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Zoe Chambers Mysteries #4
With a Vengeance
Paramedic Zoe Chambers and the rest of rural Monongahela County's EMS and fire personnel are used to wading into the middle of trouble to rescue the sick and the injured. But when someone with an ax to grind seeks retribution by staging accident scenes and gunning down the first responders, Zoe finds herself forced to not only treat her own brethren of the front lines, but also, in her role as deputy coroner, seek out whoever is killing her friends. At the same time, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams races to track down a gun, a mysterious all-terrain vehicle, and the sniper before Zoe goes back on duty, placing herself--and Pete--firmly in the gunman's crosshairs.
257 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2016
133 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Annette Dashofy
28 books502 followersAnnette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of 12 novels in the multi Agatha Award nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. In addition, her standalone, Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack, won the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. The second in her new Detective Honeywell Mystery series, Keep Your Family Close, was released in December 2023. Her upcoming What Comes Around (Zoe Chambers #13) is scheduled for release in May 2024. Annette and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 1, 2020
I have been listening to the audio version of this book and love the mystery and the narration of it. This is a fantastic series that has made it very quick to one of my all-time favourites.
This installment is my favourite so far even though they are all really, really good.
This installment is my favourite so far even though they are all really, really good.
May 8, 2020
Paramedic Zoe Chambers is shocked to hear that two of her co-workers were ambushed when out on a call. One of them is dead, and the other is in critical condition. The sniper got away without a trace, leaving Zoe and police chief Pete Adams scrambling to understand what is going on. Was it a random attack? Or was someone out to settle a score with these two paramedics? Will the shooter be caught before Zoe goes back on duty?
If you aren’t familiar with this series, you should probably back up to the earlier books first. This one contains some spoilers to earlier books as Zoe deals with the aftermath of events from them. Once you get here, you’ll b hooked on this entry. The story is fast moving and, because of the personal nature of the plot, it becomes a thriller the further we go into the book. That personal nature also makes it a bit more somber. In fact, I classify this series as a traditional mystery because of that, as well as the smattering of foul language and violence we don’t see in the cozies I typically read. The characters are sharp, both the main characters and supporting characters. Zoe and Pete spend almost equal time as our point of view characters, and the transitions are always easy to follow. This technique is used perfectly to ramp up the suspense as we neared the climax. This is another excellent book in a fantastic series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
If you aren’t familiar with this series, you should probably back up to the earlier books first. This one contains some spoilers to earlier books as Zoe deals with the aftermath of events from them. Once you get here, you’ll b hooked on this entry. The story is fast moving and, because of the personal nature of the plot, it becomes a thriller the further we go into the book. That personal nature also makes it a bit more somber. In fact, I classify this series as a traditional mystery because of that, as well as the smattering of foul language and violence we don’t see in the cozies I typically read. The characters are sharp, both the main characters and supporting characters. Zoe and Pete spend almost equal time as our point of view characters, and the transitions are always easy to follow. This technique is used perfectly to ramp up the suspense as we neared the climax. This is another excellent book in a fantastic series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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July 27, 2017“Dashofy has created a charmer of a protagonist in Zoe Cambers. She’s smart, she’s sexy, she’s vulnerably romantic, and she’s one hell of a paramedic on the job.” – Kathleen George, Edgar-Nominated Author of the Richard Christie Series
June 5, 2018
This is the first book in the Zoe Chambers Mystery series and I am definitely going back to read the first three. This can be read as a stand alone, as I had no problem following the story, but previous situations were mentioned that I was not sure about.
Zoe Chambers is a paramedic who has some training with guns and police procedures as well as being the Deputy Coroner. She is dating Police Chief Pete Adams in rural Monongahela County. When emergency personnel are being set up and shot at, the police investigate and accompany the EMS persons on suspicious calls. Zoe works with Pete to question and investigate as one of her colleagues has been killed by this madman. Looking for an ATV that fits the tire tracks found, someone who is a sharpshooter and has a specific kind of rifle is harder than you would think when everyone in the area has an ATV, a rifle for hunting and are all pretty good shots. There are many, many, suspects.
This is not a typical cozy mystery. It has many cozy elements, but the main one missing is that this is not an amateur sleuth investigating and solving the crime. This protagonist, Zoe, is smart, is a survivor and is a trusted colleague to all. This book was hard to put down. The story flowed smoothly with just the right amount of clues and red herrings spread throughout. This plot was very realistic and I was drawn in quickly. I felt nervous and scared for the characters as the story progressed, worried whether they would be shot at. I had not idea who the actual culprit was, but when it was revealed, it all made sense. I recommend this one to mystery lovers as well as cozy mystery lovers.
Zoe Chambers is a paramedic who has some training with guns and police procedures as well as being the Deputy Coroner. She is dating Police Chief Pete Adams in rural Monongahela County. When emergency personnel are being set up and shot at, the police investigate and accompany the EMS persons on suspicious calls. Zoe works with Pete to question and investigate as one of her colleagues has been killed by this madman. Looking for an ATV that fits the tire tracks found, someone who is a sharpshooter and has a specific kind of rifle is harder than you would think when everyone in the area has an ATV, a rifle for hunting and are all pretty good shots. There are many, many, suspects.
This is not a typical cozy mystery. It has many cozy elements, but the main one missing is that this is not an amateur sleuth investigating and solving the crime. This protagonist, Zoe, is smart, is a survivor and is a trusted colleague to all. This book was hard to put down. The story flowed smoothly with just the right amount of clues and red herrings spread throughout. This plot was very realistic and I was drawn in quickly. I felt nervous and scared for the characters as the story progressed, worried whether they would be shot at. I had not idea who the actual culprit was, but when it was revealed, it all made sense. I recommend this one to mystery lovers as well as cozy mystery lovers.
April 25, 2016
Annette Dashofy's Zoe Chamber's Mystery Series is one of my favorites. I love it for so many reasons. One of them is that it is set in a fictional Pennsylvania county near Pittsburgh. The first time I read one of the books Monongahela County drove me crazy because I knew it didn't exist, now I just try to figure out where Annette has placed this county, considering I live in Washington County in a town on the Monongahela River that is only about 5 miles from the town of Monongahela. You can see my dilemma.
This book really put me on the edge of my seat, with a killer that is out to get first responders.
This story really gets close to home with Zoe and Peter, with so many of their friends falling victim to the killer.
It is the kind of book you don't put down, not even for a second, because you really feel like it is happening before you eyes. The plot almost feels like it was pulled from the news.
Annette brings you into the story. I felt nervous for the characters so many times and that really is proof of how well Annette writes.
What I loved the most was not being able to guess the killer and the reason for killing first responders. Trust me, this is one book you won't guess the whodunit until the very end.
This series is part cozy with a touch of thriller. Its got the small town feel of a cozy, but Zoe doesn't fall into the silly amateur sleuth area of most heroines of that genre. She's a smart cookie and she's really easy to like.
I've read all but the first book in this series, which is on my TBR pile, and I have to say this is one series that just gets better with each new installment.
This book really put me on the edge of my seat, with a killer that is out to get first responders.
This story really gets close to home with Zoe and Peter, with so many of their friends falling victim to the killer.
It is the kind of book you don't put down, not even for a second, because you really feel like it is happening before you eyes. The plot almost feels like it was pulled from the news.
Annette brings you into the story. I felt nervous for the characters so many times and that really is proof of how well Annette writes.
What I loved the most was not being able to guess the killer and the reason for killing first responders. Trust me, this is one book you won't guess the whodunit until the very end.
This series is part cozy with a touch of thriller. Its got the small town feel of a cozy, but Zoe doesn't fall into the silly amateur sleuth area of most heroines of that genre. She's a smart cookie and she's really easy to like.
I've read all but the first book in this series, which is on my TBR pile, and I have to say this is one series that just gets better with each new installment.
April 30, 2016
I have read the third book in this series, I liked it a lot and I couldn't wait to read another adventure of Zoe. This is even better than the previous one. It 's really exciting, full of suspense and tension, once you start it's hard to put it down.
Zoe and her colleagues always intervene in dangerous situations to help the sick and the wounded. But this time they are attacked. And it happens a second time. It can't be a coincidence. Paramedics are terrified, and each time they receive an emergency call are afraid to go. Pete, the police chief, is worried, afraid that Zoe can be hurted, he is very much in love with her. He must be thoroughly investigated to find the culprit before someone gets really hurt.
The characters are well developed and Zoe and Pete are a great couple. She is brave, loyal, generous but maybe too curious and often ends up in trouble. Pete is brave, loyal, honest, a great man of the law. He's very protective of Zoe and tries to keep her out of trouble, very difficult task. I also loved the support and solidarity between Zoe and her colleagues: they are all willing to help each other and overcome together this anguishing moment without failing in their duty.
This book is very well written with a dramatic plot with twists and turns that were unexpected. This was a truly engaging and delightful read. The story had a good pace and a wonderful blend of romance, mystery and action.
I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
Zoe and her colleagues always intervene in dangerous situations to help the sick and the wounded. But this time they are attacked. And it happens a second time. It can't be a coincidence. Paramedics are terrified, and each time they receive an emergency call are afraid to go. Pete, the police chief, is worried, afraid that Zoe can be hurted, he is very much in love with her. He must be thoroughly investigated to find the culprit before someone gets really hurt.
The characters are well developed and Zoe and Pete are a great couple. She is brave, loyal, generous but maybe too curious and often ends up in trouble. Pete is brave, loyal, honest, a great man of the law. He's very protective of Zoe and tries to keep her out of trouble, very difficult task. I also loved the support and solidarity between Zoe and her colleagues: they are all willing to help each other and overcome together this anguishing moment without failing in their duty.
This book is very well written with a dramatic plot with twists and turns that were unexpected. This was a truly engaging and delightful read. The story had a good pace and a wonderful blend of romance, mystery and action.
I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
March 31, 2016
Fairly interesting plot line but characters a bit too shallow for me. The Voice not as natural as I'd like
November 16, 2025
I just can't get enough of this series! A recent discovery I am in love with Zoe, her community, her friends, and the trials and tribulations of first responders! Zoe's world is not perfect, but she plugs along, giving it and everyone her all. When someone starts setting up first responders, first an ambulance crew and then a fire crew, everyone is wondering what the heck is going on. With two dead and others injured, an already hard job becomes almost impossible. Who would want to stop these professionals from doing their jobs, or is it personal? While Pete and Wayne try to figure out what's actually happening as they try to keep the crews safe, the tension and fear ratchet up, and everyone is on edge. Answers are not easy to come by, but can the crew figure it out before someone else is killed? Come along on an intense and fascinating mystery ride! #WithAVengence #AZoeChambersMystery #AnnetteDashofy #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
May 10, 2019
When first responders are being targeted, it has all the characters on edge wondering if they will be next. Nothing stops Zoe, she knows what she needs to do and does it. Pete is worried for her but doesn't try to stop her. I love how he accepts her as she is.
Ms Dashofy keeps you on the edge of your seat with this one, not knowing who will be next and with all the twists and turns, you don't know who to suspect. I will definitely continue on with this series.
Ms Dashofy keeps you on the edge of your seat with this one, not knowing who will be next and with all the twists and turns, you don't know who to suspect. I will definitely continue on with this series.
May 1, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
First responders are getting shot at and killed in Monongahela County! And Zoe or Pete could be next!Dashofy’s story is hot and suspenseful right out of the gate. Zoe and Pete are trying to more their relationship forward but is sure isn’t easy. The day starts out with both of them at a fire arms training seminar and that was pretty chilling in itself, but when Pete gets a call that two paramedics have been gunned down after arriving at an accident scene things get downright scary. Pete and Zoe head to the scene and she deals with the lost and injury of two of her friends and Pete gets to work. The gunman is still at large.
The author proceeds to take us on a wild trip as EMS and Police and Fire still have to respond to calls not knowing if they will remain safe after they arrive. Meanwhile Police Chief Pete Adams and County Detective Wayne Baronick are trying to keep them all safe and catch a killer.
These characters are truly extraordinary. Zoe is a strong, independent, woman, unafraid to put herself in harm’s way if it means saving someone she loves. She is smart and a critical thinker but she has a huge heart and that can get her into trouble. Pete is the same, strong and independent but he is not as trusting as Zoe, which makes him a great cop. Together they make a great team and a force to be reckoned with.
This story has a ripped from the headlines feel because of what is going on in the United States today. This story is believable and alarming as it seems we have a shooting happening somewhere each and every day. The author brings it all alive with her words and keeps the suspense level high for most of the story. So many people in danger. So many suspects to be located and questioned. So many twists before the big dramatic ending. I think I read this story at breakneck speed but I was still absorbing every word.
Each of these stories is better than the last. They all walk that fine line between a cozy mystery and a thriller novel. Dashofy writes it that way perfectly. Small town, wonderful characters, and the main plot and the subplots woven together with an expert hand. Growing up in a small town with family and friends on police and fire departments this story really struck a cord with me. They truly do put themselves out there to save people never really knowing what they will find when they arrive on the scene.
I have given the previous 2 books in the series “Paradise” rating, more than 5 stars. This one is as good and maybe better. I may have to add a whole new category just for Annette Dashofy.
First responders are getting shot at and killed in Monongahela County! And Zoe or Pete could be next!Dashofy’s story is hot and suspenseful right out of the gate. Zoe and Pete are trying to more their relationship forward but is sure isn’t easy. The day starts out with both of them at a fire arms training seminar and that was pretty chilling in itself, but when Pete gets a call that two paramedics have been gunned down after arriving at an accident scene things get downright scary. Pete and Zoe head to the scene and she deals with the lost and injury of two of her friends and Pete gets to work. The gunman is still at large.
The author proceeds to take us on a wild trip as EMS and Police and Fire still have to respond to calls not knowing if they will remain safe after they arrive. Meanwhile Police Chief Pete Adams and County Detective Wayne Baronick are trying to keep them all safe and catch a killer.
These characters are truly extraordinary. Zoe is a strong, independent, woman, unafraid to put herself in harm’s way if it means saving someone she loves. She is smart and a critical thinker but she has a huge heart and that can get her into trouble. Pete is the same, strong and independent but he is not as trusting as Zoe, which makes him a great cop. Together they make a great team and a force to be reckoned with.
This story has a ripped from the headlines feel because of what is going on in the United States today. This story is believable and alarming as it seems we have a shooting happening somewhere each and every day. The author brings it all alive with her words and keeps the suspense level high for most of the story. So many people in danger. So many suspects to be located and questioned. So many twists before the big dramatic ending. I think I read this story at breakneck speed but I was still absorbing every word.
Each of these stories is better than the last. They all walk that fine line between a cozy mystery and a thriller novel. Dashofy writes it that way perfectly. Small town, wonderful characters, and the main plot and the subplots woven together with an expert hand. Growing up in a small town with family and friends on police and fire departments this story really struck a cord with me. They truly do put themselves out there to save people never really knowing what they will find when they arrive on the scene.
I have given the previous 2 books in the series “Paradise” rating, more than 5 stars. This one is as good and maybe better. I may have to add a whole new category just for Annette Dashofy.
May 6, 2016
Make sure you have plenty of time to read before starting this thriller as you won't want to put it down. The action is on a fast track throughout the book. Zoe Chambers is still recovering from the fire at the farmhouse. NEW FLASH: a paramedics unit responding to an ATV rollover is shot, one dead and the other paramedic is near death. This starts a nightmare for the first responders as they being target when they arrive on site. The next night firefighters respond to a burning building and two are shot. Chief Police Pete Adams and his department are working overtime to find the killer before there are more shootings. Zoe and Pete's romance is procedure slowly. This is a must read book. It can be read as a stand alone.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
May 2, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to Annette Dashofy, Henery Press and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is more police procedural than most of the other cosy mysteries I've read and I think that maybe why I liked this so much.
There's action, murder, mystery and well developed characters. Even though it's the 4th in a series I didn't feel like I was missing too much backstory as there was just enough info to update me as to 'previously in Zoe Chambers life' but it has sparked my interest for the rest of the series so I shall be picking them up when I can.
Huge thanks to Annette Dashofy, Henery Press and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is more police procedural than most of the other cosy mysteries I've read and I think that maybe why I liked this so much.
There's action, murder, mystery and well developed characters. Even though it's the 4th in a series I didn't feel like I was missing too much backstory as there was just enough info to update me as to 'previously in Zoe Chambers life' but it has sparked my interest for the rest of the series so I shall be picking them up when I can.
June 19, 2025
Probably done with this series
Got first 3 audiobooks free, used an Audible credit for this one ... I think I'm gonna skip the ones that aren't free with my Audible subscription & just listen to the other couple free ones ... they are good dog walking books when you need to keep some of your focus IRL
I liked the first 2 but the 3rd gave me pause
This one annoyed me but I was drawn in enough to see it through
Just like the last book but not the first 2 I figured out who it was far far earlier in the book than the characters - in the last book I knew the moment the killer appeared & in this one I guessed the killer's first scene & knew their next scene
Sylvia continues to be a delight ... if she were a primary character I'd keep reading this series ... she has more sense than anyone else
Maybe Zoe will find her brain again once her house is sorted ... & Pete ... I don't know what his excuse is
SPOILERS ...
As soon as Zoe told Gabe I'm working tonight I knew it was Gabe & was thinking do you literally always say every thought that comes into your head?
Also obviously with the opening she was gonna shoot a gun at the end
Also seriously she's almost 40 & can't even understand basic dishwasher etiquette! I didn't have a dishwasher for years & I still got the concept that you unload all of it ... or else at least leave a note
Also annoying is Pete ... he doesn't have good control of his emotions or mouth & seriously he's proven himself to be a piss-poor detective who basically lets others do most of the work
He cannot think more than 2 moves ahead!
Also all the 1st responders wonder how the killer knows who's taking the emergency call ... HELLO! Police scanners! And by 2014 there were already phone apps that repeat scanners ... it's not until like 90% though the book that they even t think about switching to a secure channel
ALSO this is 2014 or 2015 ... even dumb cell phones had text for over a decade at this point ... yet no one thinks to text clueless Pete something like "call me Zoe is in danger" or "I know who the killer is" ... that would've appeared on his screen even in locked mode back then
Sad because both main characters were more intelligent in the first 2 books
I've read a lot of series where once the main characters hook up one or both of them become a lot dumber than before
In this series they both do
Got first 3 audiobooks free, used an Audible credit for this one ... I think I'm gonna skip the ones that aren't free with my Audible subscription & just listen to the other couple free ones ... they are good dog walking books when you need to keep some of your focus IRL
I liked the first 2 but the 3rd gave me pause
This one annoyed me but I was drawn in enough to see it through
Just like the last book but not the first 2 I figured out who it was far far earlier in the book than the characters - in the last book I knew the moment the killer appeared & in this one I guessed the killer's first scene & knew their next scene
Sylvia continues to be a delight ... if she were a primary character I'd keep reading this series ... she has more sense than anyone else
Maybe Zoe will find her brain again once her house is sorted ... & Pete ... I don't know what his excuse is
SPOILERS ...
As soon as Zoe told Gabe I'm working tonight I knew it was Gabe & was thinking do you literally always say every thought that comes into your head?
Also obviously with the opening she was gonna shoot a gun at the end
Also seriously she's almost 40 & can't even understand basic dishwasher etiquette! I didn't have a dishwasher for years & I still got the concept that you unload all of it ... or else at least leave a note
Also annoying is Pete ... he doesn't have good control of his emotions or mouth & seriously he's proven himself to be a piss-poor detective who basically lets others do most of the work
He cannot think more than 2 moves ahead!
Also all the 1st responders wonder how the killer knows who's taking the emergency call ... HELLO! Police scanners! And by 2014 there were already phone apps that repeat scanners ... it's not until like 90% though the book that they even t think about switching to a secure channel
ALSO this is 2014 or 2015 ... even dumb cell phones had text for over a decade at this point ... yet no one thinks to text clueless Pete something like "call me Zoe is in danger" or "I know who the killer is" ... that would've appeared on his screen even in locked mode back then
Sad because both main characters were more intelligent in the first 2 books
I've read a lot of series where once the main characters hook up one or both of them become a lot dumber than before
In this series they both do
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2017
This is the first of the Zoe Chambers books that I have read and it seems to be a fantastic series. Being a 4th volume to the series, one would expect the characters to be well developed and it is obvious that this core group of characters has been well explored over the course of the series.
The well woven mystery allowed one plot twist after another to open up the possibility of another suspect or motive. While I can honestly say I would never have guessed ‘Whodunit’, I can look back over the story I just read and say that I always felt something was just bit off about that particular character and that is a great way to end a mystery.
I love how small town gossip and drama played the perfect foil for this tale, leaving the solution up until the very end. I would like to read the previous books to see if there is some clue to the outcome in the backstories along the way through the series. I would certainly enjoy reading more about these characters.
5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest interview
The well woven mystery allowed one plot twist after another to open up the possibility of another suspect or motive. While I can honestly say I would never have guessed ‘Whodunit’, I can look back over the story I just read and say that I always felt something was just bit off about that particular character and that is a great way to end a mystery.
I love how small town gossip and drama played the perfect foil for this tale, leaving the solution up until the very end. I would like to read the previous books to see if there is some clue to the outcome in the backstories along the way through the series. I would certainly enjoy reading more about these characters.
5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest interview
April 28, 2021
A reader of series hopes for growth in the protagonists. In With a Vengeance, Dashofy not only references events from her earlier novels, especially Bridges Burned, she moves them in satisfying directions. Zoe and Pete's relationship is still filled with miscues and angst, but it is moving along. Zoe has matured, a welcome event as she faces scary challenges in Book 4. EMTs and other public servants are supposed to rescue people, not be the targets for someone determined to murder Monongahela County’s first responders. Zoe's two professions put her at high risk. As an EMT she is a target, as Deputy Coroner she is instrumental in finding the killer. Pete? Of course finding the killer is paramount but keeping Zoe safe seems to be an impossible wish. The suspense ratchets up as
the reader along with the first responders wonder if they are being set up or on a normal call. This was a stay up all night page turner with a taut ending.
Highly recommended for mystery readers of all ages
the reader along with the first responders wonder if they are being set up or on a normal call. This was a stay up all night page turner with a taut ending.
Highly recommended for mystery readers of all ages
April 24, 2023
This traditional mystery series seems to fly a bit under the radar, but is well worth the time of those readers who enjoy a good mystery.
This fourth entry is perhaps not quite as good as the previous entries in a few smaller ways. Zoe Chambers, our main protagonist is an EMT which shines here, but she is also an equestrienne, and has tight-knit friendships in the small town. Both of these aspects were prominent in earlier entries and seriously downplayed here and this lessens the charm of small-town atmosphere.
The crime is the most heinous in the series, i.e., someone staging emergency calls and then gunning down the first responders. There is emotion and suspense, but not gut-wrenching. Just nice and steady. The romance between Zoe and the sheriff picks up its pace a bit in this novel, a good thing. Pretty easy too to identify the bad person though not the reason for the crime until very near the end.
All in all a good read. Plan to continue with this series.
This fourth entry is perhaps not quite as good as the previous entries in a few smaller ways. Zoe Chambers, our main protagonist is an EMT which shines here, but she is also an equestrienne, and has tight-knit friendships in the small town. Both of these aspects were prominent in earlier entries and seriously downplayed here and this lessens the charm of small-town atmosphere.
The crime is the most heinous in the series, i.e., someone staging emergency calls and then gunning down the first responders. There is emotion and suspense, but not gut-wrenching. Just nice and steady. The romance between Zoe and the sheriff picks up its pace a bit in this novel, a good thing. Pretty easy too to identify the bad person though not the reason for the crime until very near the end.
All in all a good read. Plan to continue with this series.
May 22, 2023
"With A Vengeance", fourth in the 'Zoe Chambers' series, is the best yet.
Someone is ambushing paramedics and firemen, using a high-powered rifle from a distance - with two dead and two injured it is imperative to find the killer before he, or she, strikes again.
The shooter fakes emergencies at isolated places, polices the brass, and escapes using an ATV, leaving no clues.
With Zoe and Pete's relationship somewhat solidified (by their standards the fact that they are both still living in Pennsylvania counts as a win!)
It's more focussed than the previous novels and is the better for it. This time it is more about the plot than the people - Zoe, Pete and their fellow workers all face the same danger and it could happen at any time.
It's a solid investigative procedural and it is nicely done.
The author, Annette Dashofy, does a great job with red herrings and the eventual solution hinges on an overheard phone conversation.
I really enjoyed it.
4 Stars.
Someone is ambushing paramedics and firemen, using a high-powered rifle from a distance - with two dead and two injured it is imperative to find the killer before he, or she, strikes again.
The shooter fakes emergencies at isolated places, polices the brass, and escapes using an ATV, leaving no clues.
With Zoe and Pete's relationship somewhat solidified (by their standards the fact that they are both still living in Pennsylvania counts as a win!)
It's more focussed than the previous novels and is the better for it. This time it is more about the plot than the people - Zoe, Pete and their fellow workers all face the same danger and it could happen at any time.
It's a solid investigative procedural and it is nicely done.
The author, Annette Dashofy, does a great job with red herrings and the eventual solution hinges on an overheard phone conversation.
I really enjoyed it.
4 Stars.
January 1, 2019
Seriously, if you like mysteries, you need to read this series. If not, this series could change your mind. I have never read an author who is so consistently fabulous. Everything from grammar and plotting to characterization and pacing is perfect--or as close as to count as such (if one is excruciatingly picky). The rave reviews are dead on. Zoe & company are wonderful, and Dashofy is one of the best writers today. Can I give it more than 5 stars?
I read the first book and loved it, but my local library wasn't interested in getting the rest of the series at the time. I got the rest of the series as a Christmas gift--yay! It's so good, I'm almost looking for something wrong at this point. So I might read something else before heading back into it, but it's so fabulous I may not even be able to.
I read the first book and loved it, but my local library wasn't interested in getting the rest of the series at the time. I got the rest of the series as a Christmas gift--yay! It's so good, I'm almost looking for something wrong at this point. So I might read something else before heading back into it, but it's so fabulous I may not even be able to.
June 7, 2019
There is so much I can say about this book, starting with the subject matter ---taken straight out of the daily news reports. We have close friends in law enforcement, fire and rescue/first responders, the underlying knowledge that they are potentially at risk each time they wear the uniform and report for duty is always present. Ms. Dashofy has written a thriller cozy that deals with this very thing in book #4; she did an excellent job. The tension is tight as the crews attend each call for help, the devastation for those injured is real, and the desire to find the perpetrator becomes as much the readers' need, as it does Police Chief Pete Adams need. I loved this book. Oh, the romance is slowly picking up steam, too.
September 16, 2019
This is another great book in this series. I continued to be amazed at how well this author Annette can build scenes. I have told her this the many times that I have had a chance to speak with her at readings or book releases. When you can read a book and feel that you are standing in a room or better yet walking through a game lands is the monid of a wonderful writer. I would suggest that if you are thinking of reading this book go back and start with one.
With each new character that comes up in this book you think they could be the one doing the crimes. I was shocked when you finally find out who does it.
Thank you for another wonderful read.
With each new character that comes up in this book you think they could be the one doing the crimes. I was shocked when you finally find out who does it.
Thank you for another wonderful read.
July 7, 2019
Paramedic Zoe and her heartthrob Chief of Police, Pete find themselves under fire. Literally! Someone is shooting at and killing first responders. Why? Who?
That is one heck of an axe to grind in their little town in Pennsylvania. Can Zoe and Pete figure out who has been wronged before any more of them are taken down in the line of duty?
I liked this edition of the series. It felt very real. First responders put their life on the line everyday and to have someone using them as target practice made it feel very real.
That is one heck of an axe to grind in their little town in Pennsylvania. Can Zoe and Pete figure out who has been wronged before any more of them are taken down in the line of duty?
I liked this edition of the series. It felt very real. First responders put their life on the line everyday and to have someone using them as target practice made it feel very real.
July 16, 2022
These books kick butt. I absolutely love how raw in emotion they feel sometimes. Good job in insight on first responders, especially in rural areas. The only thing I can’t understand is the main characters poverty - EMS pays shitty, there is no downtime and I wish they’d unionize like nurses had to, but doesn’t the deputy coroner position pay anything? Maybe I missed something at the beginning of the series. Anyway 4.5 stars and I listened on audiobook - totally captured my attention. Never in a Million years guessed the bad guy.
February 18, 2025
Best Zoe Chambers book yet. It's an intense story, from the tragic beginning to the "I can't put this book down" last 50-ish pages.
It's hard to find a series with likeable and relatable characters, where the backgrounds of these folks unfold and grow over the course of the series, where there's a believable balance between the immediate mystery and the longer stories of the people caught up in the mystery. I can't wait to finish the series, and to revisit it every few years.
Goodreads and amazon probably won't boost this review because I'm reading the books via my public library.
It's hard to find a series with likeable and relatable characters, where the backgrounds of these folks unfold and grow over the course of the series, where there's a believable balance between the immediate mystery and the longer stories of the people caught up in the mystery. I can't wait to finish the series, and to revisit it every few years.
Goodreads and amazon probably won't boost this review because I'm reading the books via my public library.
May 25, 2020
Terrific!! This book was so intriguing and I couldn't put it down! Someone seems to be holding a grudge against first responders and is shooting at them when they turn up at the scenes of set-ups. After two deaths and two injuries, all police are on the hunt for the killer and the EMS and firefighters are staying vigilant. This book kept me guessing throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend this series. Can't wait to read more!!
May 17, 2024
Another great episode in the Zoe Chambers saga. This one had a lot of high energy, dynamic situations and danger. Zoe and Pete really do make a good team as well as couple but I wonder how the life of first responders and police officers can meld together in a simple life of love. It sure has been a challenge for them. I think the behind the scenes stuff intrigues me more than the action-adventure. But still a wonderful book to make a me day super special.
November 25, 2017
I really enjoy reading the Zoe Chambers mysteries, they always keep me guessing on who done it. I know Zoe is going to get herself in trouble, but she always gets out of the situation. This book was more intense with more of the characters getting hurt or killed. I enjoy the same characters in each book, you get to learn about there lives.
March 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book but was not happy with page 101. As a retired 911 dispatcher of 30 years did not care for being called a “high tech computer jockey sitting in the EOC”. Those units were mine when on a call until they backed into the bay at the station! Please don’t cut down dispatchers. We are the first, first responders.
January 20, 2017
I have to ration myself when reading Dashofy or I'll finish it all in one night and then have no more to brighten the next few days.
February 24, 2017
Another great addition to this series! I love that the groundwork for this was laid in previous books.
June 5, 2018
Love this series
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