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Tacoma Mounted Patrol #3
Amounting to Nothing
Mounted police officer Billie Mitchell has come back from the memories of war to a place of peace: a job she loves, partners she trusts, and a new home in Tacoma’s rough and neglected Hilltop Area. But when a businessman is murdered and one of her neighbors becomes a suspect, her calm shatters yet again.
Heiress Merissa Karr has earned her own fortune working in urban renewal. After she witnesses her boss’s murder, she becomes the next likely target, and for once, money can’t buy her out of trouble. She needs to rely on Billie and other Hilltop residents—people who amount to nothing in her social circles—for her very survival.
On pristine polo fields and run-down city blocks, two worlds collide. Can hearts and minds open wide enough for acceptance and friendship to expand into love?
Heiress Merissa Karr has earned her own fortune working in urban renewal. After she witnesses her boss’s murder, she becomes the next likely target, and for once, money can’t buy her out of trouble. She needs to rely on Billie and other Hilltop residents—people who amount to nothing in her social circles—for her very survival.
On pristine polo fields and run-down city blocks, two worlds collide. Can hearts and minds open wide enough for acceptance and friendship to expand into love?
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
17 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Karis Walsh
33 books151 followersKaris Walsh is a native of the Pacific Northwest and an adopted citizen of Texas. When she isn’t wrapped up in a book—either reading or writing one—she spends her time with her animals, playing music on her viola or violin, or hiking among the prickly pears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 3, 2019
'NetGalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Constantly challenge your tastes as a reader..Writing is rarely easy or enjoyable,but it pretty much always ends up being rewarding..'
Impressive story!
I must confess that i liked this book/storyline a little more than i originally thought i would:- the theme was very mysterious in nature which involved the protagonist's intensive search & investigation of the killing of her boss and friend,the plot and pacing were laid out well-- though there were a few slow scenes throughout the story readers will observe. I myself got absorbed in both leading character's storyline to which it was either gonna be a good or bad mix with these two being in such difficult scenes that drew all the suspense of this storytelling. Though the romance was a bit minor and just a subtext in this book or i should say a beta plot to the story i do not think it was as important as anything for the author because she rarely mention others or a love story but minimal supporting cast that energize the story and that unexpected ending was incredible for them. Recommended!
**'Constantly challenge your tastes as a reader..Writing is rarely easy or enjoyable,but it pretty much always ends up being rewarding..'
Impressive story!
I must confess that i liked this book/storyline a little more than i originally thought i would:- the theme was very mysterious in nature which involved the protagonist's intensive search & investigation of the killing of her boss and friend,the plot and pacing were laid out well-- though there were a few slow scenes throughout the story readers will observe. I myself got absorbed in both leading character's storyline to which it was either gonna be a good or bad mix with these two being in such difficult scenes that drew all the suspense of this storytelling. Though the romance was a bit minor and just a subtext in this book or i should say a beta plot to the story i do not think it was as important as anything for the author because she rarely mention others or a love story but minimal supporting cast that energize the story and that unexpected ending was incredible for them. Recommended!
January 7, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley, and Bold Strokes Books in return for a fair review.*
A clash of cultures and society meet up in this book through the two main characters (as in, there are two main Point of Views). Billie Mitchell is a former soldier who suffers from PTSD from her time in the military and her experience watching her best friend explode. Merissa Karr (oddly referred to as ‘Heiress’ in the book description – she’s already inherited, does that ‘title’ ever depart?) is currently super rich, grew up rich, and wishes to make Tacoma into something of a more ‘gentrified’ city.
The story starts, though, with Merissa developing some PTSD of her own – while riding back in a car with her boss Dennis M. (riding from Seattle to Tacoma). They circle a few run down looking blocks discussing their plans to redevelop it. Merissa mentions a vague idea of having the ‘worse’ views be used for slightly more upscale ‘cheaper’ apartments than the luxury condos that will make up the rest of the property, while Dennis immediately shoots her down – indicating something about investors and stuff. Earlier Merissa had dropped a stack of index cards in front of her in the car – while she’s attempting to retrieve one of the cards, she hears what sounds like a rock hitting the car. Next thing she knows, the car is pulling over to the curb and Dennis has trace amounts of blood sliding down him while mumbling something about ‘Karen’ (his wife) before slumping over dead. Here is where Merissa proceeds to be pushed into stress and trauma which might (probably) develop into PTSD.
The two main characters meet up with mounted police officer Billie Mitchell is assigned to drive Merissa around near where the events took place – because, at the moment, Merissa’s responses to questions tend to break down to ‘I don’t know, I didn’t see anything’. Billie, with her own history of PTSD, is good with ‘survivors’.
The Mystery
Who shot Dennis? Is it possibly a friend and or neighbors of Billie’s? Is it connected to the ‘renewal’ of the city? Or was it just a random shooting? And will any horses actually be ridden in this book (since Billie drove Merissa around in a patrol car, not on the back of a horse) – yes . . . yes there will be horses involved in this book.
The Romance
Will the people from two very different backgrounds (and current positions in society) be able to make ‘something happen’? Or: does the feelings both feel come from a well of ‘realness’ or from ‘tragic events messing with emotions’?
Notes
Rachel and Cal, from an earlier book in the series, also came from different backgrounds – what with Cal being super rich and stuff (or from that background – heck, she’s a professional polo player). But immediately the feeling of – yes the differences are real, cultural, societal, backgrounds, foregrounds, etc. – is immediately felt in this book here – the Amounting to Nothing book.
Rating: 4.35
Review Written: January 6 2017
A clash of cultures and society meet up in this book through the two main characters (as in, there are two main Point of Views). Billie Mitchell is a former soldier who suffers from PTSD from her time in the military and her experience watching her best friend explode. Merissa Karr (oddly referred to as ‘Heiress’ in the book description – she’s already inherited, does that ‘title’ ever depart?) is currently super rich, grew up rich, and wishes to make Tacoma into something of a more ‘gentrified’ city.
The story starts, though, with Merissa developing some PTSD of her own – while riding back in a car with her boss Dennis M. (riding from Seattle to Tacoma). They circle a few run down looking blocks discussing their plans to redevelop it. Merissa mentions a vague idea of having the ‘worse’ views be used for slightly more upscale ‘cheaper’ apartments than the luxury condos that will make up the rest of the property, while Dennis immediately shoots her down – indicating something about investors and stuff. Earlier Merissa had dropped a stack of index cards in front of her in the car – while she’s attempting to retrieve one of the cards, she hears what sounds like a rock hitting the car. Next thing she knows, the car is pulling over to the curb and Dennis has trace amounts of blood sliding down him while mumbling something about ‘Karen’ (his wife) before slumping over dead. Here is where Merissa proceeds to be pushed into stress and trauma which might (probably) develop into PTSD.
The two main characters meet up with mounted police officer Billie Mitchell is assigned to drive Merissa around near where the events took place – because, at the moment, Merissa’s responses to questions tend to break down to ‘I don’t know, I didn’t see anything’. Billie, with her own history of PTSD, is good with ‘survivors’.
The Mystery
Who shot Dennis? Is it possibly a friend and or neighbors of Billie’s? Is it connected to the ‘renewal’ of the city? Or was it just a random shooting? And will any horses actually be ridden in this book (since Billie drove Merissa around in a patrol car, not on the back of a horse) – yes . . . yes there will be horses involved in this book.
The Romance
Will the people from two very different backgrounds (and current positions in society) be able to make ‘something happen’? Or: does the feelings both feel come from a well of ‘realness’ or from ‘tragic events messing with emotions’?
Notes
Rachel and Cal, from an earlier book in the series, also came from different backgrounds – what with Cal being super rich and stuff (or from that background – heck, she’s a professional polo player). But immediately the feeling of – yes the differences are real, cultural, societal, backgrounds, foregrounds, etc. – is immediately felt in this book here – the Amounting to Nothing book.
Rating: 4.35
Review Written: January 6 2017
February 9, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. This is the third book in the Mounted series, and unfortunately my least favorite. The book was good, it just didn't quite grab me like the previous two did.
The story is about Billie, a mounted police officer. Billie, is called in to assist with a witness of a murder. Merissa, a land developer, was riding in a car with her boss, when he was shot. The police don't know if the shooting was random, or if Merissa might be in danger. As Marissa decides to play amateur detective, Billie does everything to keep her safe. Feelings soon develop, and Billie must decide if she can follow her heart and still protect Merissa.
I was excited to have a story about Billie. Billie, was in the previous two books, but was always a bit of a mystery. We knew she was in the military and started to ride horses to help with her PTSD. We also knew she was good at talking to victims, but that is about all we know. I was happy she got her own story. I found her character to be likeable, and I enjoyed Marissa's too.
When it came to the romance, I just felt something was missing. I believed why these two would be attracted to each other, but I didn't feel the connection as much as I hoped. There was a lot of thinking both characters did in their head, I wish they actually talked about things more. There was some sweet moments that had to do with Marissa comforting Billie, I just wished there was more moments like that.
The mystery was pretty basic. It is very obvious who the "bad guy or girl" is. There was still some exciting scenes, that kept the book moving, I just think the book is more of a romance than a mystery.
This book does included characters from the previous two books, but I still think it can be read as a standalone. I personally would suggest, if you are new to the series, start at book one. It is the best of the series and a really good book. If you have read and liked this series, you will probably enjoy this book too.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for an honest review.
The story is about Billie, a mounted police officer. Billie, is called in to assist with a witness of a murder. Merissa, a land developer, was riding in a car with her boss, when he was shot. The police don't know if the shooting was random, or if Merissa might be in danger. As Marissa decides to play amateur detective, Billie does everything to keep her safe. Feelings soon develop, and Billie must decide if she can follow her heart and still protect Merissa.
I was excited to have a story about Billie. Billie, was in the previous two books, but was always a bit of a mystery. We knew she was in the military and started to ride horses to help with her PTSD. We also knew she was good at talking to victims, but that is about all we know. I was happy she got her own story. I found her character to be likeable, and I enjoyed Marissa's too.
When it came to the romance, I just felt something was missing. I believed why these two would be attracted to each other, but I didn't feel the connection as much as I hoped. There was a lot of thinking both characters did in their head, I wish they actually talked about things more. There was some sweet moments that had to do with Marissa comforting Billie, I just wished there was more moments like that.
The mystery was pretty basic. It is very obvious who the "bad guy or girl" is. There was still some exciting scenes, that kept the book moving, I just think the book is more of a romance than a mystery.
This book does included characters from the previous two books, but I still think it can be read as a standalone. I personally would suggest, if you are new to the series, start at book one. It is the best of the series and a really good book. If you have read and liked this series, you will probably enjoy this book too.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for an honest review.
August 3, 2018
I've enjoyed a couple of books by this author so I've decided to give it a go. This book is number 3 of the Tacoma Mounted Police series but there's no need to read them in order. However, there are a few references to characters and events of the previous books that I couldn't put in the right context.
According to the publisher, this book's genre is intrigue & thriller / romance but it's more of the latter. The murder investigation is in the background most of the time, like an excuse to showcase the romance. So if you are looking for a thriller, you are going to find something like an armchair detective investigation instead, a bit like an Agatha Christie book with the murderer's self confession included.
Regarding the pace of the story, I found it sometimes too slow and descriptive and other times too fast and telling facts as an afterthought. The romance part was ok but nothing extraordinary there either.
Overall, an ok read if you like Agatha Christie with a lesbian twist. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
According to the publisher, this book's genre is intrigue & thriller / romance but it's more of the latter. The murder investigation is in the background most of the time, like an excuse to showcase the romance. So if you are looking for a thriller, you are going to find something like an armchair detective investigation instead, a bit like an Agatha Christie book with the murderer's self confession included.
Regarding the pace of the story, I found it sometimes too slow and descriptive and other times too fast and telling facts as an afterthought. The romance part was ok but nothing extraordinary there either.
Overall, an ok read if you like Agatha Christie with a lesbian twist. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
July 14, 2019
Was it a thriller? Give it the benefit of doubt - fine, but didn't set me on fire. She likes her horses, does Karis!
March 5, 2017
Book three in the Tacoma Mounted Police series, although this will definitely stand alone if you haven't read the previous stories. This is a sweet and gentle romance with a fission of crime drama.
Billie Mitchell is a vet with PTSD who has found a place in the Tacoma Mounted Police. Despite considering herself a nomad after a disruptive childhood and years in the army, she is settled in Tacoma and has made friends in the neighbourhood and on the force.
Merissa Karr comes from a very privileged background and although she lives on her grandfather’s estate and runs a polo team, she is determined to make her own way as a project manager and designer in urban renewal. When her boss is shot the suspect list is small, and the motive hard to believe, but she needs both Billie’s protection and understanding in the aftermath of murder, and she is determined to find out why her boss and friend were killed.
As always with Karis Walsh’s books the characters are well drawn and the inter-relationships well developed. The friendships grow as the books unfold, and these are people we can genuinely care about and want to succeed. Ms Walsh has a subtle and enjoyable way of developing her characters and portraying their interactions, with an excellent narrative balance and a writing style that makes the plot flow.
There isn't a huge amount of tension, and the crime is solved quite easily, but the crime is a vehicle for the romance, and I always enjoy Karis' gentle and sweet stories. Well written and edited, this is an easy read, but definitely a great way to send the evening in front of the fire.
Billie Mitchell is a vet with PTSD who has found a place in the Tacoma Mounted Police. Despite considering herself a nomad after a disruptive childhood and years in the army, she is settled in Tacoma and has made friends in the neighbourhood and on the force.
Merissa Karr comes from a very privileged background and although she lives on her grandfather’s estate and runs a polo team, she is determined to make her own way as a project manager and designer in urban renewal. When her boss is shot the suspect list is small, and the motive hard to believe, but she needs both Billie’s protection and understanding in the aftermath of murder, and she is determined to find out why her boss and friend were killed.
As always with Karis Walsh’s books the characters are well drawn and the inter-relationships well developed. The friendships grow as the books unfold, and these are people we can genuinely care about and want to succeed. Ms Walsh has a subtle and enjoyable way of developing her characters and portraying their interactions, with an excellent narrative balance and a writing style that makes the plot flow.
There isn't a huge amount of tension, and the crime is solved quite easily, but the crime is a vehicle for the romance, and I always enjoy Karis' gentle and sweet stories. Well written and edited, this is an easy read, but definitely a great way to send the evening in front of the fire.
February 2, 2017
I enjoyed the story and the presence of old characters, Billie and Merissa are strong women with different upbringing who, though not a love at first sight thing, help one another heal and look forward to new possibilities. I enjoyed the other books in this series and getting a glimpse of the old characters was a nice treat. Looking forward to much more from this Author.
March 25, 2017
Excellent. Simply excellent. Must read more by this author.
February 26, 2017
Nice
Ok first I didn't realize this was a third book to mounting. Second it almost lost me in the first chapter. I know the relationship had to be set up. But when things started rolling it rolled. I really liked the characters and the returning characters. The whole book was great. I definitely recommend this book.
Ok first I didn't realize this was a third book to mounting. Second it almost lost me in the first chapter. I know the relationship had to be set up. But when things started rolling it rolled. I really liked the characters and the returning characters. The whole book was great. I definitely recommend this book.
February 6, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a romantic mystery with central characters Billie, a police officer (ex-military) and Merissa, a rich budding urban development designer. PTSD is deftly handled and explored and a romance builds slowly interwoven with the mystery and a discovered mutual love of horses. I particularly enjoyed reading about the game of polo. Ms. Walsh's books are usually clear and descriptive and she doesn't disappoint with this one.
April 23, 2018
I’m not typically into mysteries, so it worked out well for me that the romance was as prominent as the mystery element of this book. It was paced well and quite interesting, and I found myself occasionally yelling at characters “no, you idiot!” because I didn’t want them to get hurt doing something that I thought they shouldn’t be doing.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/amou...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/amou...
June 13, 2024
I didn't know this is the third book in a series. This stands alone. Its a gentle mystery and beautiful love story.
Merissa is in the car when her boss is killed. Mounted police officer (and former military) Billie is sent to keep her calm and remember. She's also to be her bodyguard. Merissa is an heiress, and Billie had a much different upbringing. Opposites attract!
5 stars!
Merissa is in the car when her boss is killed. Mounted police officer (and former military) Billie is sent to keep her calm and remember. She's also to be her bodyguard. Merissa is an heiress, and Billie had a much different upbringing. Opposites attract!
5 stars!
March 19, 2017
I reread the first two books in this series just to get a feel for the characters again. It turned out that doing that made me see the similarities in the three books a little more closely. Obviously they are all going to have mounted police in them, since that's the premise of the settings. What was strange to me, though, was that in all three books the mystery or wrong doings were in the vein of real estate fraud. I'm not sure why the three books had to have that in common. What's even more strange is that the characters never talk about this connection. It's strange to me that cops would not notice a rash of crimes committed by entirely different people for different reasons, but still similar enough to warrant comment.
So, I liked this well enough, but I was distracted by how similar it was to the other two books.
So, I liked this well enough, but I was distracted by how similar it was to the other two books.
November 23, 2018
The first chapter was great and full of promise.
It all goes downhill afterthat withe the usual suspects... too rushed, too repetitive, too unbelievable
It all goes downhill afterthat withe the usual suspects... too rushed, too repetitive, too unbelievable
December 17, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a nice quick romantic suspense read. I liked Merissa and her and Billie's journey to find out who killed Dennis. The suspense kept me reading as I did not feel the romance all of the time. I felt that these two did not connect as much as some previous couples that Karis Walsh as written together, which is why it only received three stars. The suspense portion of this book went well and made me continue trying to figure out who it was.
February 26, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the others in the series. I'm not even sure why but something was different. The romance didn't really grab me either. It wasn't a terrible book; it just wasn't as good as I had hoped. I'm sure I'll still read more of the series if available and I will certainly read more of Walsh's books.
February 7, 2022
"Amounting to Nothing" is the 3rd in Walsh's Tacoma Mounted Patrol series, but like any good series in which each novel should stand alone, I didn't feel it necessary to read her first two.
The story centers around mounted police officer Billie Mitchell who still deals with PTSD several years after coming back from war but finds comfort in the unit's horses and purpose in her job. One evening she's asked to step in an help with a murder investigation. Architect and heiress Merissa Karr's boss Dennis Morgan is shot at the wheel of his car when he and Merissa are scouting a Tacoma neighborhood for possible gentrification projects. Merissa didn't see anything because she was retrieving index cards she'd dropped on the floor. When she can't provide the police any information, Billie's brought in to coax anything she can out of Merissa, and takes her out on a drive through the neighborhood where the shooting took place, treating her with kid gloves to help her recall anything. Merissa senses Billie has been where she is, and it's evident as they drive around that there's a mutual attraction there despite the awful circumstances. When Merissa recognizes a car that seemed to be in their vicinity as she and Dennis drove around that afternoon, Billie is pulled into the case on a personal level because the car belongs to a friend who happens to have a police record. She also comes to realize Merissa's architecture firm had every intention of pulling down the very building she lives in, and the blocks surrounding it, to build their new idea of a better neighborhood. As the case progresses, and Billie is assigned to guard Merissa against an escalating threat to her architecture firm and to her, Billie sees a different side of life staying with Merissa on the horse farm she inherited from her grandfather, and wonders, between Merissa's wealth and her idea of what a city should look like that wouldn't include affordable housing for her, if there could be anything there between the two of them.
But Merissa proves to Billie that she is more than the sum of her parts when she tries to solve the case by taking chances that finally lead to the police department letting her go undercover. What ensues almost loses the case and what Merissa and Billie had begun to build together.
I enjoyed certain aspects of this book but found parts of it stretched reality. There were several instances in which Billie broke and bent police procedural rules, and of course there were the nights she lay in bed pining for Merissa. I found Merissa to be a two-dimensional character who vacillated between Pollyana and a would-be private eye. The author tells us there's a spark there, but it's not one I ever felt, nor did I see how Billie would've been attracted to someone like Merissa. That she was out of her league would've worked, especially since in many ways, Billie was out of Merissa's league, but in that Merissa had a touch of wealthy privilege, and Billie was solidly blue collar risen to the police force, I didn't see the match working beyond the author telling us so. I didn't see either character really changing or growing. I would likely not be apt to read the other books in this series despite having read and liked other books by this author.
The story centers around mounted police officer Billie Mitchell who still deals with PTSD several years after coming back from war but finds comfort in the unit's horses and purpose in her job. One evening she's asked to step in an help with a murder investigation. Architect and heiress Merissa Karr's boss Dennis Morgan is shot at the wheel of his car when he and Merissa are scouting a Tacoma neighborhood for possible gentrification projects. Merissa didn't see anything because she was retrieving index cards she'd dropped on the floor. When she can't provide the police any information, Billie's brought in to coax anything she can out of Merissa, and takes her out on a drive through the neighborhood where the shooting took place, treating her with kid gloves to help her recall anything. Merissa senses Billie has been where she is, and it's evident as they drive around that there's a mutual attraction there despite the awful circumstances. When Merissa recognizes a car that seemed to be in their vicinity as she and Dennis drove around that afternoon, Billie is pulled into the case on a personal level because the car belongs to a friend who happens to have a police record. She also comes to realize Merissa's architecture firm had every intention of pulling down the very building she lives in, and the blocks surrounding it, to build their new idea of a better neighborhood. As the case progresses, and Billie is assigned to guard Merissa against an escalating threat to her architecture firm and to her, Billie sees a different side of life staying with Merissa on the horse farm she inherited from her grandfather, and wonders, between Merissa's wealth and her idea of what a city should look like that wouldn't include affordable housing for her, if there could be anything there between the two of them.
But Merissa proves to Billie that she is more than the sum of her parts when she tries to solve the case by taking chances that finally lead to the police department letting her go undercover. What ensues almost loses the case and what Merissa and Billie had begun to build together.
I enjoyed certain aspects of this book but found parts of it stretched reality. There were several instances in which Billie broke and bent police procedural rules, and of course there were the nights she lay in bed pining for Merissa. I found Merissa to be a two-dimensional character who vacillated between Pollyana and a would-be private eye. The author tells us there's a spark there, but it's not one I ever felt, nor did I see how Billie would've been attracted to someone like Merissa. That she was out of her league would've worked, especially since in many ways, Billie was out of Merissa's league, but in that Merissa had a touch of wealthy privilege, and Billie was solidly blue collar risen to the police force, I didn't see the match working beyond the author telling us so. I didn't see either character really changing or growing. I would likely not be apt to read the other books in this series despite having read and liked other books by this author.
July 12, 2019
Okay. *shrug* I can't believe I loved the first Karis Walsh (Set the Stage) so much and then this series, set in my hometown, was so meh. I was hoping this would at least give more fun local details since it's set an area I'm pretty familiar with, but it did not.
There are bits of nice things here in terms of the friendships, but the relationship felt very by the book and I . . . am actually still not sure of the motives of the bad guy.
Fulfills "F/F Contemporary" for 2019 Ripped Bodice Bingo"
There are bits of nice things here in terms of the friendships, but the relationship felt very by the book and I . . . am actually still not sure of the motives of the bad guy.
Fulfills "F/F Contemporary" for 2019 Ripped Bodice Bingo"
February 2, 2017
For the most part, this novel was enjoyable. However, there were times where I felt the pacing was off and that the whole mystery aspect was too small a part of the book. I also wasn't a huge fan of the way and timing of how the book wrapped up. I enjoyed both Merissa and Billie's characters, but sometimes wanted a bit more development of both of them. I think this was the second book I've read by the author and my lackluster feelings about this one won't keep me from reading any previous or future titles of hers.
ARC received from NetGally in exchange for honest review
ARC received from NetGally in exchange for honest review
March 5, 2017
A wonderful sequel
I love the way that Rachel and Cal are featured in this book, I also felt touched by Billie's past and all that she endured. Karis Walsh has definitely done it again, she has created another lovely book that I was loath to put down until I got to the end.
I love the way that Rachel and Cal are featured in this book, I also felt touched by Billie's past and all that she endured. Karis Walsh has definitely done it again, she has created another lovely book that I was loath to put down until I got to the end.
March 21, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.
Amounting to Nothing focuses on mounted police officer Billie Mitchell and her relationship with crime witness Merissa Karr. Billie, who has suffered from PTSD after losing her best friend on a military mission, is called in to work with traumatized witnesses in order to get as much information as possible. Merissa is one of these traumatized witnesses, after her boss and mentor is shot and killed in an apparent drive-by shooting while Merissa was a passenger. They immediately are drawn to each other, but there is a wide chasm separating their two worlds. Merissa is a very wealthy designer who plans to raze Billie's lower-income neighborhood to build fancy condo buildings. When Merissa's life seems to be in danger, Billie moves in to her horse ranch to protect her.
I felt like I was missing information. Billie didn't seem as well-developed a character as she should have been. This book is the third in a series. I would suggest starting at the beginning, as I may have missed something by not reading the first two.
The mystery was fairly easy to predict and can't be considered as more than a plot device to have the two characters interact. The romance was sweet but not exciting. Still, it was an enjoyable enough read and I would go back to read the first two titles in the series.
Amounting to Nothing focuses on mounted police officer Billie Mitchell and her relationship with crime witness Merissa Karr. Billie, who has suffered from PTSD after losing her best friend on a military mission, is called in to work with traumatized witnesses in order to get as much information as possible. Merissa is one of these traumatized witnesses, after her boss and mentor is shot and killed in an apparent drive-by shooting while Merissa was a passenger. They immediately are drawn to each other, but there is a wide chasm separating their two worlds. Merissa is a very wealthy designer who plans to raze Billie's lower-income neighborhood to build fancy condo buildings. When Merissa's life seems to be in danger, Billie moves in to her horse ranch to protect her.
I felt like I was missing information. Billie didn't seem as well-developed a character as she should have been. This book is the third in a series. I would suggest starting at the beginning, as I may have missed something by not reading the first two.
The mystery was fairly easy to predict and can't be considered as more than a plot device to have the two characters interact. The romance was sweet but not exciting. Still, it was an enjoyable enough read and I would go back to read the first two titles in the series.
February 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book!
This was a very good story. I've read the other two stories of this series and this was a very nice addition to the series. I hope this author continues to add more stories to this series. The characters were well developed and the plot was well done and very consistent.
This was a very good story. I've read the other two stories of this series and this was a very nice addition to the series. I hope this author continues to add more stories to this series. The characters were well developed and the plot was well done and very consistent.
February 18, 2017
Great read!
The series keeps getting better and better. I hope another one is on the works. All the characters have the inherent kindness and determination in them. The story is heart-warming. It's great to still read about the characters from the previous series.
The series keeps getting better and better. I hope another one is on the works. All the characters have the inherent kindness and determination in them. The story is heart-warming. It's great to still read about the characters from the previous series.
February 20, 2017
Excellent!
Great continuation of the Tacoma Mounted Police series. Billie and Merissa are great together. Great story. Great mystery. Love the Pacific Northwest setting.
Great continuation of the Tacoma Mounted Police series. Billie and Merissa are great together. Great story. Great mystery. Love the Pacific Northwest setting.
January 18, 2017
Karish Walsh delivers!
Great book!
The author does an amazing job with sweet & funny dialogue between Billie & Merissa. I felt their connection at the start of the book. I also appreciate how the author took on the sensitive subject of PTSD. Walsh crafts Billie beautifully to lead her from emotionally defensive & closed off, to opening up and allowing Merissa to witness her vulnerable side. It's heart warming.
Merissa is well written as well. Merissa is strong, yet also emotionally available to Billie. I enjoyed the intimacy between Merissa and Billie. It was nicely paced.
The book also touches on the ethical dilemma of restoring old parts of cities. It gives insight into questions I never thought about in redevelopment.
Again Karis Walsh delivers a beautiful romance & thriller!
ARC provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mounted police officer Billie Mitchell has come back from the memories of war to a place of peace: a job she loves, partners she trusts, and a new home in Tacoma’s
rough and neglected Hilltop Area. But when a businessman is murdered and one of
her neighbors becomes a suspect, her calm shatters yet again.
Heiress Merissa Karr has earned her own fortune working in urban renewal. After she witnesses her boss’s murder, she becomes the next likely target, and for once,
money can’t buy her out of trouble. She needs to rely on Billie and other Hilltop
residents—people who amount to nothing in her social circles—for her very survival.
On pristine polo fields and run-down city blocks, two worlds collide. Can hearts and minds open wide enough for acceptance and friendship to expand into love?
Great book!
The author does an amazing job with sweet & funny dialogue between Billie & Merissa. I felt their connection at the start of the book. I also appreciate how the author took on the sensitive subject of PTSD. Walsh crafts Billie beautifully to lead her from emotionally defensive & closed off, to opening up and allowing Merissa to witness her vulnerable side. It's heart warming.
Merissa is well written as well. Merissa is strong, yet also emotionally available to Billie. I enjoyed the intimacy between Merissa and Billie. It was nicely paced.
The book also touches on the ethical dilemma of restoring old parts of cities. It gives insight into questions I never thought about in redevelopment.
Again Karis Walsh delivers a beautiful romance & thriller!
ARC provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mounted police officer Billie Mitchell has come back from the memories of war to a place of peace: a job she loves, partners she trusts, and a new home in Tacoma’s
rough and neglected Hilltop Area. But when a businessman is murdered and one of
her neighbors becomes a suspect, her calm shatters yet again.
Heiress Merissa Karr has earned her own fortune working in urban renewal. After she witnesses her boss’s murder, she becomes the next likely target, and for once,
money can’t buy her out of trouble. She needs to rely on Billie and other Hilltop
residents—people who amount to nothing in her social circles—for her very survival.
On pristine polo fields and run-down city blocks, two worlds collide. Can hearts and minds open wide enough for acceptance and friendship to expand into love?
February 4, 2017
Karis Walsh is known for quality books. Her characters are likable and well developed, her stories have interesting/realistic dialogue. She is one of my go-to authors for an easy, enjoyable read.
Billie Mitchell is one of the mounted patrol officers for the Tacoma Police Department. As a former soldier, Billie suffers from PTSD from her time in the Middle East. She uses her past to help others as an in-house counselor of sorts. She is readily available for the department to help victims who have experienced trauma and grief. This skill leads her to Merissa Karr.
Merissa has just witnessed a murder. Driving around a less than desirable inner city neighborhood, Merissa and her boss, David were scouting locations for their newest housing development. As Merissa leaned down to pick up a dropped piece of paper, David was shot and killed. Why would a successful architect be murdered for no apparent reason? Billie becomes Merissa's contact with the TPD, trying to find bits of information that may help uncover the killer's identity.
This is a mix of mystery and romance. Each part is done with enough balance for the other. As the mystery is uncovered piece by piece, you have the two main characters moving closer together to solve the crime. Their interactions with each other a cute and slowly draw you into the story and hold your attention. The book was slower than expected for a murder mystery, but I found myself enjoying it's less than frantic pace. The story and the romance build slowly and cautiously. Overall, I really liked this one more than I suspected I would. 4 stars.
Billie Mitchell is one of the mounted patrol officers for the Tacoma Police Department. As a former soldier, Billie suffers from PTSD from her time in the Middle East. She uses her past to help others as an in-house counselor of sorts. She is readily available for the department to help victims who have experienced trauma and grief. This skill leads her to Merissa Karr.
Merissa has just witnessed a murder. Driving around a less than desirable inner city neighborhood, Merissa and her boss, David were scouting locations for their newest housing development. As Merissa leaned down to pick up a dropped piece of paper, David was shot and killed. Why would a successful architect be murdered for no apparent reason? Billie becomes Merissa's contact with the TPD, trying to find bits of information that may help uncover the killer's identity.
This is a mix of mystery and romance. Each part is done with enough balance for the other. As the mystery is uncovered piece by piece, you have the two main characters moving closer together to solve the crime. Their interactions with each other a cute and slowly draw you into the story and hold your attention. The book was slower than expected for a murder mystery, but I found myself enjoying it's less than frantic pace. The story and the romance build slowly and cautiously. Overall, I really liked this one more than I suspected I would. 4 stars.
February 7, 2017
For two women with a common love of horses, this is a tale of mystery and romance for an ex-military police officer and a privileged urban planner. Both women have PTSD from witnessing traumatic events. Though still haunting her, Billie’s PTSD is from her military past, while Merissa’s is from witnessing a recent shooting that is a mystery to be solved. Before they can free up their hearts they must be able to deal with the painful past. The various confessions of criminal conduct might not withstand criminal procedure analysis, but the plot is entertaining.
March 17, 2017
Good if uninspired-only because I've found Karis Walsh's others so much better that this felt formulaic in comparison, but I definitely found the characters much more likeable than in Love on Tap!
March 30, 2017
This is the third in Ms. Walsh’s Tacoma Mounted Patrol series. Even though it is a book written as part of a series, it could be considered a standalone book. I have read the previous books and found them to be very entertaining.
Amounting to Nothing is a murder mystery with romance spun around the two leads. The two main characters are Billie Mitchell and Merissa Karr. Billie is a mounted policewoman who is suffering from PTSD. Merissa Karr is an heiress who has inherited a great deal of money and property. Merissa wishes to do something with her life so she has been working as an urban renewal architect. Both characters are developed beautifully and provide an excellent backbone for the story. Billie’s friends on the mounted police are interesting and funny. Since they are in the earlier books, too, they add to the storyline.
The story itself is interesting and will keep your attention through to the end. I also found several sections humorous which helps to lighten the story. Since Billie is a mounted police officer, horses are central to the theme. However, there is an added element in that polo is also played.
I recommend this book and give it 4 stars out of 5. I also recommend that readers pick up her first two books and read them.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Amounting to Nothing is a murder mystery with romance spun around the two leads. The two main characters are Billie Mitchell and Merissa Karr. Billie is a mounted policewoman who is suffering from PTSD. Merissa Karr is an heiress who has inherited a great deal of money and property. Merissa wishes to do something with her life so she has been working as an urban renewal architect. Both characters are developed beautifully and provide an excellent backbone for the story. Billie’s friends on the mounted police are interesting and funny. Since they are in the earlier books, too, they add to the storyline.
The story itself is interesting and will keep your attention through to the end. I also found several sections humorous which helps to lighten the story. Since Billie is a mounted police officer, horses are central to the theme. However, there is an added element in that polo is also played.
I recommend this book and give it 4 stars out of 5. I also recommend that readers pick up her first two books and read them.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
April 3, 2017
Merissa works at an urban design consulting firm and dreams of the opportunity to design her own city. One day Merissa and her boss are out searching for renovation ideas and he is shot dead. It seems Merissa may be the only witness to his murder and the police are anxious to ensure her welfare.
Billie is a mounted policewoman with a sad past. Her service partner was killed in action and she struggles with PTSD. Joining the mounted police gives her a new focus in life and the support of close friends and colleagues help her to heal although it is a very slow process. She is assigned to work with Merissa to gather information relating to the murder as her memories resurface. Soon Billie is struggling to balance pain of the past with her growing feelings for Merissa.
Merissa was one of my favorite characters as she was rich without being stuck up and determined. She also didn’t have the emotional baggage Billie did and was able to accept there was a connection between them. Also I am a horse fanatic and really enjoyed those parts of the book.
There were a few spots in the story where I felt like skimming through but didn’t. I’ve tried to work out why this might be so and there wasn’t anything obvious I could put my finger on. Overall I enjoyed this book and would still recommend it to other readers particularly those who enjoy LGBTQIA and/or romance.
A digital copy of this book was obtained from the publisher via Netgalley and this review is solely mine.
Billie is a mounted policewoman with a sad past. Her service partner was killed in action and she struggles with PTSD. Joining the mounted police gives her a new focus in life and the support of close friends and colleagues help her to heal although it is a very slow process. She is assigned to work with Merissa to gather information relating to the murder as her memories resurface. Soon Billie is struggling to balance pain of the past with her growing feelings for Merissa.
Merissa was one of my favorite characters as she was rich without being stuck up and determined. She also didn’t have the emotional baggage Billie did and was able to accept there was a connection between them. Also I am a horse fanatic and really enjoyed those parts of the book.
There were a few spots in the story where I felt like skimming through but didn’t. I’ve tried to work out why this might be so and there wasn’t anything obvious I could put my finger on. Overall I enjoyed this book and would still recommend it to other readers particularly those who enjoy LGBTQIA and/or romance.
A digital copy of this book was obtained from the publisher via Netgalley and this review is solely mine.
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