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Harry Starke #6
Family Matters
Harry Starke loves a cold case, but this one is really cold, more than a hundred years cold.Family Matters is a tale that takes place on the lonely coast of Maine, where Amanda, a true believer in the paranormal, has inherited - you guessed it - a haunted house. At least that’s what the rumors say.
It all begins when Amanda inherits the house, substantial assets, and a large sum of money from her grandmother. The windfall comes with a request to look into the disappearance of Elizabeth, Amanda’s great-great-grandmother, more than a hundred years ago.
Harry, a skeptic, a down-to-earth investigator who believes only in the facts, has a tough time dealing with Amanda’s fantasies? We all know that the imagination can play tricks on a susceptible mind, especially when that mind is under stress. But is it just their imaginations? Could it be something more?
You’ll have to be the judge.
˃˃˃ From the AuthorFamily Matters began some twenty years ago as a short story. It was the first mystery I - yes, I did say I - ever solved. You’ll understand what I mean when you’ve finished reading it. Now I’ll turn it over to the inimitable Harry Starke who, I’m sure, will do a far better job of things than I did.
It all begins when Amanda inherits the house, substantial assets, and a large sum of money from her grandmother. The windfall comes with a request to look into the disappearance of Elizabeth, Amanda’s great-great-grandmother, more than a hundred years ago.
Harry, a skeptic, a down-to-earth investigator who believes only in the facts, has a tough time dealing with Amanda’s fantasies? We all know that the imagination can play tricks on a susceptible mind, especially when that mind is under stress. But is it just their imaginations? Could it be something more?
You’ll have to be the judge.
˃˃˃ From the AuthorFamily Matters began some twenty years ago as a short story. It was the first mystery I - yes, I did say I - ever solved. You’ll understand what I mean when you’ve finished reading it. Now I’ll turn it over to the inimitable Harry Starke who, I’m sure, will do a far better job of things than I did.
- GenresMystery
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2016
358 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
296 books345 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 5, 2018
Harry Starke's fiance, Amanda, is left a haunted mansion/hotel in Maine when her grandmother dies. Part of the stipulation of the will is a request to investigate the disappearance of Amanda's great-great grandmother 100 years ago.
Harry starts poking around this very cold case, and manages to find a few clues to follow.
A good attempt at melding the gothic and Pi genres.
Harry starts poking around this very cold case, and manages to find a few clues to follow.
A good attempt at melding the gothic and Pi genres.
April 17, 2021
The Harry Starke series continues to get better. The cast of characters has shifted focus, and the setting is new. The atmosphere is completely different. We're in a mysterious old mansion. Starke himself doesn't cuss every other word, and his wealth is more emphasized. He treats his new girlfriend more like we are in the 21st century. Not that those things make a better novel in general, but I like this one better because of them.
December 25, 2024
Stupid.
February 2, 2021
Family Matters - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Family Matters is Blair Howard's 6th Harry Starke novel, a series that just gets better and better with each book!
This book revolves around Harry's fiancee, Amanda Cole, news anchor at Channel 7 tv. When her grandmother dies and leaves her not only a luxury house in Macon, but a supposedly haunted hotel that she never liked in Maine, Amanda decides to visit both, after she and Harry call on the family lawyer. He stuns Amanda with the news she's the sole heir of her Gran's $19 million fortune!! The lawyer also gives her the key to a bank vault's strong-box, that contains an ornate inlaid marquetry box, a gold man's pocket-watch and some family papers, including a letter from her Gran.
Can the legend be true - was her great-grandmother murdered, or did she leave of her own accord? And if the former, how come the body was never found, like that of her great-grandfather's second wife, soon after she supposedly threw herself off the cliffs near the house she never liked either?
The plot thickens like molasses and what Harry and Amanda find definitely changes their minds, about the family history and her great-grandmother's legacy!
Don't miss this terrific thriller as it's 5-star, all action dynamite, that should be the next purchase for your bookshelves - in fact, why not buy them all - a real treasure trove!
Family Matters is Blair Howard's 6th Harry Starke novel, a series that just gets better and better with each book!
This book revolves around Harry's fiancee, Amanda Cole, news anchor at Channel 7 tv. When her grandmother dies and leaves her not only a luxury house in Macon, but a supposedly haunted hotel that she never liked in Maine, Amanda decides to visit both, after she and Harry call on the family lawyer. He stuns Amanda with the news she's the sole heir of her Gran's $19 million fortune!! The lawyer also gives her the key to a bank vault's strong-box, that contains an ornate inlaid marquetry box, a gold man's pocket-watch and some family papers, including a letter from her Gran.
Can the legend be true - was her great-grandmother murdered, or did she leave of her own accord? And if the former, how come the body was never found, like that of her great-grandfather's second wife, soon after she supposedly threw herself off the cliffs near the house she never liked either?
The plot thickens like molasses and what Harry and Amanda find definitely changes their minds, about the family history and her great-grandmother's legacy!
Don't miss this terrific thriller as it's 5-star, all action dynamite, that should be the next purchase for your bookshelves - in fact, why not buy them all - a real treasure trove!
July 16, 2020
Open the box & find ?
Another Harry Starke novel, in keeping with others in the series, life is never dull when he is about.
Amanda's grandmother died leaving her a small fortune and a gothic horror of a hotel in Maine. Had to be, didn't it?
Harry and Amanda visit her grandmother's solicitor to get details of her inheritance. Duckworth is his name and offers a minimal sum for the hotel. He gives them a box containing a large ornate wooden box, which no one has been able to open and a man's pocket watch. Both are well made and antique.A letter tells how the hotel is believed to be haunted by Elizabeth, Amanda's great great grandmother, who disappeared without trace. It is suspected that Jonathan Miles, her husband, was responsible.His second wife fell from the cliffs, declared suicide, but possibly assisted from a push by her husband.
Amanda and Harry decide to travel to Maine & see the hotel for themselves, it lives up to expectations. The rocky pile comes complete with corner towers and overlooks the edge of the cliffs.
The dining room is dominated by a large portrait of Jonathan Miles, stern and harsh looking man. In their sitting room upstairs is a portrait of his wife, Elizabeth, her eyes seem to follow you everywhere.
Amanda is spooked by the whole place, but is drawn to the expression on Elizabeth's face, she is looking out of the picture.She persuaded Harry to try and find out what happened to her. The box and watch left to Amanda are also present in the portrait, liaising her curiosity further, and so the search for the truth about Elizabeth begins. Where it ends, you will never guess.
Another Harry Starke novel, in keeping with others in the series, life is never dull when he is about.
Amanda's grandmother died leaving her a small fortune and a gothic horror of a hotel in Maine. Had to be, didn't it?
Harry and Amanda visit her grandmother's solicitor to get details of her inheritance. Duckworth is his name and offers a minimal sum for the hotel. He gives them a box containing a large ornate wooden box, which no one has been able to open and a man's pocket watch. Both are well made and antique.A letter tells how the hotel is believed to be haunted by Elizabeth, Amanda's great great grandmother, who disappeared without trace. It is suspected that Jonathan Miles, her husband, was responsible.His second wife fell from the cliffs, declared suicide, but possibly assisted from a push by her husband.
Amanda and Harry decide to travel to Maine & see the hotel for themselves, it lives up to expectations. The rocky pile comes complete with corner towers and overlooks the edge of the cliffs.
The dining room is dominated by a large portrait of Jonathan Miles, stern and harsh looking man. In their sitting room upstairs is a portrait of his wife, Elizabeth, her eyes seem to follow you everywhere.
Amanda is spooked by the whole place, but is drawn to the expression on Elizabeth's face, she is looking out of the picture.She persuaded Harry to try and find out what happened to her. The box and watch left to Amanda are also present in the portrait, liaising her curiosity further, and so the search for the truth about Elizabeth begins. Where it ends, you will never guess.
April 29, 2021
Mixed romance, paranormal, crazy family member
Harry and Amanda are so different in this book. That's not a positive thing. Harry is on vacation and doesn't really want to solve a cold case that is about 100 years old. Amanda waffles back and forth about whether she wants to sell the mansion she inherited in Maine.
The mansion is really spooky looking, old, drafty, stinky. It has lots of ghosty stories surrounding it.
Harry becomes frightened when Amanda experiences ghost inspired events. He promises himself there are no ghosts.
There's a great deal of discussion of belief in ghosts and paranormal. It just doesn't fit with Harry as we know him.
He does eventually solve a mystery but without the support from his team back home. It ends up not having much fervor or angst. All the fun and good times are missing. There are some romantic times that are really touching.
There wasn't much time spent getting to know Amanda. She's smart but I wasn't that impressed with her personality.
Harry and Amanda are so different in this book. That's not a positive thing. Harry is on vacation and doesn't really want to solve a cold case that is about 100 years old. Amanda waffles back and forth about whether she wants to sell the mansion she inherited in Maine.
The mansion is really spooky looking, old, drafty, stinky. It has lots of ghosty stories surrounding it.
Harry becomes frightened when Amanda experiences ghost inspired events. He promises himself there are no ghosts.
There's a great deal of discussion of belief in ghosts and paranormal. It just doesn't fit with Harry as we know him.
He does eventually solve a mystery but without the support from his team back home. It ends up not having much fervor or angst. All the fun and good times are missing. There are some romantic times that are really touching.
There wasn't much time spent getting to know Amanda. She's smart but I wasn't that impressed with her personality.
April 27, 2021
Family Matters is like the Harry Starke Halloween special. This book is atypical of the series. It is a ghost story about a cold case and a haunted house. Frankly, while it is entertaining, it is also somewhat silly. I personally fell in love with the house and it’s landscape while listening to the book, but the characters were unable to appreciate it. The destruction of history and art in the book made me very sad as well. Perhaps worst of all was the way Harry and Amanda seemed out of character throughout the story. It almost felt as if someone else was doing the writing. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if my expectations hadn’t been elevated based on previous books in the series.
The narrator is the same as the other books, and he does a good job.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook as part of the box set of book 4-6. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator is the same as the other books, and he does a good job.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook as part of the box set of book 4-6. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 26, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
This is a murder mystery, a hundred years in the past, to be solved with very little in regards as clues and only gossip for testament.
Harry helps Amanda with an inheritance that includes an isolated hotel, in Maine. There is speculation about her grandmother and grand step mother's deaths. Part of the bequest is, that Amanda and Harry look into the incidents of death for her forebearers.
This is a very different Harry Starke episode, showing Harry out of his normal environment and thrown into situations that has him questioning his own sanity.
Another intriguing yarn, that have you trying to out think the feisty P.I.
This is a murder mystery, a hundred years in the past, to be solved with very little in regards as clues and only gossip for testament.
Harry helps Amanda with an inheritance that includes an isolated hotel, in Maine. There is speculation about her grandmother and grand step mother's deaths. Part of the bequest is, that Amanda and Harry look into the incidents of death for her forebearers.
This is a very different Harry Starke episode, showing Harry out of his normal environment and thrown into situations that has him questioning his own sanity.
Another intriguing yarn, that have you trying to out think the feisty P.I.
February 21, 2018
"A Deadly, Ghostly Manor"
I love the mystery thrillers by author Blair Howard. He's certainly creative and his books are hard to put down. Now, Harry Starke is drawn into a 100-year old cold case. There's humor and some paranormal events which take place in the old hotel on the lonely Maine coast. The hotel has been inherited by Amanda as well as a large sum of money. Harry is skeptical when Amanda wants to learn about the disappearance of her great-great grandmother, Elizabeth. There are some tricks in this story, but also lots of treats! Enjoy the fun and excitement. Highly recommend.
I love the mystery thrillers by author Blair Howard. He's certainly creative and his books are hard to put down. Now, Harry Starke is drawn into a 100-year old cold case. There's humor and some paranormal events which take place in the old hotel on the lonely Maine coast. The hotel has been inherited by Amanda as well as a large sum of money. Harry is skeptical when Amanda wants to learn about the disappearance of her great-great grandmother, Elizabeth. There are some tricks in this story, but also lots of treats! Enjoy the fun and excitement. Highly recommend.
December 29, 2020
This one makes for a great gothic novel, even has a happy ending. Amanda inherits a hotel from her grandmother. She travels with Harry to Maine to settle affairs with the hotel and have Harry try to find why her grandmother's grandmother disappeared. We even have ghostly visits, lights turning on and cold spots. All of these are expected in a 200 year old home. The keys to this 100 year old mystery is a box that can't be opened, a watch and a portrait. It reveals Amanda's shocking heritage and the secret of Elizabeth's disappearance. Let's just say during all the mystery and spooky going ons; Harry has a Hallmark moment.
July 29, 2022
Everyone loves a cold case, but centuries cold? Harry's love Amanda has inherited the family "fortune". Amanda's maternal grandmother has passed away and left Amanda with a substantial fortune, but it comes with a "haunted" hotel, which apparently was the family home to Amanda's great-great grandparents over 100 years ago. There is a mystery afoot when it's found that Great Great Grandma disappeared, and Great Grandma on down would have nothing to do with said hotel. Amanda and Harry go to check it out and find themselves wrapped up in a mystery that seems unsolvable. A fun read, with a lot of love and a little whimsy!
November 5, 2022
Cold case
Amanda inherits an old mansion in Maine from her grandmother. Her grandmother's will says she can keep it or sell it. It's being used as a hotel now. Her grandmother also asks for her and Harry to see if they can figure out what happened to Amanda's great great grandmother. When they get there, strange things begin to happen. Harry of course doesn't believe in ghosts but Amanda does. If they can figure out how to open the box that was her great great grandmother's, they think they'll find clues as to what happened to her. This was an interesting take on an old mystery. I didn't see what was going to happen but I enjoyed the book.
Amanda inherits an old mansion in Maine from her grandmother. Her grandmother's will says she can keep it or sell it. It's being used as a hotel now. Her grandmother also asks for her and Harry to see if they can figure out what happened to Amanda's great great grandmother. When they get there, strange things begin to happen. Harry of course doesn't believe in ghosts but Amanda does. If they can figure out how to open the box that was her great great grandmother's, they think they'll find clues as to what happened to her. This was an interesting take on an old mystery. I didn't see what was going to happen but I enjoyed the book.
January 29, 2018
This Harry Starke is a little bit of a departure from most of the stories. After finding out that Amanda has inherited the estate of her grandmother, which includes a hotel in Maine, which used to house her ancestors, Harry and Amanda take off for a couple of weeks to investigate the hotel and the mysterious history surrounding the disappearance of her great grandmother. Strange things happen in the dreary and depressing old home until Harry finally discovers what happened to the ancestor. Not all the mysteries are explainable, however.
September 20, 2020
Amanda has gotten a huge surprise and Harry and her leave on a trip to check it out. This book is a lot different from Harry's other books. This one takes us on an exciting and suspenseful journey into the history of Amanda's family. I thought it was great, although there were a few places that scared the beegeebees out of me. I can't wait to continue to read or listen to more of Blair Howard's books they are always interesting!
I received a free download of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
November 10, 2020
Kudos For Another Blockbuster!
Harry Starke is da bomb of PIs! He can solve even an over 100 year old murder! With the lovely Amanda at his side Harry discovers the remains of Amanda's great-great grandmother in the Inn's cellar that Amanda had inherited on the death of her grandmother. There was a more sinister aspect to the story but since I don't like to spoil the reader's effort I'll not disclose that tidbit, just to say I was gobsmacked when I read it. Tight script, developed characters and enough twists, turns and switchbacks to rival a Grand Prix course.
Harry Starke is da bomb of PIs! He can solve even an over 100 year old murder! With the lovely Amanda at his side Harry discovers the remains of Amanda's great-great grandmother in the Inn's cellar that Amanda had inherited on the death of her grandmother. There was a more sinister aspect to the story but since I don't like to spoil the reader's effort I'll not disclose that tidbit, just to say I was gobsmacked when I read it. Tight script, developed characters and enough twists, turns and switchbacks to rival a Grand Prix course.
February 23, 2018
This was my first Harry Starke book. I found I liked the character and will probably start reading from the beginning. Though I like books about haunting and ghosts, I read this because of the mystery. (I also find that I am drawn to books that show a house on the cover - go figure.)
I found the book very enjoyable, though it seemed a little gimmicky to have the conclusion include a connection to a certain notorious killer.
I found the book very enjoyable, though it seemed a little gimmicky to have the conclusion include a connection to a certain notorious killer.
June 7, 2019
ANOTHER AWESOME, AWESOME READ!!
Amanda's Grandmother dies and leaves an old hotel in Maine to Amanda. Amanda's lawyer gives her an old watch and a small box. Then tells her about the hotel. He even offers to buy it from her, at a ridiculous low price. Harry and Amanda decide to check the hotel out themselves, before deciding what to do. Arriving in Maine, their weird adventure begins. Is the hotel haunted or not....
ANOTHER NON-STOP READ!!
Amanda's Grandmother dies and leaves an old hotel in Maine to Amanda. Amanda's lawyer gives her an old watch and a small box. Then tells her about the hotel. He even offers to buy it from her, at a ridiculous low price. Harry and Amanda decide to check the hotel out themselves, before deciding what to do. Arriving in Maine, their weird adventure begins. Is the hotel haunted or not....
ANOTHER NON-STOP READ!!
Read
October 1, 2020Family Matters (Harry Starke #6), my twenty-fourth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat haunted house/detective fiction. So far each book in the series has been batter than its predecessor. Narrator Tom Lennon's excellent narration, as always, adds to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to Retribution (Harry Starke #7). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 10, 2022
Not my normal read
Had to work hard to keep reading this book. Not my usual shoot ‘‘em up bang bang as my father used to say. Harry’s beautiful squeeze, Amanda, inherits an old mansion owned by her grandmother. She talks Harry into seeing it so she can decide what she wants to do with it. The question she challenges Harry with is what happened to her great grandmother who disappeared without a trace. ENJOY!
Had to work hard to keep reading this book. Not my usual shoot ‘‘em up bang bang as my father used to say. Harry’s beautiful squeeze, Amanda, inherits an old mansion owned by her grandmother. She talks Harry into seeing it so she can decide what she wants to do with it. The question she challenges Harry with is what happened to her great grandmother who disappeared without a trace. ENJOY!
July 23, 2018
Harry is out of h it s element in Maine. In Maine he fits in with the woodsmen, but managed to dodge the bullet. He is asked to assist a woman who has inherited a fortune and after having access she wants to know what happened to her Grandmother. This is an out of the city case for Harry but he managed to hold on. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 30, 2020
Now this Harry Stark was different and I really liked it!!! Delving into Amanda‘s family history and finding out who her ancestors were is fascinating! I would’ve wanted to explore all of that massive monstrosity! Mr. Blair can write an excellent story; intriguing and exciting, a complete page turner.
April 12, 2021
Love
A different type of story for Harry. A ghost story (if you can believe that). Of course, Harry pooh-poohs that idea. For me, this story highlights Harry's character. He is highly opinionated, self-assured, single-minded, and pompous. But, when it comes to Amanda, he will move heaven and earth. He loves her that much. And, in the end, the story revolves around this love.
A different type of story for Harry. A ghost story (if you can believe that). Of course, Harry pooh-poohs that idea. For me, this story highlights Harry's character. He is highly opinionated, self-assured, single-minded, and pompous. But, when it comes to Amanda, he will move heaven and earth. He loves her that much. And, in the end, the story revolves around this love.
May 22, 2021
Most enjoyable book
I really enjoyed reading this book right from the beginning got hooked into the story and had to just read on. Love the way the author describes characters and what's happening, it makes you see what's happening and have your mind working overtime.Even I was getting cold shudders with this one.
I really enjoyed reading this book right from the beginning got hooked into the story and had to just read on. Love the way the author describes characters and what's happening, it makes you see what's happening and have your mind working overtime.Even I was getting cold shudders with this one.
August 12, 2019
This book didn't appeal to me as much as the others in this series. The story just didn't hook me. It contained "historical mystery" rather than a current crime or mystery. I did enjoy the further development of Harry's relationship with Amanda.
Read
June 27, 2021This is by far one of the best series I have ever read! I don't want to put it down when I start and when I've finished, I'm disappointed because I want it to keep going! Fantastic author! He's got more books and I want to read them all!
August 23, 2021
Outstanding change of venue
The author has us explore the supernatural while keeping the reader attached to their own beliefs. I great job of keeping our interests to the very end.
vsupernstural
The author has us explore the supernatural while keeping the reader attached to their own beliefs. I great job of keeping our interests to the very end.
vsupernstural
January 7, 2022
Creepy Search
Well written and fast moving as usual. This writer knows how to keep readers turning the pages as fast as possible. An unusual inheritance causes Harry and Kate to take quite a different approach to try to determine a cause of death. I highly recommend this author.
Well written and fast moving as usual. This writer knows how to keep readers turning the pages as fast as possible. An unusual inheritance causes Harry and Kate to take quite a different approach to try to determine a cause of death. I highly recommend this author.
April 28, 2022
I loved this book!
A little bit different from the usual Harry Starke reads but definitely intriguing from the get go clear to the end. It definitely took a twist I didn't see coming. Read it, you'll like it!
A little bit different from the usual Harry Starke reads but definitely intriguing from the get go clear to the end. It definitely took a twist I didn't see coming. Read it, you'll like it!
October 26, 2024
good story
This was a different story, entertaining, and interesting. Amanda inherits an old home in Maine that may or may not be haunted. I was left with lots of questions. And I hated the ending!
This was a different story, entertaining, and interesting. Amanda inherits an old home in Maine that may or may not be haunted. I was left with lots of questions. And I hated the ending!
September 24, 2017
great book love the series reading them all Blair Howard is wonderful writer and very real characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews