What do you think?
Rate this book
Harry Starke #1-3
Harry Starke / Two for the Money / Hill House
Three complete, stand-alone novels. Almost 1,000 pages of lighting-paced action. Three sizzling thrillers of murder, mayhem and mystery. If you like realism, fast-paced, nonstop action, you’ll love Blair Howard’s highly acclaimed series. Harry Starke - Book 1 On a bitterly cold night in midwinter a beautiful young woman threw herself off Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge. Harry Starke is there, on the bridge. Wrong time, wrong place? Maybe. He tries, but is unable to stop her. Thus begins a series of events and an investigation that plunges Harry into a web of deceit, corruption and murder until finally.... Two for the Money - Book 2 Who killed Tom Sattler? Who Stole $350 Million from New Vision Strategic Investments? The search for answers to those questions starts Harry on wide ranging investigation that involves murder, organized crime, and deception. Hill House - Book 3 For more than ten years, she lay beneath the floorboards of Hill House. For more than ten years, she waited. Who was she? Who put her there? Why? Harry Starke vows to find the answers to those questions, but can he? Hill House has many doors. None of them lead anywhere but into darkness and despair. Scroll up. Grab the first three books, now. You won't be able to put them down!
654 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
3798 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
287 books342 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
April 27, 2019
Standard issue private eye stuff. Entertaining, but not absorbing.
May 20, 2017
Entertaining
It was a good read. The characters were fleshed out well. Good ending. Will tell my friends about it. Plan to read the rest.
It was a good read. The characters were fleshed out well. Good ending. Will tell my friends about it. Plan to read the rest.
Read
June 15, 2024 1: Harry Starke
Tabitha Willard was once a vibrant young woman— until the night she leaped to her death into the murky waters of the Tennessee river.
The cops marked it a suicide, case closed.
Harry didn’t agree. He was there, and he’ll never forget the terror he saw in her eyes.
Why did she jump?
Harry Starke wants to know, and his search for answers leads him deep into the shadows of the city’s dangerous underworld.
Book 2: Two for the Money
A Late-Night Phone Call. A Voice from the past. An Apparent Suicide.
The phone call came on a Tuesday evening in the middle of August. Harry Starke hadn't heard from his old school friend in almost five years, and he hadn't thought about him in almost as long. Tom Sattler wanted to meet, and it wouldn't wait until morning. But when Harry arrived at Sattler's home less than an hour later, he found him lying in a pool of blood with a single gunshot wound to his head and .22 revolver lying close to his hand.
Was it suicide, or was Tom Sattler murdered? If so, by whom and why?
The search for answers plunges Harry into a far-reaching investigation that involves murder, corruption, organized crime, and duplicity. As always, there’s a twist in the tail.
Book 3: Hill House
For more than ten years she’d lay beneath the floorboards of Hill House.
Who was she? Who put her there? Why did she have to die? These were the questions Harry vowed to find the answers to.
But the trail had gone cold, and Hill House was a desolate ruin with many secrets.
To find the answers he had to embark upon an investigation that put him and those close to him in deadly danger. It sent Starke into the lost and long-forgotten streets buried beneath the city. Into the Dark Web where he came face to face with murder, organized crime, prostitution, and human trafficking.
With each case more deadly than the last, you have to wonder, just how much can one man take?
Fast paced, intriguing, and different from other private detective series.
Tabitha Willard was once a vibrant young woman— until the night she leaped to her death into the murky waters of the Tennessee river.
The cops marked it a suicide, case closed.
Harry didn’t agree. He was there, and he’ll never forget the terror he saw in her eyes.
Why did she jump?
Harry Starke wants to know, and his search for answers leads him deep into the shadows of the city’s dangerous underworld.
Book 2: Two for the Money
A Late-Night Phone Call. A Voice from the past. An Apparent Suicide.
The phone call came on a Tuesday evening in the middle of August. Harry Starke hadn't heard from his old school friend in almost five years, and he hadn't thought about him in almost as long. Tom Sattler wanted to meet, and it wouldn't wait until morning. But when Harry arrived at Sattler's home less than an hour later, he found him lying in a pool of blood with a single gunshot wound to his head and .22 revolver lying close to his hand.
Was it suicide, or was Tom Sattler murdered? If so, by whom and why?
The search for answers plunges Harry into a far-reaching investigation that involves murder, corruption, organized crime, and duplicity. As always, there’s a twist in the tail.
Book 3: Hill House
For more than ten years she’d lay beneath the floorboards of Hill House.
Who was she? Who put her there? Why did she have to die? These were the questions Harry vowed to find the answers to.
But the trail had gone cold, and Hill House was a desolate ruin with many secrets.
To find the answers he had to embark upon an investigation that put him and those close to him in deadly danger. It sent Starke into the lost and long-forgotten streets buried beneath the city. Into the Dark Web where he came face to face with murder, organized crime, prostitution, and human trafficking.
With each case more deadly than the last, you have to wonder, just how much can one man take?
Fast paced, intriguing, and different from other private detective series.
December 16, 2020
Blair goes in depth with his books.
In book 1 you have murder, sex, corruption, and murder, Then add the why. Tabitha comments suicide. Determined he sets out to find out. Before the end he has once again, uncovered a mystery that will make you wonder who did it. Along with how the other 3 murders tie in end.. Great read.
TWO FOR THE MONEY
Can also be read alone, but the series is a great one, Phone call, arriving too late, for a former classmate, that he hasn't seen in 5 years. Now laying in a pool of blood. Once again this tough private investigator is wanting Justice. Full of deceit, intrigue, and betrayal. Another great story
Book 3 Another phone call to the vacant Hill Mansion, that was to be demolished. Led down to the basement, a passageway that leads from one side to the other side of house. With doorways. Already you are hooked into this story. What and who is behind these doors. Vows for answers, that turns deadly, into the crimes, prostitutions, and human trafficking that went on. Wow, each story is better, and more gripping.
HILL HOUSE
This leads Harry to the underground after a body has been found. It puts every one he knows as a target, this covers it all from prostitution to organized crime. Great series, that keeps you to the end.
This leads Harry to the underground after a body has been found. It puts every one he knows as a target, this covers it all from prostitution to organized crime. Great series, that keeps you to the end.
In book 1 you have murder, sex, corruption, and murder, Then add the why. Tabitha comments suicide. Determined he sets out to find out. Before the end he has once again, uncovered a mystery that will make you wonder who did it. Along with how the other 3 murders tie in end.. Great read.
TWO FOR THE MONEY
Can also be read alone, but the series is a great one, Phone call, arriving too late, for a former classmate, that he hasn't seen in 5 years. Now laying in a pool of blood. Once again this tough private investigator is wanting Justice. Full of deceit, intrigue, and betrayal. Another great story
Book 3 Another phone call to the vacant Hill Mansion, that was to be demolished. Led down to the basement, a passageway that leads from one side to the other side of house. With doorways. Already you are hooked into this story. What and who is behind these doors. Vows for answers, that turns deadly, into the crimes, prostitutions, and human trafficking that went on. Wow, each story is better, and more gripping.
HILL HOUSE
This leads Harry to the underground after a body has been found. It puts every one he knows as a target, this covers it all from prostitution to organized crime. Great series, that keeps you to the end.
This leads Harry to the underground after a body has been found. It puts every one he knows as a target, this covers it all from prostitution to organized crime. Great series, that keeps you to the end.
February 15, 2017
Great series
The first three harry starke were great can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Blair howard is a great author.
The first three harry starke were great can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Blair howard is a great author.
August 25, 2020
Harry Stark:
As always Blair Howard delivers a fast paced, intelligent read. Harry is in over his head after watching a beautiful young woman jump off the bridge to her death. It haunts him and the necklace she left behind doesn’t reveal any clues.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the Harry Stark books!!!
Two For The Money:
Wow, wow, wow what a story, what a twisted ending!!! Very well done Mr. Howard, this is a very good book!!! I really enjoyed it, I had a hard time putting it down!! One of the oldest horror stories in the world and the author handled it very well.
No....Amanda and Kate??? Hummmm, we’ll see.
Two for the money, The title is apropos. But it also depends on what area of the storyline we’re talking about, doesn’t it???
Hill House:
It’s difficult to see into the dark shadows of things; literally and figuratively. Harry and Kate are searching into deep corners of things that lie in secret to find the truth about two homeless shelters. The damage that one person can do to another is unbelievable!!! As always, Mr. Howard writes a well written book, lots of twists and turns. I really like this book!!
As always Blair Howard delivers a fast paced, intelligent read. Harry is in over his head after watching a beautiful young woman jump off the bridge to her death. It haunts him and the necklace she left behind doesn’t reveal any clues.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the Harry Stark books!!!
Two For The Money:
Wow, wow, wow what a story, what a twisted ending!!! Very well done Mr. Howard, this is a very good book!!! I really enjoyed it, I had a hard time putting it down!! One of the oldest horror stories in the world and the author handled it very well.
No....Amanda and Kate??? Hummmm, we’ll see.
Two for the money, The title is apropos. But it also depends on what area of the storyline we’re talking about, doesn’t it???
Hill House:
It’s difficult to see into the dark shadows of things; literally and figuratively. Harry and Kate are searching into deep corners of things that lie in secret to find the truth about two homeless shelters. The damage that one person can do to another is unbelievable!!! As always, Mr. Howard writes a well written book, lots of twists and turns. I really like this book!!
July 5, 2018
Harry Starke Boxset Books 1-3 - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Harry Starke
This first book of three in the box set introduces the eponymous main protagonist, in an entertaining noir PI series set in Chattanooga by Blair Howard.
As Harry pursues his habitual nocturnal pastime of standing on river bridges, in this case the Walnut Street Bridge, he tries in vain to save a suicidal young woman's determination on self-destruction in the icy waters below. The only evidence he can give the police is her coat which she shrugged off to complete her 'mission'.
What he doesn't show them is the pendant that he soon finds out is the entry symbol for a secret exclusive swingers' club. The Mob's involved in blackmailing the illicit lovers - the dead girl Tabitha Willard included and Harry must work with long-time lover and police Lieutenant Kate Gazzara, to find out what caused the tragedy in the night and what secrets Tabitha took to her watery grave.
Two for the Money
Harry's old, school friend Tom Settler calls Harry to come and talk to him at his plush home in Royal Mountain Drive. When Harry arrives he's shocked to find Tom's
dead -and it looks like suicide. Lieutenant Kate Gazzara and Sergeant Lonnie Guest soon arrive, with ME Doc Seddon close behind, to assess the crime scene and agree with Harry it was murder. Tom and three other partners are hedge-fund managers in the same company, which is investigated and shown to be money-laundering for the Mob and it's not long before the other partners suffer a similar fate to Tom's.
Needless to say, Harry & Co soon put the clues to good use and justice ultimately prevails as expected.
Hill House
Kate Gazzara calls Harry in to investigate [as a police consultant], a murder victim whose semi-mummified corpse has been found under the floorboards of a former children's home, which specialised in 'rescuing' street kids from the misery of living rough, now a specialist medically-supervised young people's rehab centre, whose current managers say they know nothing about what went on before they purchased the Home. Tensions run high when another body is found - this time in a drain in the basement floor, where the previous 'managers' kept children in squalor, while using them as child prostitutes.
As we all know, truth will out - especially when Harry and Kate are on the case!
A great start to a great series - this box set is a gem! Grab your copy soon and enjoy some red-hot romance and some ice-cold killer stories!
Harry Starke
This first book of three in the box set introduces the eponymous main protagonist, in an entertaining noir PI series set in Chattanooga by Blair Howard.
As Harry pursues his habitual nocturnal pastime of standing on river bridges, in this case the Walnut Street Bridge, he tries in vain to save a suicidal young woman's determination on self-destruction in the icy waters below. The only evidence he can give the police is her coat which she shrugged off to complete her 'mission'.
What he doesn't show them is the pendant that he soon finds out is the entry symbol for a secret exclusive swingers' club. The Mob's involved in blackmailing the illicit lovers - the dead girl Tabitha Willard included and Harry must work with long-time lover and police Lieutenant Kate Gazzara, to find out what caused the tragedy in the night and what secrets Tabitha took to her watery grave.
Two for the Money
Harry's old, school friend Tom Settler calls Harry to come and talk to him at his plush home in Royal Mountain Drive. When Harry arrives he's shocked to find Tom's
dead -and it looks like suicide. Lieutenant Kate Gazzara and Sergeant Lonnie Guest soon arrive, with ME Doc Seddon close behind, to assess the crime scene and agree with Harry it was murder. Tom and three other partners are hedge-fund managers in the same company, which is investigated and shown to be money-laundering for the Mob and it's not long before the other partners suffer a similar fate to Tom's.
Needless to say, Harry & Co soon put the clues to good use and justice ultimately prevails as expected.
Hill House
Kate Gazzara calls Harry in to investigate [as a police consultant], a murder victim whose semi-mummified corpse has been found under the floorboards of a former children's home, which specialised in 'rescuing' street kids from the misery of living rough, now a specialist medically-supervised young people's rehab centre, whose current managers say they know nothing about what went on before they purchased the Home. Tensions run high when another body is found - this time in a drain in the basement floor, where the previous 'managers' kept children in squalor, while using them as child prostitutes.
As we all know, truth will out - especially when Harry and Kate are on the case!
A great start to a great series - this box set is a gem! Grab your copy soon and enjoy some red-hot romance and some ice-cold killer stories!
June 24, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this series.
#1 Harry Starkey
I used to love Michael Connelly's writing, as well as another couple of authors of that generation.
This is written in the same "voice" as Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher and Agent Pendergrast, as well as several other well loved characters, that kept me glued to my reader, episode after episode.
Harry, is a loveable rogue, that gets the bit between his teeth and doesn't know when to back down. He has a remarkable number of people covering his back. He obviously has cultivated friends and workers, by good deeds and loyalty, for they are willing to go to the wire for him.
Yes, an impressive first episode, let's see if the next lives up to the same high standard.
#2 Two for the Money
Harry, responding to an urgent call from an old friend, walks in to that friends home, to find him dead.
This starts a chain reaction, where a further crime had been committed, of a transfer of billions of money from a hedge fund.
Harry, along with Detective Kate, had their hands full, with the number of possible suspects.
There were a lot of very tense situations that occurred, but to discuss them here, would reveal a lot of the tale.
Let's just say, it is very difficult to guess who had done it, unlike many of this type of murder mystery.
#3 Hill House
The majority of people would not encounter child trafficking, or even prostitution.
To hear that hardened investigators were amazed at the extent of these problems were possibly eye opening to the reader. It isn't something that people would likely think about, unless, like this episode, it is highlighted and stuck under your nose.
Anyway, as usual Harry solves a number of situations in this episode that was daunting and evading the police scrutiny.
Yes, as Harry tends to remind Kate, he's not bound by the same rules as the police force is.
This is an awesome series, to this point.
#1 Harry Starkey
I used to love Michael Connelly's writing, as well as another couple of authors of that generation.
This is written in the same "voice" as Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher and Agent Pendergrast, as well as several other well loved characters, that kept me glued to my reader, episode after episode.
Harry, is a loveable rogue, that gets the bit between his teeth and doesn't know when to back down. He has a remarkable number of people covering his back. He obviously has cultivated friends and workers, by good deeds and loyalty, for they are willing to go to the wire for him.
Yes, an impressive first episode, let's see if the next lives up to the same high standard.
#2 Two for the Money
Harry, responding to an urgent call from an old friend, walks in to that friends home, to find him dead.
This starts a chain reaction, where a further crime had been committed, of a transfer of billions of money from a hedge fund.
Harry, along with Detective Kate, had their hands full, with the number of possible suspects.
There were a lot of very tense situations that occurred, but to discuss them here, would reveal a lot of the tale.
Let's just say, it is very difficult to guess who had done it, unlike many of this type of murder mystery.
#3 Hill House
The majority of people would not encounter child trafficking, or even prostitution.
To hear that hardened investigators were amazed at the extent of these problems were possibly eye opening to the reader. It isn't something that people would likely think about, unless, like this episode, it is highlighted and stuck under your nose.
Anyway, as usual Harry solves a number of situations in this episode that was daunting and evading the police scrutiny.
Yes, as Harry tends to remind Kate, he's not bound by the same rules as the police force is.
This is an awesome series, to this point.
July 9, 2020
A Fast and Action packed Thriller and a great story that is full of action is a fast paced story that keeps you guessing right to the end. I really enjoy Blair Howards writing style, the storytelling and of course Harry Starke. This latest book was right up there and one of the best and “I loved it!”
The story starts when Harry receives an urgent phone call from an old school friend Tom Sattler who asks for Harry’s help but before anything can be done he is found dead. Harry and his PI team start working along with Lieutenant Kate Gazzara who was once Harry’s x-partner and lover along with her now partner sergeant Lonnie Guest. They soon find lots of leads and suspects especially as Tom was involved with a hedge fund and now 350 million has been stolen from the investment fund. You have plenty of people of interest from Mafia Sal De Lucia and his two heavies especially since he has personally lost 12 million of laundered Mafia money. Others suspects include those involved with the hedge fund “New Vision” the people who have invested money and now have lost it. Then there is his family and x-wife, his lovers plus his friends. If you like who done it’s, I suggest you get this book and keep yourself awake trying to guess the whys and who’s involved.
A very well written book with realistic characters, twists and turns some tongue in cheek antic’s you’d expect from Blair or rather Harry plus a slight touch of sex and humour! One thing I would point out is start the book early in the day to avoid being up late.
The story starts when Harry receives an urgent phone call from an old school friend Tom Sattler who asks for Harry’s help but before anything can be done he is found dead. Harry and his PI team start working along with Lieutenant Kate Gazzara who was once Harry’s x-partner and lover along with her now partner sergeant Lonnie Guest. They soon find lots of leads and suspects especially as Tom was involved with a hedge fund and now 350 million has been stolen from the investment fund. You have plenty of people of interest from Mafia Sal De Lucia and his two heavies especially since he has personally lost 12 million of laundered Mafia money. Others suspects include those involved with the hedge fund “New Vision” the people who have invested money and now have lost it. Then there is his family and x-wife, his lovers plus his friends. If you like who done it’s, I suggest you get this book and keep yourself awake trying to guess the whys and who’s involved.
A very well written book with realistic characters, twists and turns some tongue in cheek antic’s you’d expect from Blair or rather Harry plus a slight touch of sex and humour! One thing I would point out is start the book early in the day to avoid being up late.
January 4, 2020
I have read and loved many of Blair Howard's books, although you will get more enjoyment reading them in order, they are all standalone.
A phone call started this mystery, Tom Sattler was manager of New Vision private equity fund and an old school friend of Harry Starke. Harry,ex Chattanooga PD and now a PI, received an urgent phone call from his old friend and arranged a meeting for thirty minutes hence, when Harry arrived, Tom was dead, it looked like suicide......but was it......here the story starts.
350 million has disappeared from the hedge fund, Sal De Luca,violent local maffia wants his money back...was the money being laundered for him ?
There are so many suspects including the other three partners, Tom's ex wife and daughters, his girlfriend to name but a few.
There are more twists and turns than a roller coaster, nail biting suspense, violence, torture and murder. Harry sets out to solve the mystery along with his ex partner Lt Kate Gazzara of the Chatanooga PD, her partner Sergeant Lonnie Guest and Harry's unique team. He also has help from TV news presenter Amanda Cole who Harry has despised after she did a hatchet job on him a while ago but who has information. Will the spark between Harry and Amanda flair ? will the chemistry that still exists between Harry and Kate win through ?
This story kept me guessing from the beginning to the very neat twist, that I didn't see coming, at the end. a thoroughly enjoyable book
A phone call started this mystery, Tom Sattler was manager of New Vision private equity fund and an old school friend of Harry Starke. Harry,ex Chattanooga PD and now a PI, received an urgent phone call from his old friend and arranged a meeting for thirty minutes hence, when Harry arrived, Tom was dead, it looked like suicide......but was it......here the story starts.
350 million has disappeared from the hedge fund, Sal De Luca,violent local maffia wants his money back...was the money being laundered for him ?
There are so many suspects including the other three partners, Tom's ex wife and daughters, his girlfriend to name but a few.
There are more twists and turns than a roller coaster, nail biting suspense, violence, torture and murder. Harry sets out to solve the mystery along with his ex partner Lt Kate Gazzara of the Chatanooga PD, her partner Sergeant Lonnie Guest and Harry's unique team. He also has help from TV news presenter Amanda Cole who Harry has despised after she did a hatchet job on him a while ago but who has information. Will the spark between Harry and Amanda flair ? will the chemistry that still exists between Harry and Kate win through ?
This story kept me guessing from the beginning to the very neat twist, that I didn't see coming, at the end. a thoroughly enjoyable book
December 30, 2017
Very good read!
I chose a five star rating for this series, because when I read the first one I wanted to read the second and third. Very good storylines. Vivid characters, who stayed true to form. My only drawback would be the overuse of the GD word, in my opinion. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good sleuthing series. I would read other stories by this author.
I chose a five star rating for this series, because when I read the first one I wanted to read the second and third. Very good storylines. Vivid characters, who stayed true to form. My only drawback would be the overuse of the GD word, in my opinion. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good sleuthing series. I would read other stories by this author.
March 23, 2018
Rather sophmoric. Harry's far too into himself and his approach to women would make Weinstein proud. I managed to make it through the second book, but that's all I could take. Of the two murders in the second book, he really only wrapped up one (note that I didn't say "solved") and resolution of the crimes relied heavily on confessions.
"Nothing to see here, move along."
"Nothing to see here, move along."
November 2, 2016
Unrelistic
I gave up on first book Main character is well known private investigator in Chattanooga Tennessee. with population of approx 180k and yet he doesn't know a prominent doctor, new multi million dollar strip mil with French restaurant or Congressman. Not realistic.
I gave up on first book Main character is well known private investigator in Chattanooga Tennessee. with population of approx 180k and yet he doesn't know a prominent doctor, new multi million dollar strip mil with French restaurant or Congressman. Not realistic.
December 8, 2018
A great read
The plots move fast and the characters are well fleshed out. I’m a new fan of Harry Stark’s and will be reading more!
The plots move fast and the characters are well fleshed out. I’m a new fan of Harry Stark’s and will be reading more!
September 12, 2021
'Harry Starke' is a book about a Private Investigator that witnesses a girl throw herself from a bridge. Why would she do that? Is there more going on than first meets the eye? That may sound like a story we’ve heard before but Blair Howard avoids the usual cliches of PI fiction. For one, Harry Starke isn’t a down on his luck drunk, but none-the-less brilliant, investigator. He runs a successful PI firm with a competent staff. The author also avoids making Harry a gun toting hard running hero. Yes he does have a swagger and he is of course the hero of the story but he’s real in terms of his flaws. This is my first taste of the writing of Blair Howard and the best recommendation I guess I can give is to say it certainly won't be my last. In Harry Starke we have a character that is sure to entertain and keep drawing me back time and time again.
'Two For The Money' moved to the top of my book list because I loved ‘Harry Starke’, book one of this series, and was eager to see where Blair Howard would take his Private Investigator next. The answer is into the world of high end investment and murder. $350m has been stolen and a partner in the investment firm has committed suicide. Or has he? Harry Starke knew the man years ago and feels compelled to investigate. The author weaves a twisting tale that takes in many diverse characters all with reason and motive before Harry does what he does best and comes up with a plan to get answers. I won’t give away the ending but I didn't guess where it was going at all. A great book with a character that has quickly become a firm personal favourite.
'Hill House' starts with Harry Starke being called on to help out with an old murder case when the remains of a long dead teenager are found hidden in the floor of the house of the title. This is a fairly dark story that tackles some tough issues. It’s not in any way gratuitous and leaves the details to the reader but it's there. It fires up our hero too, making this case much more personal as he battles to find the people responsible. I personally really enjoyed it as much as I did the first two books of the series. It’s well written and keeps up a steady pace with Starke working the clues to discover what happened all those years ago. Aside from Starke himself Blair Howard has created a good cast of supporting characters that all bring something to the story. Overall this is another good addition to the series.
'Two For The Money' moved to the top of my book list because I loved ‘Harry Starke’, book one of this series, and was eager to see where Blair Howard would take his Private Investigator next. The answer is into the world of high end investment and murder. $350m has been stolen and a partner in the investment firm has committed suicide. Or has he? Harry Starke knew the man years ago and feels compelled to investigate. The author weaves a twisting tale that takes in many diverse characters all with reason and motive before Harry does what he does best and comes up with a plan to get answers. I won’t give away the ending but I didn't guess where it was going at all. A great book with a character that has quickly become a firm personal favourite.
'Hill House' starts with Harry Starke being called on to help out with an old murder case when the remains of a long dead teenager are found hidden in the floor of the house of the title. This is a fairly dark story that tackles some tough issues. It’s not in any way gratuitous and leaves the details to the reader but it's there. It fires up our hero too, making this case much more personal as he battles to find the people responsible. I personally really enjoyed it as much as I did the first two books of the series. It’s well written and keeps up a steady pace with Starke working the clues to discover what happened all those years ago. Aside from Starke himself Blair Howard has created a good cast of supporting characters that all bring something to the story. Overall this is another good addition to the series.
August 6, 2018
Blair Howard has created an iconic private eye in Harry Starke. He's a former cop, son of a wealthy lawyer and tough. I might go as far as saying hard-boiled. Starke is smart. He's arrogant. And he's a womanizer. All good when Dashiell Hammett penned the bulk of his masterpieces. But the constant drinking and obsession with meals appears out of place. At first. I'm a fan of this genre, and Howard knows how to write a mystery. Along the way, he chronicles Starke's shortcomings. He's noncommittal when it comes to his women. He's more intrigued when he's with somebody else. He's somewhat brutal in his treatment of underworld scumbags. Howard is very consistent in making Starke borderline 50s/60s male. The guy who reads Playboy. I'm harping on this particular concept because it really caused me to want to put the third installment of the series down. I had read the first two in rapid succession. Howard knows how to suck in a reader through sublime narrative. He's good. But good or not, Starke can be difficult to take. Here's what drove me a little nuts. He's carrying on with a TV reporter, who he describes as a sculpted beauty, and then wants what he left her for, a cop who he dated some nine years. Meanwhile, he's got a third woman in the wings. Not that I'm a rabid #metoo supporter but damn. Don't you have something else, anything else to consume your idle protagonist chatter? Good thing I picked the novel back up. The third installment is intense. Howard had a reason, or at least I think he did, of making Starke such a dog. His case in the third book, "Hill House," is all about the short life of a young woman whose bones are found under the floorboards of an old house that was used to shelter homeless teens. He's forced to face his cavalier attitude about women. He's horrified by what her life must have been. He's tortured that he can't bring at least a semblance of justice to her memory. Starke doubles down. He learns what happened. He discovers the problem of modern-day slavery and using young women as sex for hire. I was impressed by Starke's consciousness raising. I just hope it doesn't fade away when I pick up books four, five and six.
March 25, 2021
This is a good boxset that gives the first 3 books in the Harry Starke Series.
Harry Starke
This is the first and a very good introduction to the detective. Harry is pulled into a shady world involving politicians, gangsters and sundry folks both rich and poor, when he witnesses and maybe somehow contributes to a woman's suicide.
There is humour, danger, fighting, and more in this book. There are also some moments that are a bit difficult to square with reality, especially his access to and involvement in the official police case, but overall I enjoyed the book.
Two for the Money
This second outing for Harry Starke starts with a phone call from a soon to be dead school friend who hadn't been in touch for years. Money is missing, a lot of money and there seems to be a lot of people with motive. There are more deaths and a fair bit of action. Harry and Kate are more off than on in this story and he gets involved, at least physically with a local TV journalist/presenter. This is not as good as the first book, although the elements are there and I like the style and pace. the story was a bit less engaging.
Hill House
This is 3rd Book starts with the discovery of a young woman, in a house that used to be run as a shelter for vulnerable youngsters. As the investigation goes deeper, it soon becomes clear there is exploitation and trafficking the caring organisations seem to be in the frame.
For me this was a better book than the second. It engaged me and there was action, but also more characterisation. The story links back to characters from previous books, but also brings new people into the frame and we see a little bit more about some of the peripheral people too.
Tom Lennon is a very competent narrator and does help to bring the book to life. Enhancing the slightly noir feeling and giving depth to the characters.
Overall for this Box set 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars.
Harry Starke
This is the first and a very good introduction to the detective. Harry is pulled into a shady world involving politicians, gangsters and sundry folks both rich and poor, when he witnesses and maybe somehow contributes to a woman's suicide.
There is humour, danger, fighting, and more in this book. There are also some moments that are a bit difficult to square with reality, especially his access to and involvement in the official police case, but overall I enjoyed the book.
Two for the Money
This second outing for Harry Starke starts with a phone call from a soon to be dead school friend who hadn't been in touch for years. Money is missing, a lot of money and there seems to be a lot of people with motive. There are more deaths and a fair bit of action. Harry and Kate are more off than on in this story and he gets involved, at least physically with a local TV journalist/presenter. This is not as good as the first book, although the elements are there and I like the style and pace. the story was a bit less engaging.
Hill House
This is 3rd Book starts with the discovery of a young woman, in a house that used to be run as a shelter for vulnerable youngsters. As the investigation goes deeper, it soon becomes clear there is exploitation and trafficking the caring organisations seem to be in the frame.
For me this was a better book than the second. It engaged me and there was action, but also more characterisation. The story links back to characters from previous books, but also brings new people into the frame and we see a little bit more about some of the peripheral people too.
Tom Lennon is a very competent narrator and does help to bring the book to life. Enhancing the slightly noir feeling and giving depth to the characters.
Overall for this Box set 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars.
February 7, 2018
I was prepared to not like this Harry Starke character. Well I was wrong, he seems to be a bit stuck on what he is wearing, I don't get that... a bit of a spoiled rich man. But in spite of some irritating personality blips he is a caring investigator who will not let go of a case. He is a private investigator and owns his own business, with a varied group of people to help. His best friend, is a Lieutenant on the Chattanooga Police force, Kate and Harry have a long history. Harry gets called in on some of Kate's most interesting complex cases. He runs afoul of some really shady persons of interest but when these people threaten people Harry cares for, all bets are off. Kate then worries weather Harry can stay on the right side of the road.. In book 1 a young woman jumps off the bridge right in front of
Harry, he tries to save her, and then tries to figure out who drove her to it. Book 2, one of his friends from college is murdered, Harry finds out why, and is surprised by the answer. Book 3, Children being bought and sold.. A mob connection? You know Harry will find out.
Harry, he tries to save her, and then tries to figure out who drove her to it. Book 2, one of his friends from college is murdered, Harry finds out why, and is surprised by the answer. Book 3, Children being bought and sold.. A mob connection? You know Harry will find out.
November 3, 2022
I had already read Harry Starke, Genesis and found him to be a complicated, interesting character, so well written that by now I almost feel I know him. Harry is not the usual PI, struggling to make a living from a seedy office. He is the complete opposite. An ex police detective, thrown out because of his unconventional methods and independent thinking, Harry is the son of a very wealthy man so has no difficulties setting up his own business. Harry has a conscience and gets involved in cases and events more for justice than for a fat fee. These three books are great adventures, with Harry helping the police in the form of his old partner and ex lover, Lt. Kate Gazzara. The stories are extremely well written, the subject matter realistic and the author obviously knows his background. I love Harry Starke and will read more of his adventures. His only downfall is his inability to resist a beautiful woman. His biggest mistake was letting Lt Kate go. I highly recommend to anyone who likes a good, character driven detective mystery
August 21, 2018
Harry Starke is one bad-ass mofo! I loved listening to these books, liked the writing, character development, plot and narration. I agree they just keep getting better (each book in the series), I was captivated throughout the whole thing and, while it took me a little while to finish due to the length, it was well worth it. I'm definitely hooked and will be getting more in the series. I'm not one to criticize someone's writing due to the story being sexist, racist, homophobic, etc - some characters are jerks after all! I'm not squeamish about anything, if I like the story (stories), I will give it a good review. Some people think that because a book/story doesn't fit into their little approved box, it sucks. Not the case for me, I give every story a good chance. I've seen mixed reviews on this series, and I myself really really liked it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Read
September 28, 2020Harry Starke (Harry Starke #1), my nineteenth read from author Blair Howard after reading all 5 books in the Harry Stark Genesis series & all 9 books in the Kare Gazzara series I figured it was high time to go back to the beginning. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction.
Two for the Money (Harry Starke #2), my twentieth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction. I look forward to Hill House (Harry Starke #3)
Hill House (Harry Starke #3), my twenty-first read from author Blair Howard after reading all 5 books in the Harry Stark Genesis series & all 9 books in the Kare Gazzara series I figured it was high time to go back to the beginning. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction. I look forward to Checkmate (Harry Starke #4). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Two for the Money (Harry Starke #2), my twentieth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction. I look forward to Hill House (Harry Starke #3)
Hill House (Harry Starke #3), my twenty-first read from author Blair Howard after reading all 5 books in the Harry Stark Genesis series & all 9 books in the Kare Gazzara series I figured it was high time to go back to the beginning. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction. I look forward to Checkmate (Harry Starke #4). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 7, 2025
Engaging
Three engaging books building up the main characters, Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara, although the stories are quite different.
Each story gets you gripped quite early on and drags you along every turn as situations unfold. Tension builds as the local gangster and Harry try to get one over on each other with family and friends of Harry becoming potential targets as the psychological games played by the gangster play with Harry’s mind.
I liked the stories and couldn’t help but turn the pages to see how things evolved. Definitely worth reading.
One thing that wound me up just a bit was the fashion show we had with full on descriptions of everything almost everybody wore and then again when clothes needed changing. I’m not convinced it added to the stories or building the characters profiles.
Three engaging books building up the main characters, Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara, although the stories are quite different.
Each story gets you gripped quite early on and drags you along every turn as situations unfold. Tension builds as the local gangster and Harry try to get one over on each other with family and friends of Harry becoming potential targets as the psychological games played by the gangster play with Harry’s mind.
I liked the stories and couldn’t help but turn the pages to see how things evolved. Definitely worth reading.
One thing that wound me up just a bit was the fashion show we had with full on descriptions of everything almost everybody wore and then again when clothes needed changing. I’m not convinced it added to the stories or building the characters profiles.
October 30, 2017
The Harry Starks Series: books 1-3 by Blair Howard
Meet Harry Starke, from a boy, to the man, a career with the Chattanooga Police Department working his way to Detective partnered with Kate Lazzara until Harry had reached the point that he left FOR and started his own business as a Private investigator/consultant to the police. Harry's handed a silver spoon inherited when his parents were killed, but his sense of right and wrong didn't deter him from taking care of anyone, rich or poor, often putting his own life in danger but unwilling to let the bad guy get away from justice. I'm sure that once you meet and get to know Harry, you're going ahead and read the entire series. Thanks for letting me know a new author's unique writing style. Great read.
Meet Harry Starke, from a boy, to the man, a career with the Chattanooga Police Department working his way to Detective partnered with Kate Lazzara until Harry had reached the point that he left FOR and started his own business as a Private investigator/consultant to the police. Harry's handed a silver spoon inherited when his parents were killed, but his sense of right and wrong didn't deter him from taking care of anyone, rich or poor, often putting his own life in danger but unwilling to let the bad guy get away from justice. I'm sure that once you meet and get to know Harry, you're going ahead and read the entire series. Thanks for letting me know a new author's unique writing style. Great read.
February 11, 2018
ZERO stars. OMG, that's time I will never get back. And no, I did NOT finish even the first of this god awful series. Sorry Blair Howard, but your writing is juvenile, scripted, repetitive and just plain awful. In case anyone wonders, Harry usually gets to work no later than 7:30am - except in book one, NEVER. WHO CARES??? I'm sure you're a nice person but you need to find another line of work.
And the typos were abundant, the sentence construction often didn't even resemble English. Am totally embarrassed that I even listed this on my Goodreads page, but I want to be sure to warn people. Do. Not. Do. It. You will regret it.
And the typos were abundant, the sentence construction often didn't even resemble English. Am totally embarrassed that I even listed this on my Goodreads page, but I want to be sure to warn people. Do. Not. Do. It. You will regret it.
October 26, 2019
3 different stories 1 private detective 1 police officer.
Harry is a successful and reasonably well off and a Private Detective. These two things do not go together usually, then you as in his very Personal relationship with the Police lieutenant and his very Personal relationship with a reporter from the local TV station plus a relationship with a senior member of the U.S. Congress and fighting crime at the same time. A few sticky situations both personally and work wise. But he seems to come out on top each time. 3 good stories interesting reads but they didn't excite me very much.
Harry is a successful and reasonably well off and a Private Detective. These two things do not go together usually, then you as in his very Personal relationship with the Police lieutenant and his very Personal relationship with a reporter from the local TV station plus a relationship with a senior member of the U.S. Congress and fighting crime at the same time. A few sticky situations both personally and work wise. But he seems to come out on top each time. 3 good stories interesting reads but they didn't excite me very much.
June 5, 2020
The Harry Starke Series: Books 1-3 is an entertaining collection of three murder mysteries. The protagonist, Harry Starke, is a hot head, self absorbed, and a bit of a womanizer, but he’s good at his job, and he has a talented team to work with. I especially like his police officer friend, Kate.
Recommended for mature readers. The stories contain violence, mild sexual content and talk of crimes including pedophilia, rape, and prostitution.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job and is well suited to the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommended for mature readers. The stories contain violence, mild sexual content and talk of crimes including pedophilia, rape, and prostitution.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job and is well suited to the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 22, 2021
A good story, with book one leading gracefully through book two and topping the trilogy with book three, which was the best part of the book. What I don't like is the sexism. It pervades the story line and, in my opinion, detracts from it. Mine, of course, is a woman's view. It is disheartening to think that an accomplished man like Harry Stark is constantly apprising and describing and lusting after each woman who comes into the script. That is if he likes them. The unattractive ones get equal but derrogatory descriptions with degradation thrown in. I think the story would be just as effective without much of this.
January 6, 2022
So I am going through a Harry Starke binge right now. The narration works for me once I adjusted my thoughts on how I would imagine Harry to sound if that makes sense, based on the books that I have been reading. You can tell that this is written by a man with the thought process but there was some moments of great clarity where the author went through the male thoughts and fears which gave me a completely new perspective.
This is light hearted but deals with series issues like sex trafficking.
I would really recommend this and it was great for when I was walking my dog I just kept going it was so addictive.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
This is light hearted but deals with series issues like sex trafficking.
I would really recommend this and it was great for when I was walking my dog I just kept going it was so addictive.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
December 26, 2024
The origin of Harty, Kate, and Amanda
I've read several of Blair Howard's books set in Chattanooga. Harry and Kate are always doing dangerous things on the job and off. Him in his PI role and her being a cop.
Amanda joins their story because she has information she thinks will help them solve a murder. She has a lot of background information on criminals in the area because of her work as a TV news reporter.
Harry is quite busy getting it on with women, enjoying a romp in the hay with a handful of them. I had no idea he'd behaved like that in the past. It's a wonder he didn't get an STD.
I was fascinated by his relationship with a congresswoman. That was amazing.
I've read several of Blair Howard's books set in Chattanooga. Harry and Kate are always doing dangerous things on the job and off. Him in his PI role and her being a cop.
Amanda joins their story because she has information she thinks will help them solve a murder. She has a lot of background information on criminals in the area because of her work as a TV news reporter.
Harry is quite busy getting it on with women, enjoying a romp in the hay with a handful of them. I had no idea he'd behaved like that in the past. It's a wonder he didn't get an STD.
I was fascinated by his relationship with a congresswoman. That was amazing.
October 27, 2017
Interesting series
I gave this 4 stars because it was a page turning read and interesting mystery. My turn-off? The lead character Harry Starke. Ma!e authors must have a fantasy about writing about good-looking, impeccably dressed, high maintenance woman-izers. It seems every woman who is between 5'6 to 5'11, drop dead gorgeous, fabulous bodies wants him. Yuck. Turn off for sure. Get real! Got real tired of this and was actually hoping that Amanda would had gotten hit by the truck. Not sure if I would read another Starke novel.
I gave this 4 stars because it was a page turning read and interesting mystery. My turn-off? The lead character Harry Starke. Ma!e authors must have a fantasy about writing about good-looking, impeccably dressed, high maintenance woman-izers. It seems every woman who is between 5'6 to 5'11, drop dead gorgeous, fabulous bodies wants him. Yuck. Turn off for sure. Get real! Got real tired of this and was actually hoping that Amanda would had gotten hit by the truck. Not sure if I would read another Starke novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews