Hot Flash

Muriel Mabley #1

by Carrie H. Johnson

“Explodes like a shot to the heart.”—Lisa Black,  New York Times  bestselling author

In this thrilling debut novel from Carrie H. Johnson, one woman with a dangerous job and a volatile past is feeling the heat from all sides…

READY, AIM…

She sweats every detail as a forensic firearms specialist—and as a forty-something single mother. She’s got more responsibilities than she can count, more baggage than she wants to claim, and way too many regrets. But Muriel Mabley will do whatever it takes to put Philadelphia’s most vicious killer in lockdown for good…

BURN…

Until her troubled younger sister in witness protection receives a terrifying warning—and Muriel’s long-time partner, Laughton, reveals he knows more than he should about her and Muriel’s shattered past. And when Laughton’s ex-wife and her new husband turn up dead, his own secrets will send Muriel down a twisted trail of lethal leads, disappeared witnesses, and the ultimate wrenching betrayal… 
“A lively and clever novel that will dare you to put it down. The reader will leave fingerprints pressed into the cover of this one. Top of the ‘must read’ list.” —John Lutz,  New York Times  bestselling author

“Muriel Mabley has hot flashes, a hot new love, and a heap of deadly cold secrets that will destroy everyone she loves. A gripping, fast-paced debut novel.” —Valerie Wilson Wesley, author of The Tamara Hayle Mysteries

“A heartfelt, well-crafted read! Muriel is the perfect combination of vulnerability and intelligence.” —Anika Nailah, author of  Free & Other Stories

“Hot Flash  left me breathless and blown away from page one!”  —Karen Holmes Ward, Director of Public Affairs/Host of CityLine, WCVB Channel 5 Boston

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime

280 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Carrie H. Johnson has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, and Worcester Telegram and Gazette. She received her MA in Journalism from Northeastern University and is currently a professor teaching communication and business courses at Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, and The Center for Women and Enterprise in Boston, MA.

Reviews

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Flash is an enjoyable first book in Johnson's debut series Muriel Mabley. The story features Muriel Mabley, a strong middle aged African American woman dealing with her changing body due to the onset of menopause, thus the literal hot flashes that often happen at the most inconvenient time. Muriel is facing many changes in both her personal and professional life. She is faced with her changing role with her son as he becomes a young man and tackles college. There is also a secret eating away at Muriel that she has been keeping from her son and a reckoning is quickly approaching. Muriel is dealing with helping her younger sister who is quickly falling apart and on the verge of losing her family. If those large personal upheavals aren't enough, Muriel's work life is being turned upside down because of a murder that is hitting very close to home.

Muriel is a forensic firearms specialist which I found a great way to offer a glimpse of an African American woman doing a job predominantly held by men. Johnson does a very good job portraying relatable characters, a murder mystery that throws a monkey wrench in an already tumultuous time in Muriel's life that made for a quick page turning read. I love that the protagonist is a woman who knows who she is, but is looking to redefine herself as she moves into a new phase in life. Muriel is a strong character who faces situations head on and I loved her! Hot Flashes would make a fun and engaging book club read. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Cold Flash, when it is released in May.

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[Megalion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this was interesting.

A cop thriller starring a 49 year old black woman who is beginning the 2nd rite of passage for women, MENOPAUSE!! Made for a very interesting flavor to the book.

It also doesn't have a neat singular plot. Which for me adds another element of realism.

It's refreshing to have a female lead who does not at all see her life as being over at 49. We have many books with male detectives of that age who aren't portrayed at the end of their useful life, time we had more portraying women still vital in their 40s and 50s. Even 60s.

I did think the action was a bit disconnected. Not by much but enough to be noticeable.

I would have rated this a 3.5. My love for the character, a realistic one, gives it an extra half star.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

[Traycee30 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got on my nerves but I felt like I had to finish it. It started out slow to me. Iwas ready to get to the good part. I hated how Laughton wouldn't answer questions and would just walk around from Muriel. And what happened to Mr Kim.

[Kelsea Yu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read! The main character is a middle-aged, African American female weapons specialist. YASSS! I’ve found so few decent diverse thrillers. Looking forward to reading more Muriel books! She’s such a fun, badass main character.

[Cardyn Brooks]

A balanced combination of sophistication and grittiness makes Hot Flash a compelling read for fans of intriguing mystery sagas about complicated characters who find themselves in what appear at first glance to be lose-lose circumstances. Firearms expert Officer Muriel Mabley has a lot of professional and personal responsibilities that collide in devastating ways. Throw in a current budding romance and a variety of past misdeeds and a wild, dangerous series of events ensue.

[Bina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great thriller, loved the main character. Will definitely be reading book 2.

[Kelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for free on the first read giveaways on goodreads. It was a fantastic book. Not only was Muriel bad ass, but a strong independent woman. She was the glue that held everything together. Her sister Nareece was a bit of a mess and that holds true when 20 years of secrets come around to haunt these women. Also, there is a few plot twists that kept me captivated in this book!!! Oh and I just love Dulcey!!!! She keeps it real and speaks her mind no matter what!! All the characters were likeable and relatable. Except Jesse Boone who was easy to hate!!!

Fantastic book!!! I will definitely be recommending it to friends!!!

[Michael Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the authors alliterative style. I found a few holes in the story though. Laughton is the brother of one of the main characters in the story. Hie face was supposedly changed after his Father tried to have him killed. I don't think your voice or mannerisms can change. Boone should have known who he was. M and Nareeece are sisters who both have bad luck in men. I loved that it was a Philly based novel. A crooked police officer was a big part of the chase. Nareece had a baby by Boone who was raised by Muriel. Missing money caused murder and mayhem throughout. It was a decent read though.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book by Johnson. The main character was well sketched out and one got to know here well, even with the hot flashes, which did provide some humor in a book that is mostly a mystery or detective story. The plot was well done and kept you occupied in wondering what was going to happen next.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and "Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book.

I liked the main character, a strong woman starting menopause. But I found the writing a little bit "uneven", it didn't "flow" and the story never really gripped me. So I would give it 3.5 stars.

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

READY, AIM…She sweats every detail as a (forensic firearms specialist)—and as a forty-nine-year old single mother. She’s got more responsibilities than she can count, more baggage than she wants to claim, and way too many regrets. But Muriel Mabley will do whatever it takes to put Philadelphia’s most vicious killer Jesse Boone in lockdown for good…BURN…Until her troubled younger sister Nareece/Carmella in witness protection receives a terrifying warning—and Muriel’s long-time partner, Laughton, reveals he knows more than he should about her and Muriel’s shattered past; he’s the half-brother of the psychopath they’re hunting. And when Laughton’s ex-wife Marcy and her new husband Wade turn up dead, his own secrets will send Muriel down a twisted trail of lethal leads, disappeared witnesses, and the ultimate wrenching betrayal…“Muriel Mabley has hot flashes, a hot new love Calvin, and a heap of deadly cold secrets that will destroy everyone she loves.
tough read…lots of drama

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Muriel Mabley series is a hit! Carrie H. Johnson has masterfully created a dynamic female character who lives, loves and lusts her way through a roller-coaster thrill ride. An every day superwoman, Muriel is a very relatable character that overcomes all odds to take care of the ones she loves. There are enough thrills and mystery to keep you guessing from start to finish. A quick and enjoyable read that even the busiest woman can pick up but not put down. Enjoy!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Carrie's I have read. She has done a great job keeping me engaged or thinking about what is going to happen next when I did not have time to read. The characters are very I interesting and likeable. The storyline is on point, and the first female I have read who has written this particular genre. Go girl!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great suspenseful book that kept me interested. Lots of twists and turns. It was a little bit of a rough start though because I couldn't figure out what was going on but that kept me engaged. Highly recommend!

[RaceTo230 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick read and fast moving book. Mabley is hot-headed and makes rash decisions, I didn't necessarily like that about her, but overall the storyline was good. Very intricate with some unexpected alliances. I'm curious to see where the author takes Mabley in the next book.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found an advertisement for this book in the back of another book that I was reading. I decided to give it a chance. I enjoyed it more than I expected to. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read! Muriel was my Pam Greer in this novel....a weapons specialist and one tough cookie! She was determined to protect her family and close a terrible chapter in their lives. Is it all over now? Or will someone from the past still be after them?

[Deborah Fought · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book it kept me enthralled from the first page to the last!

[Kameel Nasr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Flash is a fast-paced novel told by the forensics expert of the Philadelphia PD. The story has many side plots that wrap around the central story but are skillfully blended, leaving no hanging bits. The protagonist is complex and well-developed, as well as the antagonist, and we will see their lives overlap. Most of the action takes place in Philadelphia, some in Boston, and a scene on Martha's Vineyard. Recommended for crime fiction readers.
Kameel Nasr is author of The Symphony Heist

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forensic firearms specialist, Muriel Mabley is a single mother of a college aged son. She’s forty nine and is dealing with Hot flashes, all while trying to put away a man who has been torturing her family for years. More drama unfolds when she ends up helping her younger sister out of some serious experiences. Not only does Muriel have all of those issues working in the background, she’s involved with Calvin and her work partner Laughton is keeping secrets from her. Things have come to the point where she doesn’t know who to trust. And in this instance, some secrets are deadly.

To be honest, I’ve never been a big mystery fan, but I have become a fan of this author’s work. For her debut mystery novel, it was a very well written and fast paced read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. There was a lot of action throughout the story, and when I thought I had the scenarios all figured out, I was thrown for another loop. Muriel is the perfect balance of strength and vulnerability. The author did a marvelous job in the story, and I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.

[Carmen Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Muriel Mabley is a forty plus forensic firearms specialist police officer. She's also busy being a single mother and starting a new relationship. Muriel has her hands full. She is an expert witness in a trial with a dangerous killer and witnesses who suddenly refuse to testify. Her younger sister, calls in danger from long ago misdeeds which have not been forgotten. Really enjoyed this book. It was great to read about a middle aged main character with a romantic life who wasn't portrayed as an old grandma who can't figure out to use a cell phone or "google" something. It's fast paced, with a lot of action. The dialogue is good. Some of the transitions could have been smoother. But, for a first time writer, very good. My favorite genre, with a character I can identify with. Win, win situation.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written mystery/thriller with several strong women in the lead= Muriel and Dulcey are both women I'd like to meet. The men, well, less so (except for Travis). Johnson has written a book about a complicated family tragedy and done it well. The various tendrils of Muriel and Nareece's lives are more entwined than you can imagine up front. Nareece, btw, is a little annoying. A minor point- I liked Muriel's wine choices. I'm not sure why this is titled "Hot Flash" as there aren't many of them and they really aren't part of the story, only part of Muriel's life. In any event, good job. Highly recommend for a fast paced entertaining read (and you'll learn a little, but only a little, about firearms.) Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muriel is hard working single mother to a teenage son and she is also a forensic firearms specialist. Muriel has a lot on her plate with her job, son, and sister. Muriel's life goes into a total spin when her sister gets a letter in the mail and turns up missing. Muriel is doing everything thing in her power to find her sister and get down to the bottom of everything.

I was drawn in from the very beginning with this book. Muriel is trying to do everything and when her sister ends up missing she will do everything in her power to find out what is going on. I loved this book and I can't wait to read more from this author and this series!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a few issues with this book. Not just with the main character (Muriel) being unlikable...
There was he situation with "Cap" being obvious and some other things.
But it was suspenseful and had a very interesting premise. As well as a strong (yet nuanced) protagonist.
I was racing to finish by the end.
I see that it might be part of a series. There seemed to be one before this one.
It would probably fill in some blanks I had while reading this.
I would definitely recommend.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for my free copy. This is a most interesting read about a 49 year-old female cop, and all the complexity that comes with her life. Lots of twist and turns. Fast paced with a touch of humour and romance and mystery. Great read!

[rosetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recieved this book through Goodreads giveaway and enjoyed this quick paced story. Mabley is a great character and heroine with a troubled past. Philly and Boston serve as fantastic backdrops too. I look forward to the next Mabley adventure!

[Kim]

I like this book. It was interesting and was action packed.

[Sonia Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. There were some instances where the storyline did not flow well but it was a good read. I am upset with the ending. Book 2 in the works?

[Candice Perkins henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book plus I want to try all the wine the main character drank!

[Bettye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the complex, fast-moving story and the interesting, multidimensional characters. Hot Flash would make an excellent movie. Can't wait to read the next Muriel Mabley adventure.