone within the smart home system company is eliminating problems. Kate Gazzara uses herself as bait to try to flush out the culprit. A page turner than the pages just flow and you do not want to stop reading.

[Alan Cobb]

Book 25 in the Katte Gazzara series of books excellent Characters a story line that keeps the interest and a courtroom ending , all making a very good interesting read. I enjoyed it and recommend it highly.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one roller coaster ride of read, kept me on the edge of my chair. I couldn't put the book down. I had to finish it. It was that good!!!

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written book which kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. I couldn’t put it down, but had to go to sleep, then back to it at breakfast. Would give more than 5* if I could.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This murder investigation novel was incredibly intriguing and scary. It had so many depths and twists and turns that it was absolutely captivating to read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a modern twist and makes you ask yourself, how safe am I in my own home?
Time is of the essence. Three deaths and the only thing they have in common is their home security system. Kate and her team have to find the murderer before he strikes again. Can you kill someone remotely? Can the killer hide all signs of his devious plan? Another great story from Blair Howard.