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Leah Hudson #1
Mourning Gloria
When a murder suspect escapes indictment on a technicality, Agent Leah Hudson is forced to shift her focus to a new task, a cold case. Five years after Gloria Stone disappears, Hudson must piece together the final days of her life, but Gloria was no ordinary girl. Shortly after surviving a brutal gang rape on her twenty-first birthday, the affluent wine heiress vanished, her car abandoned in a supermarket parking lot.
With the help of her onetime mentor, Hudson retraces the steps of an old investigation, determined to succeed where all others have failed. Making her way through a slew of once discounted suspects, she edges closer to a horrifying truth - Gloria wasn’t alone…there are other victims and a misogynistic serial killer continues to lurk in the shadows of the Central Valley, threatening the lives of young women who fit his sick and twisted M.O.
With the help of her onetime mentor, Hudson retraces the steps of an old investigation, determined to succeed where all others have failed. Making her way through a slew of once discounted suspects, she edges closer to a horrifying truth - Gloria wasn’t alone…there are other victims and a misogynistic serial killer continues to lurk in the shadows of the Central Valley, threatening the lives of young women who fit his sick and twisted M.O.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2015
904 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Downs
17 books19 followersSince the release of his 2012 debut, The Bloodbath Ritual, the consensus has been clear…Andrew Downs brings something new and fresh to the thriller genre. From the five-part Alex Hollick Thriller Series to his latest offerings, The Leah Hudson Thrillers, each book leaves the reader gratified, yet hungry for more. With elaborate plotting, intense storytelling, three-dimensional characters, and jaw-dropping endings…the only thing you can expect is a satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 25, 2018
This could've been good if he'd bothered getting it properly edited or proofread. Sadly he didn't, although it does say it's edited by Jennifer Webb at the beginning. If I were her I'd look at getting into another career cos' this one's not for her, if this is anything to go by !!
I had it downloaded already before spotting a couple of reviews pointing this out as well but thought that I might be lucky....(if I'd seen them before downloading I'd not have bothered in all honesty.) I'm grateful to other reviewers who take the trouble to advise if a book's full of mistakes as it does save me the time in bothering and I hope my reviews help others do the same.
Glass littered needs a hyphen, parent's should be parents' and that was just the initial apostrophe mistake. He seems clueless as to when to use them or not......"Killer's have rights too" or "Girl get's raped" or "I'm not here to cross tees and dot I's".......a crash course is needed. Around half a dozen times he writes laundry mat which doesn't exist. I'm pretty sure he means laundromat.
I was totally lost when Hudson was asked to take on a cold case by her boss and she said, "So you want me to go down there and phone it in, Nick, is that what you're asking of me ?" Not sure what this means at all. This line used the wrong word altogether-"Well my guys say there were provoked" and he has a terrible habit of using commas as opposed to fullstops, sometimes more than once in the same sentence. Just exceedingly sloppy. As is ".....and no car insight."
He refers to GHB (the date-rapist's favourite) but this story is set in the 1980s and it wasn't utilised like this till the 1990s. I got to "Friday Morning had arrived" and packed it in at 30%. Less than a third of the way in and I'd encountered all these mistakes. No way was I carrying on. There are more errors but I just can't quite be arsed to type anymore of them out.
The story was quite interesting but its content was sadly totally eclipsed by the appalling presentation. Such a waste.
I had it downloaded already before spotting a couple of reviews pointing this out as well but thought that I might be lucky....(if I'd seen them before downloading I'd not have bothered in all honesty.) I'm grateful to other reviewers who take the trouble to advise if a book's full of mistakes as it does save me the time in bothering and I hope my reviews help others do the same.
Glass littered needs a hyphen, parent's should be parents' and that was just the initial apostrophe mistake. He seems clueless as to when to use them or not......"Killer's have rights too" or "Girl get's raped" or "I'm not here to cross tees and dot I's".......a crash course is needed. Around half a dozen times he writes laundry mat which doesn't exist. I'm pretty sure he means laundromat.
I was totally lost when Hudson was asked to take on a cold case by her boss and she said, "So you want me to go down there and phone it in, Nick, is that what you're asking of me ?" Not sure what this means at all. This line used the wrong word altogether-"Well my guys say there were provoked" and he has a terrible habit of using commas as opposed to fullstops, sometimes more than once in the same sentence. Just exceedingly sloppy. As is ".....and no car insight."
He refers to GHB (the date-rapist's favourite) but this story is set in the 1980s and it wasn't utilised like this till the 1990s. I got to "Friday Morning had arrived" and packed it in at 30%. Less than a third of the way in and I'd encountered all these mistakes. No way was I carrying on. There are more errors but I just can't quite be arsed to type anymore of them out.
The story was quite interesting but its content was sadly totally eclipsed by the appalling presentation. Such a waste.
April 6, 2017
Something was just a little bit of with this book, but I guess I'm going to have to mull a bit to come up with what it might be. I think it had to do with the characters. The mystery was pretty decent, the setting - California from LA to San Francisco and in between - is a bit known to me and it worked.
I used to tell my students when they were learning to write to "show me, don't tell me." Well, I feel like the characters in Mourning Gloria were told about, not shown. Either that or the parts about them that were showing didn't totally agree with what the author was telling. Or something. Can't quite put my finger on it. Definitely something to do with characterization. As usual, I hate to say anything negative about an author's hard work, but I'll add more if I figure it out.
I used to tell my students when they were learning to write to "show me, don't tell me." Well, I feel like the characters in Mourning Gloria were told about, not shown. Either that or the parts about them that were showing didn't totally agree with what the author was telling. Or something. Can't quite put my finger on it. Definitely something to do with characterization. As usual, I hate to say anything negative about an author's hard work, but I'll add more if I figure it out.
November 16, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
It took me too long to enjoy the suspense. I loved the character of Leah, FBI agent. It's a nice thriller to enjoy the working of courtrooms and detectives.
How painful is to see the corrupt system around the world. Everything is available for money. Certainly there are more challenges for the honest one to work but Leah done her best. Handling a cheating fiancé is not that easy but she proved herself.
It took me too long to enjoy the suspense. I loved the character of Leah, FBI agent. It's a nice thriller to enjoy the working of courtrooms and detectives.
How painful is to see the corrupt system around the world. Everything is available for money. Certainly there are more challenges for the honest one to work but Leah done her best. Handling a cheating fiancé is not that easy but she proved herself.
September 8, 2017
Andrew Downs has done it again! No Alex Hollick here, but FBI Agent Leah Hudson could certainly give Agent Hollick a run for his money! A case goes bad and a murder suspect goes free when Leah is given a missing person cold case. Hearing her male co-workers betting against her, Leah is determined to solve the case of missing Gloria Stone. Friend and mentor Jimmy Heller (Hollick fans should recognize this name) comes along for the ride. It doesn't take Leah long to find out this is not your ordinary cold case. A brilliantly twisted tales which will keep you on your toes and turning pages!
March 5, 2018
Amanda Turner was an exotic dancer/prostitute at the Silver Dollar Club.
Earl Freeman a perverted old man was a common site there.
The Good Samaritan waited patiently in his van for her to get off work.
FBI SA Leah Hudson took Cato Brown (LA, CA., drug kingpin) into custody.
Pedro Delgado had heard a lot of conversation he shouldn’t have.
Victorville. A CHP officer had discovered 4 Hispanic race bodies with multiple gunshot wounds.
Judge Benjamin Hodges was presiding.
Joel “Moses” Weiss (Cato’s defense lawyer), & Cameron McCarthy (federal prosecutor) were at their respective benches.
Lodi, CA. FBI SA Hudson (San Francisco, CA.) went to interview Delores Stone (Gloria’s mother).
There were 3 others on her list also.
What did Cameron go see Pedro about?
1983, Gloria Stone (daughter) had been drugged, raped & killed.
FBI SA Hudson suspected assailants are: J.T. Nash (27), Bobby Barnett (son, 28, Stockton Euro BMW dealership general sales mgr.), & Mark Griffin (preacher Modesto Baptist church).
They were all interviewed.
What were FBI SA Stark (white collar crimes division), & FBI SA Schulman (white collar crimes division) investigating?
San Joaquin County Jail. Why was FBI SA Hudson (f), & FBI SA Jimmy Heller (father) interrogating Michael Stone?
Warren Huff (Michael’s lawyer) showed up.
Michael was asked to take a polygraph test.
Mark Griffin (Modesto, Baptist preacher) was being interrogated also.
Will the serial killer be caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Cardinal Shrine Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Earl Freeman a perverted old man was a common site there.
The Good Samaritan waited patiently in his van for her to get off work.
FBI SA Leah Hudson took Cato Brown (LA, CA., drug kingpin) into custody.
Pedro Delgado had heard a lot of conversation he shouldn’t have.
Victorville. A CHP officer had discovered 4 Hispanic race bodies with multiple gunshot wounds.
Judge Benjamin Hodges was presiding.
Joel “Moses” Weiss (Cato’s defense lawyer), & Cameron McCarthy (federal prosecutor) were at their respective benches.
Lodi, CA. FBI SA Hudson (San Francisco, CA.) went to interview Delores Stone (Gloria’s mother).
There were 3 others on her list also.
What did Cameron go see Pedro about?
1983, Gloria Stone (daughter) had been drugged, raped & killed.
FBI SA Hudson suspected assailants are: J.T. Nash (27), Bobby Barnett (son, 28, Stockton Euro BMW dealership general sales mgr.), & Mark Griffin (preacher Modesto Baptist church).
They were all interviewed.
What were FBI SA Stark (white collar crimes division), & FBI SA Schulman (white collar crimes division) investigating?
San Joaquin County Jail. Why was FBI SA Hudson (f), & FBI SA Jimmy Heller (father) interrogating Michael Stone?
Warren Huff (Michael’s lawyer) showed up.
Michael was asked to take a polygraph test.
Mark Griffin (Modesto, Baptist preacher) was being interrogated also.
Will the serial killer be caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Cardinal Shrine Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 20, 2019
This was an interesting story and the 1st one that I have read. The story leads with her attempting to convict a Drug Dealer for Murder, however, the case is put on hold because the wiretap could not be used. She was then reassigned to a cold cas looking for Gloria who went missing over 5 years ago.
The reason this was done was because her boss was worried about her because of the Drug Case murder trial.
This cold case basically had no clues and she had to start right from the beginning. Based on her perseverance, she was able to develop some possibilities and this cold case turned into a serial murder search. Following what little clues she had, she came up with various suspects and in the end she almost became a victim herself. With the aid of her partner Jimmie, she was able to bring this case to a conclusion and on returning home she almost became another victim.
The ending wrapped up the story quite well and I recommend this story a great deal.
The reason this was done was because her boss was worried about her because of the Drug Case murder trial.
This cold case basically had no clues and she had to start right from the beginning. Based on her perseverance, she was able to develop some possibilities and this cold case turned into a serial murder search. Following what little clues she had, she came up with various suspects and in the end she almost became a victim herself. With the aid of her partner Jimmie, she was able to bring this case to a conclusion and on returning home she almost became another victim.
The ending wrapped up the story quite well and I recommend this story a great deal.
January 24, 2018
Gloria is the daughter of a vineyard owner, Michael Stone. Our FBI agent is assigned to this cold case by her boss so she can be in a safer atmosphere. That turns out to be the furthest thing from the truth. She makes progress right away, but one thing after another occurs which keeps the story going on and on. It turns out that we have a serial killer involved. At the same time, she manages to stay involved in her previous case, and by the end of the book she almost gets killed because of both caes. Some of the stuff involved is pretty good. But to me, it seems like the author keeps bringing up more stuff to keep the book going.
Overall, this is a pretty good read and you will not be disappointed.
Overall, this is a pretty good read and you will not be disappointed.
January 29, 2018
A Top Tier Page Turner!
I love to read mysteries, especially good guy-bad guy mysteries. I've read lots of them written by top-notch authors. This is the first novel I've read by Andrew Downs, and it certainly won't be the last - this is right up there with the best of them.
Great character development, and with just the right amount of detail without bogging down the story that keeps you moving ahead to the next chapter because you don't want to stop. And while the story is much more complex and intertwined with other people and events, you'll never feel lost or overwhelmed.
If, like me, you enjoy engaging mystery thrillers, you'll want to grab this and start reading at your first opportunity. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
I love to read mysteries, especially good guy-bad guy mysteries. I've read lots of them written by top-notch authors. This is the first novel I've read by Andrew Downs, and it certainly won't be the last - this is right up there with the best of them.
Great character development, and with just the right amount of detail without bogging down the story that keeps you moving ahead to the next chapter because you don't want to stop. And while the story is much more complex and intertwined with other people and events, you'll never feel lost or overwhelmed.
If, like me, you enjoy engaging mystery thrillers, you'll want to grab this and start reading at your first opportunity. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
February 28, 2018
Warning: Spoiler at Heart of My Review
Read only if you don’t care about spoilers.
This book is well-written with a good plot and two inter-woven storylines. However, the author annoyed me with his excessive red herrings, because he does not even HINT about the identity of his chosen killer until the 80% mark in the novel! I went back and searched for mentions of the killer or his alter-ego/alias. Zero.
As soon as the author introduced the alter-ego/alias I knew the killer’s identity. But as a mystery reader, I would like a few hints before reading 80% of a book! Not to mention whilst attempting to figure out who the serial killer is and possible reasons for his actions.
Read only if you don’t care about spoilers.
This book is well-written with a good plot and two inter-woven storylines. However, the author annoyed me with his excessive red herrings, because he does not even HINT about the identity of his chosen killer until the 80% mark in the novel! I went back and searched for mentions of the killer or his alter-ego/alias. Zero.
As soon as the author introduced the alter-ego/alias I knew the killer’s identity. But as a mystery reader, I would like a few hints before reading 80% of a book! Not to mention whilst attempting to figure out who the serial killer is and possible reasons for his actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
Who is telling the truth? Leah Hudson is an FBI agent that has just lost witness and she knows that nothing she does will ever make up for it. She has just found out that her fiancé is cheating on her after he had started lying to her and her new case is heating up maybe she will be able to solve this cold case and bring closure for the family? But there are so many suspects and who knows what really happened Gloria Stone. The more she digs the strange things become and the truth will shock them all. I really liked Leah she is a strong woman that knows her mind and she still has compassion for others.
A good read.
A good read.
January 6, 2018
Skimmed the whole thing
I was interested in the mystery, but it was only 25% of the book. I skimmed this book in about 40 minutes, and don't feel I missed a thing. The missing persons, turned murder investigation was interesting. Plenty of red herrings, and I didn't come to the conclusion until the author wanted me to do so. I found the 'romance' sub-plot lack luster, and tired. The initial case she is working/testifying on did not need as much page-time in my opinion. Could have been a short story.
I was interested in the mystery, but it was only 25% of the book. I skimmed this book in about 40 minutes, and don't feel I missed a thing. The missing persons, turned murder investigation was interesting. Plenty of red herrings, and I didn't come to the conclusion until the author wanted me to do so. I found the 'romance' sub-plot lack luster, and tired. The initial case she is working/testifying on did not need as much page-time in my opinion. Could have been a short story.
August 24, 2017
Mourning Gloria
A very compelling book...hard to put down. Leah is a very good FBI agent who sinks her teeth into a missing person(s), presumed dead, case and won't let go. She suspects her fiancé is cheating on her and finds out the truth the hard way. It's full of intrigue and a few red herrings, but, that said, the story will grab your interest and not let go until the final page.
A very compelling book...hard to put down. Leah is a very good FBI agent who sinks her teeth into a missing person(s), presumed dead, case and won't let go. She suspects her fiancé is cheating on her and finds out the truth the hard way. It's full of intrigue and a few red herrings, but, that said, the story will grab your interest and not let go until the final page.
January 3, 2018
Brilliant
This book was written well with great characters and storyline.
Leah Hudsen a missing persons FBI agent is sent to help close s 5 yr old cold case of a young girl Who was raped before she disappeared. There are many suspects but which one really hurt her. There are many twists in this book and it has me completely gripped from beginning to end. I was not expecting who the killer was.
This book was written well with great characters and storyline.
Leah Hudsen a missing persons FBI agent is sent to help close s 5 yr old cold case of a young girl Who was raped before she disappeared. There are many suspects but which one really hurt her. There are many twists in this book and it has me completely gripped from beginning to end. I was not expecting who the killer was.
August 27, 2022
I like the strong female protagonist of Leah Hudson. The plot also had a lot of twists and turns. But I couldn’t ignore the numerous typos and grammatical mistakes. Also, in real life, the FBI doesn’t kick local enforcement off the cases and completely take over. The local authorities have to ask the FBI to come in and agree for the Feds to take over. And still there would be someone who would be the local liaison.
January 6, 2018
Terror and shock as Agent Hudson tries to solve the long history of disappearing young girls.
Not given a hope of solving the long outstanding cold case, Agent Hudson is thrown in at the deep end with no support from colleagues and her boss. A violent episode with many suspects but little help or evidence. This FBI agent succeeds where all before have failed.
Not given a hope of solving the long outstanding cold case, Agent Hudson is thrown in at the deep end with no support from colleagues and her boss. A violent episode with many suspects but little help or evidence. This FBI agent succeeds where all before have failed.
January 10, 2018
Very Enjoyable
I love this book because it is straightforward with a likable protagonist and a strong story. The characters are well defined and as the mystery unfolds, so does the reader's perception of those characters. No spoilers here. If you like good, well written mysteries, read this book.
I love this book because it is straightforward with a likable protagonist and a strong story. The characters are well defined and as the mystery unfolds, so does the reader's perception of those characters. No spoilers here. If you like good, well written mysteries, read this book.
February 14, 2018
Thriller!
Mourning Gloria was a great book. I loved the character of Leah, a very strong and capable FBI agent. The book had lots of twists and turns and also red herrings.. It had two parallel stories going on at the same time, both involving Leah. I gave it a 4 because of the f bombs. Otherwise it would have been a 5.
Mourning Gloria was a great book. I loved the character of Leah, a very strong and capable FBI agent. The book had lots of twists and turns and also red herrings.. It had two parallel stories going on at the same time, both involving Leah. I gave it a 4 because of the f bombs. Otherwise it would have been a 5.
June 10, 2017
Interesting premise.
There was a lot of violence in this book, but I guess when you are dealing with a drug dealer and a serial killer you would be hard pressed to avoid it. Interesting book however, and it is hard to put down.
There was a lot of violence in this book, but I guess when you are dealing with a drug dealer and a serial killer you would be hard pressed to avoid it. Interesting book however, and it is hard to put down.
December 28, 2017
A Good Read
Mourning Gloria is a well written novel. It has a minimum of errors unlike most these days. It has an intriguing plot and a very unexpected conclusion. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery.
Mourning Gloria is a well written novel. It has a minimum of errors unlike most these days. It has an intriguing plot and a very unexpected conclusion. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery.
December 31, 2017
Excellent book!!!
Finally, a book where the female wasn't a complete idiot. The main character, Leah, list a few points with me when she failed to watch her back at the killer's house, but other than that this was a great book.
Finally, a book where the female wasn't a complete idiot. The main character, Leah, list a few points with me when she failed to watch her back at the killer's house, but other than that this was a great book.
January 31, 2018
This is my new favorite author.
This book will keep you interested all of the way to the end. Very good characters , well developed
and believable. I hope you like it as well as I have.
This book will keep you interested all of the way to the end. Very good characters , well developed
and believable. I hope you like it as well as I have.
February 2, 2018
Fast weekend reading and forgettable
Intermingled characters cross road here and there. Some story settings are 20th century, unreal. Endings are predictable and characters are childish. It is a good weekend entertainment readings.
Intermingled characters cross road here and there. Some story settings are 20th century, unreal. Endings are predictable and characters are childish. It is a good weekend entertainment readings.
February 10, 2018
An OKAY procedural, but not special.
I liked much of it but the last few chapters struck me as being so different in tone from what came before it seemed tacked on. BUT those choices are the author's and did tie things up ... just a bit too tidily for me.
I liked much of it but the last few chapters struck me as being so different in tone from what came before it seemed tacked on. BUT those choices are the author's and did tie things up ... just a bit too tidily for me.
March 9, 2018
Boring
In the prologue we find out about the Good Samaritan and some things about Gloria. The book then becomes a predictable with a bland story. Halfway through the book, FBI agent Hunter is still on the wrong track. That's when I quit.
In the prologue we find out about the Good Samaritan and some things about Gloria. The book then becomes a predictable with a bland story. Halfway through the book, FBI agent Hunter is still on the wrong track. That's when I quit.
May 16, 2018
the element of suspense & mystery was great! an absolute thriller, but it's a shame that the characters seem poorly written; their behaviour & actions - all the stereotypes were fully enforced & in that sense, it was an eye-roller. but i loved the action!
July 21, 2019
This book was wonderful. It increased in excitement as the book went on. The plot was unique and kept me mesmerized. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. I want to read more from this series and this author. I will be following this author now too!
February 7, 2020
It was ok but not my favorite
The story seemed interesting but it just felt off. It seemed as if the agent was bouncing around the different scenarios and not thinking things through.
The story seemed interesting but it just felt off. It seemed as if the agent was bouncing around the different scenarios and not thinking things through.
November 19, 2021
Too much foul language.
The story started out interesting but sadly the second chapter went downhill. Numerous F bombs. Didn't get past the first couple of pages in chapter two then gave up.
The story started out interesting but sadly the second chapter went downhill. Numerous F bombs. Didn't get past the first couple of pages in chapter two then gave up.
February 25, 2017
Good story!
This story kept me reading for hours. Fast paced and well thought out characters. I like a story where I don't have a clue as to who the killer is.
This story kept me reading for hours. Fast paced and well thought out characters. I like a story where I don't have a clue as to who the killer is.
June 8, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would read others in this series. I couldn't guess who the killer was. This book had many twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews