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Larry Macklin Mysteries #2
December's Secrets
Still smarting from his disastrous last date with Cara Laursen, criminal investigator Larry Macklin is nevertheless thrilled to get a call from her. But when he arrives at her house, he finds the chief suspect in his latest murder case sitting in her living room—her father, Henry.
Henry claims he is being framed and Larry wants to believe him, but evidence suggests otherwise. And when another murder occurs with direct links to Henry, Larry can’t stop him from being taken into custody.
For Cara’s sake, Larry will do anything to prove Henry’s innocence, but will he have to sacrifice his own ethics and risk obstructing justice in order to do it?
Henry claims he is being framed and Larry wants to believe him, but evidence suggests otherwise. And when another murder occurs with direct links to Henry, Larry can’t stop him from being taken into custody.
For Cara’s sake, Larry will do anything to prove Henry’s innocence, but will he have to sacrifice his own ethics and risk obstructing justice in order to do it?
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2016
1797 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Howe
40 books160 followersA. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 6, 2017
Quick read.
Larry Macklin character is very likeable, he has a way solving the mystery. Even his personal life is improving, loved by Ivy and Mauser. Observant and insightful character. Will be reading the third book in this series before going to sleep.
Larry Macklin character is very likeable, he has a way solving the mystery. Even his personal life is improving, loved by Ivy and Mauser. Observant and insightful character. Will be reading the third book in this series before going to sleep.
July 4, 2016
We first met Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Macklin a criminal investigator in a small Florida town in November’s Past. Larry Macklin is a great series character. He has a terrific sense of humor … but it’s dry and sarcastic. His daddy is the Sheriff and there is some contention between them, although they seem to have become closer in this book.
A man has been found hanged in a tree. After talking to relatives, friends, neighbors, there is one name that keeps popping up … Henry Laursen. He just happens to be the father of Cara, a young lady that Larry has feelings for, but Cara has pulled back because of his job.
Henry says he is being set up, but he has no idea who would do this to him. And then another body in another county is found .. hanging from a tree. And Henry was also found at that crime scene.
Is he guilty of the murders? Is he being framed?
Larry will try to prove Henry’s innocence but may have to cross a line and risk his own job to do so.
As with the first book in this series, this one is well written. Larry Macklin is not your ‘normal’ investigator. He does things his way and in this story, it is better to do and ask forgiveness later. Cara makes a nice girlfriend for him. They both seem so sweet at times and so innocent. The bad guys are really bad, and in some aspects, the reader may applaud those who take them out. One of my very favorite characters is Mauser … Larry’s father’s Great Dane. Untrained, Huge, and loves almost everyone…. And he is clearly everyone’s favorite dog.
This is not a highly suspenseful story … but there is plenty of mystery and questions to answer that it keeps you turning pages.
Many thanks to the author, A. E. Howe, who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Thank you for asking!
A man has been found hanged in a tree. After talking to relatives, friends, neighbors, there is one name that keeps popping up … Henry Laursen. He just happens to be the father of Cara, a young lady that Larry has feelings for, but Cara has pulled back because of his job.
Henry says he is being set up, but he has no idea who would do this to him. And then another body in another county is found .. hanging from a tree. And Henry was also found at that crime scene.
Is he guilty of the murders? Is he being framed?
Larry will try to prove Henry’s innocence but may have to cross a line and risk his own job to do so.
As with the first book in this series, this one is well written. Larry Macklin is not your ‘normal’ investigator. He does things his way and in this story, it is better to do and ask forgiveness later. Cara makes a nice girlfriend for him. They both seem so sweet at times and so innocent. The bad guys are really bad, and in some aspects, the reader may applaud those who take them out. One of my very favorite characters is Mauser … Larry’s father’s Great Dane. Untrained, Huge, and loves almost everyone…. And he is clearly everyone’s favorite dog.
This is not a highly suspenseful story … but there is plenty of mystery and questions to answer that it keeps you turning pages.
Many thanks to the author, A. E. Howe, who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Thank you for asking!
July 16, 2016
Solid
Solid sequel, I think I like this more than the first. Deputy Macklin claims he's not a good investigator, I do not agree.
Solid sequel, I think I like this more than the first. Deputy Macklin claims he's not a good investigator, I do not agree.
February 11, 2019
I love a series! At first I found the main character a little back woods and slow but I warmed up to him. I enjoyed the story line and his struggling relationship with his father. I will continue this series.
May 12, 2018
December’s Secret is the second book in the Larry Macklin mystery series and I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Howe has created a fun lead character with a wonderful blend of the professional and personal side. The murder mystery is interesting and I found no slow parts, it kept me reading. He introduces you to all of the other characters with an easy flow and keeps Mauser the dog an entertaining factor. I will be reading book 3, excited to see where he takes Macklin next. Fun read!
May 18, 2017
I love this series
This is the kind of series grabs your interest and doesn't let go. Mauser adds comedy to add stories and the plot keeps you reading more.
This is the kind of series grabs your interest and doesn't let go. Mauser adds comedy to add stories and the plot keeps you reading more.
July 25, 2017
Good fast read
Interesting characters, fairly fast paced with a little bit of humor. I'm glad there are more in the series. The dog is hilarious.
Interesting characters, fairly fast paced with a little bit of humor. I'm glad there are more in the series. The dog is hilarious.
July 14, 2025
I’m not a fan of books written in the first person, but I have to say, it works perfectly in these books! The reader is inside the mind of Deputy Larry Macklin, and what a fun place to be!! A. E Howe has such a wonderful, dry sense of humor, which is showcased through Macklin, providing laugh out loud humor when least expected.
Although the storyline/mystery is pretty basic, the book still provides enough suspense and whodunnit to keep the reader interested from start to finish. A very fun, entertaining read.
I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars for 2 reasons: I don’t like clingy women, and Cara is just that. There was no need for her to drive Larry all over town when he hurt his foot. He was capable/able to operate a vehicle himself. Also, what is she doing getting involved in his investigation? No way should she have been with him when he interviewed potential witnesses/suspects!! She’s a civilian and had no right being there!
Aside from that, I greatly enjoyed A. E Howe’s writing style and these books. On to book 3.
Although the storyline/mystery is pretty basic, the book still provides enough suspense and whodunnit to keep the reader interested from start to finish. A very fun, entertaining read.
I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars for 2 reasons: I don’t like clingy women, and Cara is just that. There was no need for her to drive Larry all over town when he hurt his foot. He was capable/able to operate a vehicle himself. Also, what is she doing getting involved in his investigation? No way should she have been with him when he interviewed potential witnesses/suspects!! She’s a civilian and had no right being there!
Aside from that, I greatly enjoyed A. E Howe’s writing style and these books. On to book 3.
December 19, 2020
+ Fast pased, well written.
- Problematic views on domestic violence. Quotes:
1)I had a hard time with domestics. I always wanted to slug the abuser and shake the victim and ask them why they put up with it. Of course, relationships are complex and some people are more emotionally able to deal with life than others.
2)Maybe I could talk to the victims and get them to understand that they would be doing the abuser a favor by pressing charges. If the abuser got help now, maybe they could find new ways of dealing with their emotions that would change their lives.
- Problematic views on domestic violence. Quotes:
1)I had a hard time with domestics. I always wanted to slug the abuser and shake the victim and ask them why they put up with it. Of course, relationships are complex and some people are more emotionally able to deal with life than others.
2)Maybe I could talk to the victims and get them to understand that they would be doing the abuser a favor by pressing charges. If the abuser got help now, maybe they could find new ways of dealing with their emotions that would change their lives.
September 16, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series; Larry Macklin is an extremely interesting and likable character. The books are well-written, and the plots are unique and thoroughly developed. I small complaint: they are short and quickly read. (Just for my own info: misused words "depravation" when "deprivation" was meant and "ordinance" when "ordnance" was meant. Also incorrect punctuation of plural possessives.)
February 15, 2019
An AEH. Mystery Novel (LMMB - 2)/Rape and Murder
AEH. has. penned the second novel of the Larry Macklin series. There is a hotly contested election campaign being fought for the position of Sheriff in Adams County. The current sheriff, LM's father, has been accused of rape and murder and the other candidate is using this as a stepping stone for Sheriff. LM investigated and find the right direction to travel in. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
AEH. has. penned the second novel of the Larry Macklin series. There is a hotly contested election campaign being fought for the position of Sheriff in Adams County. The current sheriff, LM's father, has been accused of rape and murder and the other candidate is using this as a stepping stone for Sheriff. LM investigated and find the right direction to travel in. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
September 8, 2021
5+*stars
LARRY’S FATHER SAID IT RIGHT, LARRY IS ALWAYS PUTTING HIMSELF IN HARMS WAY. HOW TRUE. I’VE READ 5 OUT OF THE 17 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES AND PLAN ON READING THE REST. TO SAY I LOVE THIS SERIES IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT, READING THEM FOR ME IS LIKE A SPECIAL TREAT. I HAVE A FEW AUTHORS THAT I TRULY LOVE AND WILL READ ALL OF THE BOOKS IN THEIR SERIES. I THINK OF THEM AS A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE (GODIVA) SOMETHING I USE TO HAVE ON RARE OCCASIONS. AHHH! ;D
LARRY’S FATHER SAID IT RIGHT, LARRY IS ALWAYS PUTTING HIMSELF IN HARMS WAY. HOW TRUE. I’VE READ 5 OUT OF THE 17 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES AND PLAN ON READING THE REST. TO SAY I LOVE THIS SERIES IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT, READING THEM FOR ME IS LIKE A SPECIAL TREAT. I HAVE A FEW AUTHORS THAT I TRULY LOVE AND WILL READ ALL OF THE BOOKS IN THEIR SERIES. I THINK OF THEM AS A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE (GODIVA) SOMETHING I USE TO HAVE ON RARE OCCASIONS. AHHH! ;D
October 13, 2021
Very well-constructed and plotted yarn, a mixture of whodunnit; violence and mayhem; and revenge—same tune different day.
Howe keeps his hero humble—a midpoint between Inspector Clouseau and Columbo. Yes, Deputy Macklin always gets his man (or woman or couple) but always leaves us with a troubling development or question
Sure wish he would get a trainer for the mutt, but can't wait to get my hands on book #3!
Howe keeps his hero humble—a midpoint between Inspector Clouseau and Columbo. Yes, Deputy Macklin always gets his man (or woman or couple) but always leaves us with a troubling development or question
Sure wish he would get a trainer for the mutt, but can't wait to get my hands on book #3!
February 23, 2019
Great reads.
I got the first book for this series free from book bud. Best purchase I've made in a while, these are so good I bought the series up to the last one released. If you enjoy a good crime novel and don't care for detailed gruso.e scenes but good police work these are really enjoyable to read .you will enjoy the characters in the stories and the plots.
I got the first book for this series free from book bud. Best purchase I've made in a while, these are so good I bought the series up to the last one released. If you enjoy a good crime novel and don't care for detailed gruso.e scenes but good police work these are really enjoyable to read .you will enjoy the characters in the stories and the plots.
June 15, 2023
Engrossing
One of the things I like about this series is Mauser, a great dane, who does pretty much what he wants. I am tall for a woman, and I have known one great dane and one great dane/boxer mix, and there is nothing like having them wrap around you and wagging their tail. I like the human characters in this series, too.
One of the things I like about this series is Mauser, a great dane, who does pretty much what he wants. I am tall for a woman, and I have known one great dane and one great dane/boxer mix, and there is nothing like having them wrap around you and wagging their tail. I like the human characters in this series, too.
January 6, 2024
Second in the series; better than the first. The best part of the book series is the audiobook narrator; he's terrific and one of the main reasons I enjoyed the book. The author is very much a dog lover and the dog gets quite a bit of play in the book; he's unusual. I've listened to the first four books in the series and they get increasingly better as you get to know the characters more.
May 9, 2017
a more complex plot than in book 1. I love all the interection between the characters and it was great to have Mauser :)
The story is tragic in parts, and it wasn't possible for me to guess the outcome until very late.
The story is tragic in parts, and it wasn't possible for me to guess the outcome until very late.
July 8, 2017
December's Secrets
I am really enjoying this series. It has a lot of suspense which I really enjoy. This series keeps you in suspense up until the very end . I recommend this series. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
I am really enjoying this series. It has a lot of suspense which I really enjoy. This series keeps you in suspense up until the very end . I recommend this series. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
December 20, 2017
Very good series.
This is a continuing series but each book can stand alone. There is a little of everything in these books. Something to make you smile, a little romance, at least a couple of murders, and good endings.
This is a continuing series but each book can stand alone. There is a little of everything in these books. Something to make you smile, a little romance, at least a couple of murders, and good endings.
April 13, 2018
Investigating hangings pulls Larry's girlfriend father in.
This story expands into a human interest series. A who dun it when the father is accused in two different Counties. What will this do to Larry's love life.
This story expands into a human interest series. A who dun it when the father is accused in two different Counties. What will this do to Larry's love life.
August 20, 2020
Enjoying the series
Another good read, the ending was once again not my type of ending (middle of 21 - middle of 22) but as my wife always says I’m a tough customer and an old curmudgeon.
I guess 99% good and 1% sigh is good enough to go to #3
Another good read, the ending was once again not my type of ending (middle of 21 - middle of 22) but as my wife always says I’m a tough customer and an old curmudgeon.
I guess 99% good and 1% sigh is good enough to go to #3
December 20, 2020
Very interesting
There is never a dull moment in this cops life. Takes a while to keep up but it is worth it to so. Lots of characters to keep track of and never a dull moment with the dog.
There is never a dull moment in this cops life. Takes a while to keep up but it is worth it to so. Lots of characters to keep track of and never a dull moment with the dog.
February 28, 2021
Always on the move!
This book reminds me of the ugly dachshund, the dog that just couldn't avoid trouble!Combine that with macklin and his love life and I think I'm going to like this series
This book reminds me of the ugly dachshund, the dog that just couldn't avoid trouble!Combine that with macklin and his love life and I think I'm going to like this series
June 3, 2021
Soooo many characters
This was a good story, overall, but I got a little lost with so many characters and figuring out just where they came into the story and for what purpose. Who did what to whom? Good ole Mauser is really the ladies man (dog), isn't he?
This was a good story, overall, but I got a little lost with so many characters and figuring out just where they came into the story and for what purpose. Who did what to whom? Good ole Mauser is really the ladies man (dog), isn't he?
March 18, 2025
Ahhhh it was well read🌟
I liked this one even better. The characters are truly unique and Howe has a way of making that known. I find it hard not to anticipate what might happen and realize I got it wrong. On to #3
I liked this one even better. The characters are truly unique and Howe has a way of making that known. I find it hard not to anticipate what might happen and realize I got it wrong. On to #3
February 15, 2017
Just as good as the first
This book was as good as the first, hard to put down. Another surprise ending that keeps you guessing to the end.
This book was as good as the first, hard to put down. Another surprise ending that keeps you guessing to the end.
March 6, 2017
Awesome.
This is the 2nd book in this series that I read. They are interesting, easy to read, & exciting plots.
This is the 2nd book in this series that I read. They are interesting, easy to read, & exciting plots.
July 4, 2017
Good read. In tense but we'll written
Good read. Intense enough to keep me turning the pages. Good love story and interesting ft interesting story line.. enjoyed it
Good read. Intense enough to keep me turning the pages. Good love story and interesting ft interesting story line.. enjoyed it
July 18, 2017
Well written. Mystery is good. Enjoy all these books.
October 24, 2017
Very good read
I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Good humor with the help of Mauser. Good mystery and nice twists.
I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Good humor with the help of Mauser. Good mystery and nice twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews