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A Dr. Kate Morrison Mystery #3
Troop 18
Andy can’t seem to stop worrying about Kate. Instead of obsessing over things she can’t control, Andy takes on a unique case involving a troubled troop of cadets from the RC MP training academy. The troop is tightly bonded, especially since the recent death of a fellow cadet. They are also hiding a secret, and Andy has been tasked with uncovering it. When Kate unexpectedly shows up as part of the team supporting the troop, Andy has to find a way to balance her job and her heart. As the conspiracy is exposed, a medical emergency brings Kate and Andy closer together even as the troop begins to fall apart.
Follow-up to Trigger and Pathogen.
Follow-up to Trigger and Pathogen.
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2017
14 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Jessica L. Webb
6 books206 followersJessica L. Webb spends her professional days working with educators to find the why behind the challenging behaviors of the students they support. Limitless curiosity about the motivations and intentions of human behavior is also a huge part of what drives her to write stories and understand the complexities of her characters and their actions.
When she's not working or writing, Jessica is spending time with her wife and child, usually planning where they will travel next. Jessica can be found most often on her favorite spot on the couch with a book and a cup of tea.
When she's not working or writing, Jessica is spending time with her wife and child, usually planning where they will travel next. Jessica can be found most often on her favorite spot on the couch with a book and a cup of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 8, 2019
"Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
3.5 stars!
A decent 3rd series. This was not a perfect book/storyline like the others but had consistent quality writing in every aspect and definitely became more complex had higher stakes than i was expecting. This feeling of disconnect was a part of the only thing that stopped me from being utterly infatuated with this storyline because the plot twists did not provide much forward momentum until closer to the ending. It would have been good to see where the characters were going along with what was happening inside their heads--: like Andy's 'POV' narrative is a thing of beauty because this gave the story some energy and something that readers could get into. With this being said do not let this put you off because it displays some good penmanship from Ms.Webb because the ending is also enticing. Recommended to everyone!
3.5 stars!
A decent 3rd series. This was not a perfect book/storyline like the others but had consistent quality writing in every aspect and definitely became more complex had higher stakes than i was expecting. This feeling of disconnect was a part of the only thing that stopped me from being utterly infatuated with this storyline because the plot twists did not provide much forward momentum until closer to the ending. It would have been good to see where the characters were going along with what was happening inside their heads--: like Andy's 'POV' narrative is a thing of beauty because this gave the story some energy and something that readers could get into. With this being said do not let this put you off because it displays some good penmanship from Ms.Webb because the ending is also enticing. Recommended to everyone!
February 20, 2017
First I want to say, Jessica Webb is a brilliant writer. The Dr. Kate Morrison Mystery series, has been one of my favorite series in a long time. This book was a bit different than the other two, but just as wonderfully written. If this is the last in the series (and I hope not) I'm satisfied, and will re-read and remember these books for a very long time.
This book picks up where book 2 left off. (Book 2 spoiler ahead) Andy is counting the days, hoping Kate will come back to her. As each day goes by, Andy is more scared she will not see Kate again. When she is asked by an old friend, to observe a troop of RCMP trainees, Andy jumps at the chance for a distraction. She brings the troop up to a camp her friend owns, hoping to find out what these trainees are hiding. When the doctor on duty wants out, and Andy finds out Kate will take her place, excitement and nervousness war through her. Will Kate want to have a relationship again, or is this the beginning of the end?
What I really enjoyed about this book, is that the whole POV is seen through Andy. I have always really liked Andy, but she became such a more dimensional character, in this book. You really understand her as a person and at what depth her feeling for Kate really are.
I mentioned briefly, this book is different than the other two. While it does have a mystery involving the troop, it is much more low key and not as heart pounding, as previous books. This book was much more emotional. It was about Andy and Kate's relationship. Romance fans out there, this is the book for you. In previous books, there was so much action, that the romance was on the back-burner a bit, this book absolutely makes up for it.
The way this book ended, it may be the last in the series. While I really hope it is not, I love these characters too much to say goodbye, if this is, then it's a good ending. Kate and Andy, are up there with my favorite lesfic couples ever, and Webb is up there with my favorite lesfic authors. If Webb writes a book, I will read it!
If you are new to this series, read them in order and start at book one, Trigger. It is fantastic. If you have read book 1 and 2, grab this book without a doubt.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
This book picks up where book 2 left off. (Book 2 spoiler ahead) Andy is counting the days, hoping Kate will come back to her. As each day goes by, Andy is more scared she will not see Kate again. When she is asked by an old friend, to observe a troop of RCMP trainees, Andy jumps at the chance for a distraction. She brings the troop up to a camp her friend owns, hoping to find out what these trainees are hiding. When the doctor on duty wants out, and Andy finds out Kate will take her place, excitement and nervousness war through her. Will Kate want to have a relationship again, or is this the beginning of the end?
What I really enjoyed about this book, is that the whole POV is seen through Andy. I have always really liked Andy, but she became such a more dimensional character, in this book. You really understand her as a person and at what depth her feeling for Kate really are.
I mentioned briefly, this book is different than the other two. While it does have a mystery involving the troop, it is much more low key and not as heart pounding, as previous books. This book was much more emotional. It was about Andy and Kate's relationship. Romance fans out there, this is the book for you. In previous books, there was so much action, that the romance was on the back-burner a bit, this book absolutely makes up for it.
The way this book ended, it may be the last in the series. While I really hope it is not, I love these characters too much to say goodbye, if this is, then it's a good ending. Kate and Andy, are up there with my favorite lesfic couples ever, and Webb is up there with my favorite lesfic authors. If Webb writes a book, I will read it!
If you are new to this series, read them in order and start at book one, Trigger. It is fantastic. If you have read book 1 and 2, grab this book without a doubt.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
June 15, 2020
So yeah, I’m definitely a fan of this series. And I’m going to assume if you’re reading this review of the third book, you’ve read the previous ones. They are not standalone. If you haven’t, close this page and open Trigger.
I loved all three books, both for the same and for different reasons. The first reason is the two main characters, Kate Morrison and Andy Wyles. They’re both strong women, both much more complicated than they seem at first glance, passionate, driven, flawed, everything I like in a character. The second reason (and there are many others but I won’t list them all) is the atmosphere, the intensity. All three novels have complex, intricate plots, perfectly paced. This third episode, however, differs in a few ways.
The first very smart thing about Troop 18 is that after two novels told from Kate’s point of view, the reader gets to be in Andy’s head. So far, she’s been this sexy, mysterious, brilliant cop, whose courage and smarts are obvious but the reader didn’t get to witness her way of thinking. Andy is the tall and broody type, she’d probably qualify as an ice queen if we had met her through anyone else’s eyes. Since we’ve got our first glimpse through Kate, who won’t let anyone, let alone an ice queen, intimidate her, we feel the warmth the people she is in contact with don’t often see.
I love the interaction between Andy and Kate, the push and pull, how proud they are of the other’s achievements while rather oblivious of their own, how neither will give up her power but won’t ask the other to give up hers either. They’re equals, from the start and forever, despite their wildly different journeys.
Because this book is told from Andy’s POV, the medical aspect is less dominant than in the first two books. This is a police thriller. It’s more cerebral, less scientific. It’s just as exciting, despite being slower.
Troop 18 picks up forty-six days after the end of Pathogen. Andy can’t stop herself from counting the days since Jack drove Kate away. I’m not a very patient person in many areas but with books, I love watching events unfold and I don’t often want things to hurry (except if the story is badly written but of course that’s not the case here). Yet very soon into Troop 18, I found myself internally hopping up and down. If time felt long for Andy to be separated from Kate, I swear it felt longer for me (I’ll admit that could be my inner drama queen talking).
Anyhow, Andy is going crazy without Kate and welcomes an assignment to try and understand what’s going one with a troop of cadets at the RCMP academy, whose members are so tight-knit the baffled instructors, convinced they’re hiding something, don’t know how to get through to them.
There are no human bombs here, no deadly virus, but the tension is just as high. One of Jessica L. Webb’s strong points is how human her characters (main or secondary) are. It’s impossible not to feel involved in what’s happening with the cadets, not to feel for them. It’s also why Kate and Andy are such great characters. I like a good plot, but I’m very character-driven, and if I can’t relate to the characters in a story, I won’t really care what happens to them. Another reason why I believe writing this book from Andy’s POV was so clever.
While the ending of Pathogen made it clear there was more to tell, this one has a definite sense of finality. I feel sad saying goodbye to Kate and Andy, and I’d love to get more of them, but the series feels complete, satisfyingly so.
I loved all three books, both for the same and for different reasons. The first reason is the two main characters, Kate Morrison and Andy Wyles. They’re both strong women, both much more complicated than they seem at first glance, passionate, driven, flawed, everything I like in a character. The second reason (and there are many others but I won’t list them all) is the atmosphere, the intensity. All three novels have complex, intricate plots, perfectly paced. This third episode, however, differs in a few ways.
The first very smart thing about Troop 18 is that after two novels told from Kate’s point of view, the reader gets to be in Andy’s head. So far, she’s been this sexy, mysterious, brilliant cop, whose courage and smarts are obvious but the reader didn’t get to witness her way of thinking. Andy is the tall and broody type, she’d probably qualify as an ice queen if we had met her through anyone else’s eyes. Since we’ve got our first glimpse through Kate, who won’t let anyone, let alone an ice queen, intimidate her, we feel the warmth the people she is in contact with don’t often see.
I love the interaction between Andy and Kate, the push and pull, how proud they are of the other’s achievements while rather oblivious of their own, how neither will give up her power but won’t ask the other to give up hers either. They’re equals, from the start and forever, despite their wildly different journeys.
Because this book is told from Andy’s POV, the medical aspect is less dominant than in the first two books. This is a police thriller. It’s more cerebral, less scientific. It’s just as exciting, despite being slower.
Troop 18 picks up forty-six days after the end of Pathogen. Andy can’t stop herself from counting the days since Jack drove Kate away. I’m not a very patient person in many areas but with books, I love watching events unfold and I don’t often want things to hurry (except if the story is badly written but of course that’s not the case here). Yet very soon into Troop 18, I found myself internally hopping up and down. If time felt long for Andy to be separated from Kate, I swear it felt longer for me (I’ll admit that could be my inner drama queen talking).
Anyhow, Andy is going crazy without Kate and welcomes an assignment to try and understand what’s going one with a troop of cadets at the RCMP academy, whose members are so tight-knit the baffled instructors, convinced they’re hiding something, don’t know how to get through to them.
There are no human bombs here, no deadly virus, but the tension is just as high. One of Jessica L. Webb’s strong points is how human her characters (main or secondary) are. It’s impossible not to feel involved in what’s happening with the cadets, not to feel for them. It’s also why Kate and Andy are such great characters. I like a good plot, but I’m very character-driven, and if I can’t relate to the characters in a story, I won’t really care what happens to them. Another reason why I believe writing this book from Andy’s POV was so clever.
While the ending of Pathogen made it clear there was more to tell, this one has a definite sense of finality. I feel sad saying goodbye to Kate and Andy, and I’d love to get more of them, but the series feels complete, satisfyingly so.
February 20, 2017
I really could go on and on about how much I have adored Jessica L. Webb’s novels. Every book has been just outstanding.
Troop 18 comes from Andy’s perspective and picks up fairly soon after Kate left Andy in Pathogen. Right out of the gate you feel Andy’s despair of their quasi-breakup. She has counted the days that Kate has been gone with no contact. Not a phone call, nor a text to let her know where they stand or how she is. Andy’s heart is broken and she is terrified of a future without Kate. Her pain is palatable, you feel it just radiating right of the page. Jessica Webb, you are so good! I love a book that makes you feel, even if it hurts. Of course, Andy turns to work as her salvation, and this takes us right into a bizarre case dealing with a group of RCMP cadets, who may or may not be up to something nefarious. Andy is needed to root out what they are hiding and whether this troop needs to be allowed to continue their training. Not life and death craziness of like the past two novels, but interesting nonetheless.
When Kate does come back to Andy, well I could just gush about their reconnection. These two ripped their hearts out, spoke the truth and held nothing back. Their reconciliation was done masterfully! Emotions, oh the emotions! This is basically the heart of this one. While the mystery is very mysterious, it’s the emotional journey of the Andy and Kate that is the main focus. Of course, I love it, total romance junkie here.
Is this the last of the series, if I was a betting woman I would say yes if felt like the end of the road to me. The characters of Kate and Andy have been phenomenal. What a fantastic series this has been. It is definitely a series to treasure. Webb is easily on of the best authors in this genre, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
4.5 stars
Troop 18 comes from Andy’s perspective and picks up fairly soon after Kate left Andy in Pathogen. Right out of the gate you feel Andy’s despair of their quasi-breakup. She has counted the days that Kate has been gone with no contact. Not a phone call, nor a text to let her know where they stand or how she is. Andy’s heart is broken and she is terrified of a future without Kate. Her pain is palatable, you feel it just radiating right of the page. Jessica Webb, you are so good! I love a book that makes you feel, even if it hurts. Of course, Andy turns to work as her salvation, and this takes us right into a bizarre case dealing with a group of RCMP cadets, who may or may not be up to something nefarious. Andy is needed to root out what they are hiding and whether this troop needs to be allowed to continue their training. Not life and death craziness of like the past two novels, but interesting nonetheless.
When Kate does come back to Andy, well I could just gush about their reconnection. These two ripped their hearts out, spoke the truth and held nothing back. Their reconciliation was done masterfully! Emotions, oh the emotions! This is basically the heart of this one. While the mystery is very mysterious, it’s the emotional journey of the Andy and Kate that is the main focus. Of course, I love it, total romance junkie here.
Is this the last of the series, if I was a betting woman I would say yes if felt like the end of the road to me. The characters of Kate and Andy have been phenomenal. What a fantastic series this has been. It is definitely a series to treasure. Webb is easily on of the best authors in this genre, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
4.5 stars
March 26, 2017
Troop 18 is the third book in the cop and doc series "Dr. Kate Morrison Mysteries" . The series may be named for the doc, but this third book is all about the cop, RCMP Sgt. Andy Wyles--everything as seen from Andy's eyes. This is her story.
Ending spoiler for Book 2:
At the end of the previous book, Dr. Kate Morrison was an emotional mess. Two consecutive life-altering traumatic incidents and a lingering unresolved guilt over the death of a loved-one would have been enough to break down even the toughest of ER docs. But add to that her confusion at falling in love with a woman and then having to navigate her newly discovered sexuality in the real world, plus Andy's tendency to over-protect and what you have is a perfect storm of emotional and psychological issues ready to explode. Not wanting to hurt Andy, Kate shockingly decides to walk away from her, thinking she needs to fix her issues and figure things out herself.
Book 3 picks up a few weeks after the walkout. It's a very welcome departure from the Kate-centric first two books as it really fleshes out Andy's previously emotionally distant and unavailable character. The author's depiction of the emotional toll of Kate's departure on Andy is one of the most poignant and realistic I've ever read. How she handles the pain, the emptiness, and especially the vivid and always-intruding memories of Kate is so touchingly and effectively portrayed, it is gut-wrenching. Outwardly, there are no histrionics. Everything is so restrained, so perfectly functional and so Andy. But deep inside, she is completely broken. And that sets the tone for one of the most incredible reunion scenes I've ever read. The full emotional weight of this scene is not to be missed. But of course, you can only fully experience it if you've read the entire series.
Now on to the case. Something weird is going on with a certain group of RCMP trainees. Ever since the sudden death of one of the cadets, they've become too closed in, too insular. The instructors suspect something is going on but can't pin anything on anyone in particular. This Troop 18 have creepily taken the one-for-all and all-for-one maxim to the extreme. But no one knows why. And no one is talking. Andy takes up the challenge to figure this mystery out.
I mentioned before that this case actually put me to sleep more than once. This book is not a thriller. I've been conditioned by the author to expect one because the first two books were pulse-pounding thrillers. Hence my initial disappointment with the book's chosen case. This is more of a mystery (the series title says so, after all). It's intriguing and frustrating, as mysteries go. But here's why I wasn't fully engaged: no one was in any real danger and none of the cadets stood out enough to engender sympathy. Also, while Andy was under constant pressure to solve the mystery, it wasn't as if anyone was gonna die if she didn't. At the worst, the RCMP would be graduating a bunch of cadets more loyal to club than country. Not exactly ideal, but it didn't feel like a deal-breaker either. Nothing but Andy's reputation is on the line. Well, probably her neck too. :) And the truth, of course. Okay, the whole premise sounded a little wimpy, even from the start. But it's really the resolution that let me down big time.
Fortunately, the book has enough of Andy/Kate (love, love, love the ending) for me to enjoy. The best of the three, imho. Not because it's better written but more along the lines of it being a lovely conclusion to the series. And this is totally going to my re-read pile....at least, the Andy/Kate parts. :)
4.4 stars, mostly for the Andy/Kate
ARC from Netgalley
p.s. reduced the rating a bit, relative to other books I read this year.
Ending spoiler for Book 2:
At the end of the previous book, Dr. Kate Morrison was an emotional mess. Two consecutive life-altering traumatic incidents and a lingering unresolved guilt over the death of a loved-one would have been enough to break down even the toughest of ER docs. But add to that her confusion at falling in love with a woman and then having to navigate her newly discovered sexuality in the real world, plus Andy's tendency to over-protect and what you have is a perfect storm of emotional and psychological issues ready to explode. Not wanting to hurt Andy, Kate shockingly decides to walk away from her, thinking she needs to fix her issues and figure things out herself.
Book 3 picks up a few weeks after the walkout. It's a very welcome departure from the Kate-centric first two books as it really fleshes out Andy's previously emotionally distant and unavailable character. The author's depiction of the emotional toll of Kate's departure on Andy is one of the most poignant and realistic I've ever read. How she handles the pain, the emptiness, and especially the vivid and always-intruding memories of Kate is so touchingly and effectively portrayed, it is gut-wrenching. Outwardly, there are no histrionics. Everything is so restrained, so perfectly functional and so Andy. But deep inside, she is completely broken. And that sets the tone for one of the most incredible reunion scenes I've ever read. The full emotional weight of this scene is not to be missed. But of course, you can only fully experience it if you've read the entire series.
Now on to the case. Something weird is going on with a certain group of RCMP trainees. Ever since the sudden death of one of the cadets, they've become too closed in, too insular. The instructors suspect something is going on but can't pin anything on anyone in particular. This Troop 18 have creepily taken the one-for-all and all-for-one maxim to the extreme. But no one knows why. And no one is talking. Andy takes up the challenge to figure this mystery out.
I mentioned before that this case actually put me to sleep more than once. This book is not a thriller. I've been conditioned by the author to expect one because the first two books were pulse-pounding thrillers. Hence my initial disappointment with the book's chosen case. This is more of a mystery (the series title says so, after all). It's intriguing and frustrating, as mysteries go. But here's why I wasn't fully engaged: no one was in any real danger and none of the cadets stood out enough to engender sympathy. Also, while Andy was under constant pressure to solve the mystery, it wasn't as if anyone was gonna die if she didn't. At the worst, the RCMP would be graduating a bunch of cadets more loyal to club than country. Not exactly ideal, but it didn't feel like a deal-breaker either. Nothing but Andy's reputation is on the line. Well, probably her neck too. :) And the truth, of course. Okay, the whole premise sounded a little wimpy, even from the start. But it's really the resolution that let me down big time.
Fortunately, the book has enough of Andy/Kate (love, love, love the ending) for me to enjoy. The best of the three, imho. Not because it's better written but more along the lines of it being a lovely conclusion to the series. And this is totally going to my re-read pile....at least, the Andy/Kate parts. :)
4.4 stars, mostly for the Andy/Kate
ARC from Netgalley
p.s. reduced the rating a bit, relative to other books I read this year.
April 24, 2018
I didn't expect to have trouble finishing this third book in the "Dr. Kate Morrison Mystery" Series. However there were several times when I put it down and just got distracted by the most random things because the story just couldn't hold my attention.
The book started off pretty slow and only slightly picked up its pace when Andy and Kate first meet up again after the ending of book 2. I liked that we got to see some characters from books 1 and 2 again and I like that we got the story this times from Andy's pov but other than that there wasn't anything particularly exciting about this book.
The mystery & crime aspect just wasn't very thrilling and as much as I love Andy and Kate's relationship, it wasn't enough to keep me hooked. 3* rating for this (final?) installment of the series.
The book started off pretty slow and only slightly picked up its pace when Andy and Kate first meet up again after the ending of book 2. I liked that we got to see some characters from books 1 and 2 again and I like that we got the story this times from Andy's pov but other than that there wasn't anything particularly exciting about this book.
The mystery & crime aspect just wasn't very thrilling and as much as I love Andy and Kate's relationship, it wasn't enough to keep me hooked. 3* rating for this (final?) installment of the series.
February 5, 2017
Major Spoiler warning: If you have not read the first two books in this series featuring Dr. Kate Morrison and Sergeant Andy Wyles stop reading this review and grab a copy of Trigger and Pathogen. Both are terrific reads but events in the first two books impact events in Troop 18.
Troop 18 picks up the story forty-six days after the conclusion to Pathogen. We know how many days it’s been because Andy is keeping track, struggling to cope knowing she can’t be there to protect Kate, unsure if she will ever get the chance to be with the woman she loves.
She is asked to work with a group of RCMP cadets who are unlike any troop the training centre in Regina has dealt with in the past. Andy agrees to set up a boot camp in the interior of British Columbia so she can observe the troop and help her former instructors determine what the sixteen remaining cadets are hiding. What she doesn’t know is that the assigned medic for the team will soon be replaced by the newest member of E-division, Dr. Kate Morrison.
I love this author's fluid writing style. Scenes are easy to visualize and her dialogue brings her characters to life. We learn more about Andy in this novel thanks to moments shared with her parents, her supportive friend Kurtz and even her old instructors from her days in training at Depot. Seeing the vulnerable side to our stoic Sergeant Wyles makes the time she eventually gets to spend with Kate all the more meaningful.
This novel doesn’t have the same thriller feel as Trigger or Pathogen but the pacing is solid and the mystery is as challenging as the sixteen cadets are close-mouthed. The biggest struggle I had was keeping track of the many cadets and their individual quirks and identifiers. There were clues scattered about along with enough suspicious activity to keep me guessing until the end. The mystery is a good one, but in Troop 18, the mystery takes a back seat to the ongoing romance between Andy and Kate.
After leaving her readers in relationship limbo at the end of the second novel in this series, Webb rewards us with a beautifully written scene of reconciliation that is both touching and poignant. I don’t know when I have read a more honest and endearing conversation between two women in love. It’s a beautiful thing and brings this series to what feels like a natural conclusion. There are still crimes to solve and new mysteries to unravel but there is a sense of finality with Troop 18. If this is the last time we see Andy and Kate in action then bravo to Ms. Webb for giving us a series to remember.
4.5 stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Troop 18 picks up the story forty-six days after the conclusion to Pathogen. We know how many days it’s been because Andy is keeping track, struggling to cope knowing she can’t be there to protect Kate, unsure if she will ever get the chance to be with the woman she loves.
She is asked to work with a group of RCMP cadets who are unlike any troop the training centre in Regina has dealt with in the past. Andy agrees to set up a boot camp in the interior of British Columbia so she can observe the troop and help her former instructors determine what the sixteen remaining cadets are hiding. What she doesn’t know is that the assigned medic for the team will soon be replaced by the newest member of E-division, Dr. Kate Morrison.
I love this author's fluid writing style. Scenes are easy to visualize and her dialogue brings her characters to life. We learn more about Andy in this novel thanks to moments shared with her parents, her supportive friend Kurtz and even her old instructors from her days in training at Depot. Seeing the vulnerable side to our stoic Sergeant Wyles makes the time she eventually gets to spend with Kate all the more meaningful.
This novel doesn’t have the same thriller feel as Trigger or Pathogen but the pacing is solid and the mystery is as challenging as the sixteen cadets are close-mouthed. The biggest struggle I had was keeping track of the many cadets and their individual quirks and identifiers. There were clues scattered about along with enough suspicious activity to keep me guessing until the end. The mystery is a good one, but in Troop 18, the mystery takes a back seat to the ongoing romance between Andy and Kate.
After leaving her readers in relationship limbo at the end of the second novel in this series, Webb rewards us with a beautifully written scene of reconciliation that is both touching and poignant. I don’t know when I have read a more honest and endearing conversation between two women in love. It’s a beautiful thing and brings this series to what feels like a natural conclusion. There are still crimes to solve and new mysteries to unravel but there is a sense of finality with Troop 18. If this is the last time we see Andy and Kate in action then bravo to Ms. Webb for giving us a series to remember.
4.5 stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
June 8, 2017
Jessica Webb is a great thriller writer. She's excellent at building suspense and providing you with well rounded characters to root for. Trigger (Book 1) absolutely blew me away. It could easily be made into a movie. Pathogen (book 2) was a little more or a slow burn but the mystery/thriller aspects were still strong and the realistic relationship of Kate and Andy remained compelling and satisfying. I went into book 3 expecting awesome with a side of bliss. What I got was a very boring case. At times I was seriously temped to pass over chunks of the cadet story lines and concentrate on the rocky road of Kate and Andy's exquisite relationship. There really wasn't a thriller here at all. A slight mystery but no danger like what was so prevalent in the 1st 2 installments. This was more of a romance. As a romance it definitely succeeds. As a thriller and or mystery, missed the mark. Hence the middle of the road 3 star review.
Fingers crossed there will be more thrilling thrillers in store for Andy and Kate!
Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Fingers crossed there will be more thrilling thrillers in store for Andy and Kate!
Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
Excellent!
This installment is by far the best. The plotline was spot on and very intriguing. The author captured the characters so incredible well, I instantly liked them all. I loved every second of it and I could hardly put it down. Now I can't wait to read more about Kate and Andy and their adventure and journey together. Well done!
This installment is by far the best. The plotline was spot on and very intriguing. The author captured the characters so incredible well, I instantly liked them all. I loved every second of it and I could hardly put it down. Now I can't wait to read more about Kate and Andy and their adventure and journey together. Well done!
April 28, 2020
No gun blazing or mind-boggling scenes. No adrenaline rush. Nothing.... but don’t let that stop you from reading the final series... What you get in the third and final instalment (as it stand today) is Andy and Kate trying to uncover the big secret that the cadets are trying to keep under wraps. Still well-written and interesting enough to keep you guessing... And if you don’t quite fancy the ending in book 2, finale in book 3 will put a smile on your face 😊
October 26, 2023
To say I enjoyed this series is an understatement! I devoured all three books in a few days!
Webb’s style of writing is perfect, everything so vivid. All the characters are beautifully written, love their strengths and flaws ❤️
I could easily read a dozen more books if they were available
Webb’s style of writing is perfect, everything so vivid. All the characters are beautifully written, love their strengths and flaws ❤️
I could easily read a dozen more books if they were available
August 3, 2018
This is number 3 of Webb's series A Kate Morrison mystery. As with number 2, this story stands alone though I recommend to read the series chronologically. Otherwise, there's a lot to be missed in terms of the main characters' development and their relationship. This book picks up roughly two months after the end of book 2 (Pathogen), updating us with the status of the relationship between Dr. Kate Morrison, an ER doctor who occasionally collaborates with the Canadian police, and RCMP Sergeant Andy Wyles.
In the previous two books of the series (Trigger and Pathogen), the story was written from Kate's point of view. This book is from Andy's pov which makes sense as she has a more active role in this investigation which is not as medical as in the previous books. This pov also gives a fresh insight on Andy's traits and conflicts. As usual, there is a number a well rounded secondary characters though it's a pity that Jack (Andy's partner and computer extraordinaire) hasn't got more participation in this book as he balances the seriousness of the situations with his geeky sense of humour. Another difference with the rest of the series is that there isn't a creepy villain behind the mystery, instead, the author gives an interesting insight on mob psychology.
I appreciate that it's hard to keep up with the high standards that Ms. Webb has set for herself in her previous books but even though I don't think this book is as original and a page-turner as the previous two, the author still pulled out a very well written, engaging and entertaining book. Highly recommended series.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
In the previous two books of the series (Trigger and Pathogen), the story was written from Kate's point of view. This book is from Andy's pov which makes sense as she has a more active role in this investigation which is not as medical as in the previous books. This pov also gives a fresh insight on Andy's traits and conflicts. As usual, there is a number a well rounded secondary characters though it's a pity that Jack (Andy's partner and computer extraordinaire) hasn't got more participation in this book as he balances the seriousness of the situations with his geeky sense of humour. Another difference with the rest of the series is that there isn't a creepy villain behind the mystery, instead, the author gives an interesting insight on mob psychology.
I appreciate that it's hard to keep up with the high standards that Ms. Webb has set for herself in her previous books but even though I don't think this book is as original and a page-turner as the previous two, the author still pulled out a very well written, engaging and entertaining book. Highly recommended series.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 27, 2019
First of all, you have to read this series in order, otherwise, you will miss a lot of background information from the previous cases Andy and Kate worked together and especially their relationship. I’m happy, I got my wish, #3 in this series is from Andy’s POV. And I’m really glad the author changed the POV because I liked Andy very much from the beginning and wanted to know more about her.
Troop 18 starts exactly 46 days after book two ended. Andy is struggling with being apart from Kate and the uncertainty of how their relationship will evolve if there will be a relationship if she will see Kate ever again. When she got the chance to work with a troop of RCMP cadets, she’s intrigued to solve the mystery surrounding the troop 18.
This time the case/mystery isn’t as thrilling as in the previous two books, but it is interesting enough to keep you going. This time the focus is on Andy and her relationship with Kate. And I was eager to learn much more about Andy, how she’s thinking and how deep her feelings for Kate are. She became a character with so much more depth, just like Kate in the first two books. It is a very emotional journey for the two of them and I loved every step they took to find each other again.
It looks like it could be the last book in the series but I certainly don’t hope so. After these three books, Kate and Andy are like family to me and I want to have more from them working and living together.
Jessica L. Webb is a fantastic writer. I’m looking forward to her next book. Highly recommended.
My rating 5 stars
Troop 18 starts exactly 46 days after book two ended. Andy is struggling with being apart from Kate and the uncertainty of how their relationship will evolve if there will be a relationship if she will see Kate ever again. When she got the chance to work with a troop of RCMP cadets, she’s intrigued to solve the mystery surrounding the troop 18.
This time the case/mystery isn’t as thrilling as in the previous two books, but it is interesting enough to keep you going. This time the focus is on Andy and her relationship with Kate. And I was eager to learn much more about Andy, how she’s thinking and how deep her feelings for Kate are. She became a character with so much more depth, just like Kate in the first two books. It is a very emotional journey for the two of them and I loved every step they took to find each other again.
It looks like it could be the last book in the series but I certainly don’t hope so. After these three books, Kate and Andy are like family to me and I want to have more from them working and living together.
Jessica L. Webb is a fantastic writer. I’m looking forward to her next book. Highly recommended.
My rating 5 stars
June 26, 2020
Jessica L. Webb does not disappoint. This is book 3 of the Kate and Andy series. In my opinion, one should start at book 1 or some things might not make sense. Bonus points that it's set in my neck of the woods, Vancouver.
It's hard to review this without spoilers for book 2, since this follows closely after that. Anyway, Andy is asked by the RCMP Chief Training Officer to find out what's happening with a troop of cadets, Troop 18. The troop is unusually close-knit. They have suffered a loss, with one of their members dying suddenly of heart trouble. While one wants a group of cadets to be close and work together well, the cohesion of this troop is very unusual. There's signs that they're hiding something. But, what? That's what Andy is charged to find out.
Aside from that story line, we are also following Andy and Kate's relationship. We see more of Andy's point of view and feelings in this book. My cold heart of stone melted from reading about their emotions and their relationship. They are undoubtedly one of my favourite fictional couple. Also since they live in Vancouver, I wish they're real so I could be friends with them.
It's hard to review this without spoilers for book 2, since this follows closely after that. Anyway, Andy is asked by the RCMP Chief Training Officer to find out what's happening with a troop of cadets, Troop 18. The troop is unusually close-knit. They have suffered a loss, with one of their members dying suddenly of heart trouble. While one wants a group of cadets to be close and work together well, the cohesion of this troop is very unusual. There's signs that they're hiding something. But, what? That's what Andy is charged to find out.
Aside from that story line, we are also following Andy and Kate's relationship. We see more of Andy's point of view and feelings in this book. My cold heart of stone melted from reading about their emotions and their relationship. They are undoubtedly one of my favourite fictional couple. Also since they live in Vancouver, I wish they're real so I could be friends with them.
Read
May 8, 2017Ok, firstly I must admit that I did not realize that this was the third book in an on going series. How I found out was the opening of the book. Saying that, I found I could read this as a stand alone novel as the past is briefly surmised for you. However, I also must admit that I seriously want to read the previous two book. This book I would give ten stars too but can only give it five. Also, this is my first by this author and it definitely will not be my last.
The author is an awesome story teller and has a very fluid writing style which is easy to read and hard to put down.
The characters are very realistic and likeable. I particularly liked the leading character Andy. She came across as straight forward and honest and loved Kate deeply. It's all very moving. The plot is also very easily followed and dealt with compassion. I feel the main story of this book is Andy's and Kate's relationship which is really sweet and meaningful. But the subplot the investigation was also interesting.
I seriously could not put it down. I was sad when it ended. Would I recommend this book? That's a resounding YES
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The author is an awesome story teller and has a very fluid writing style which is easy to read and hard to put down.
The characters are very realistic and likeable. I particularly liked the leading character Andy. She came across as straight forward and honest and loved Kate deeply. It's all very moving. The plot is also very easily followed and dealt with compassion. I feel the main story of this book is Andy's and Kate's relationship which is really sweet and meaningful. But the subplot the investigation was also interesting.
I seriously could not put it down. I was sad when it ended. Would I recommend this book? That's a resounding YES
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
March 24, 2017
Awesome
I absolutely love the way this author writes, this book was a bit different then the previous two but just as well written and had me completely there with the characters, I sincerely hope there will be more to come.
I absolutely love the way this author writes, this book was a bit different then the previous two but just as well written and had me completely there with the characters, I sincerely hope there will be more to come.
April 22, 2017
Detailed score: 3.5
Unlike some other reviewers, I actually liked that scenario facing our protagonists this time around was a little less fraught. Having said that though, we don't really have a lead 'hero moment' either -- where they crack the case or come to the rescue or save the day -- which I missed.
All through this series I found the romance a bit underbaked and again here. It's there. It's there enough but... I think it didnt help that I never really fell for one of our leads, Kate, like a needed to. She was a little too damsel in distress for my liking...
I almost feel like the order of this series would be better flipped -- with this lower stakes case being where the protagonists meet, leading up to the highly life and death case we get in book 1.
Overall, though, this is an enjoyable conclusion to a compelling series well worth your time and money.
Unlike some other reviewers, I actually liked that scenario facing our protagonists this time around was a little less fraught. Having said that though, we don't really have a lead 'hero moment' either -- where they crack the case or come to the rescue or save the day -- which I missed.
All through this series I found the romance a bit underbaked and again here. It's there. It's there enough but... I think it didnt help that I never really fell for one of our leads, Kate, like a needed to. She was a little too damsel in distress for my liking...
I almost feel like the order of this series would be better flipped -- with this lower stakes case being where the protagonists meet, leading up to the highly life and death case we get in book 1.
Overall, though, this is an enjoyable conclusion to a compelling series well worth your time and money.
February 26, 2017
A great resolution to the cliff hanger of Pathogen. I love me some Andy and Kate. This was another great read by this author. It's not my favorite in the series....but a great read none the less!
The focus, as in the other books, is on the mystery, with just enough of Andy and Kate to keep the romance a nice strong secondary focus. There are some new well developed secondary characters.
The plot is interesting and different.
I certainly hope this isn't the end of this series. I love this couple so much I had to go back and read the first two books! This author certainly can spin a tale....and write an incredibly sexy love scene!
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The focus, as in the other books, is on the mystery, with just enough of Andy and Kate to keep the romance a nice strong secondary focus. There are some new well developed secondary characters.
The plot is interesting and different.
I certainly hope this isn't the end of this series. I love this couple so much I had to go back and read the first two books! This author certainly can spin a tale....and write an incredibly sexy love scene!
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
(Review contains spoilers for the first two books of the series, Trigger and Pathogen.)
God, I really hope this wasn't the last of the series. It's too good to be over, and there's so much potential for at least one more given where this left off with Kate and Andy's relationship as well as their professional lives. If it is the last one, though, the ending was satisfying and I'll just have to keep rereading these three wonderful books.
I suspect this will be an unpopular opinion, but the mystery in this one was my favorite of all three. I can't even explain to myself why that is, all I know is from the moment they first mentioned the cadets' odd behavior I was more curious than I was in the first two books. Objectively, though, I acknowledge it was the least intense story of the series. It wasn't really a time-sensitive issue — they had to figure out what was going on with the troop as soon as possible, of course, but in the first two books, innocent people were actually dying while they couldn't solve the mystery. It was good for Kate's mental health not to have people dying on her watch for once, though. :)
It also makes sense that this book is narrated from Andy's perspective rather than Kate's, for more than one reason. Firstly, at the end of Pathogen they broke up because Kate said she needed time. The main reason for that, her total lack of self-preservation skills, was something we were told about in the first book and watched escalate exponentially throughout the second one, until she came to the breaking point. Book three begins 47 days after the breakup, because Andy's been counting, and she's so hurt that she won't even bother hiding it. They hadn't talked at all since then, and I found myself worried about Kate like Andy was — what was she doing? Was she taking care of herself or just having a month-long breakdown? We got to know Andy so well in the first two books even without her point of view, because her behavior and her body language were so clear you could tell what she was thinking, but we only saw who she was around Kate, and in this one we get to see what she's like without her.
Besides, the case in this book doesn't exactly need Kate's abilities as much as the previous ones did. Andy is chosen by one of her mentors to take the assignment because of her unique perspective, and also because her superior noticed she's been overworking herself in order not to leave much time for wallowing, and could use something to focus on. It was nice to see just how dedicated Andy is to her job and the amount of work she was willing to put into the case. Also, another benefit of Andy's point of view was seeing how appreciative she is of Kate's skills — she's always watching her girlfriend and swelling with pride.
I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to the romance. Andy was so broken without Kate and worried that she'd never come back, which led to the reunion scenes that were probably my favorites between them in all three books, especially the reconcilliation. It was just so heartfelt and honest and you never, not for one moment, doubt that these women love each other more than anyone.
My one disappointment was the resolution of the mystery, so major spoiler warning for this bit.
The side characters in this one were probably my favorites too. I missed Jack, who already started disappearing in the second book and barely shows up in this one, but the new ones made up for it. Les was hilarious and sweet with her maternal behavior, and Trokof was a nice surprise with his genuine concerns about the troop. I was worried about the amount of cadets, but thankfully the author didn't feel the need to introduce all 16 of them, so I didn't have too much trouble keeping track of the most important ones she focused on.
All in all, as I said before, I hope this wasn't the last book, but if it was, that ending scene sure was a great way to finish the series.
ARC received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
God, I really hope this wasn't the last of the series. It's too good to be over, and there's so much potential for at least one more given where this left off with Kate and Andy's relationship as well as their professional lives. If it is the last one, though, the ending was satisfying and I'll just have to keep rereading these three wonderful books.
I suspect this will be an unpopular opinion, but the mystery in this one was my favorite of all three. I can't even explain to myself why that is, all I know is from the moment they first mentioned the cadets' odd behavior I was more curious than I was in the first two books. Objectively, though, I acknowledge it was the least intense story of the series. It wasn't really a time-sensitive issue — they had to figure out what was going on with the troop as soon as possible, of course, but in the first two books, innocent people were actually dying while they couldn't solve the mystery. It was good for Kate's mental health not to have people dying on her watch for once, though. :)
It also makes sense that this book is narrated from Andy's perspective rather than Kate's, for more than one reason. Firstly, at the end of Pathogen they broke up because Kate said she needed time. The main reason for that, her total lack of self-preservation skills, was something we were told about in the first book and watched escalate exponentially throughout the second one, until she came to the breaking point. Book three begins 47 days after the breakup, because Andy's been counting, and she's so hurt that she won't even bother hiding it. They hadn't talked at all since then, and I found myself worried about Kate like Andy was — what was she doing? Was she taking care of herself or just having a month-long breakdown? We got to know Andy so well in the first two books even without her point of view, because her behavior and her body language were so clear you could tell what she was thinking, but we only saw who she was around Kate, and in this one we get to see what she's like without her.
Besides, the case in this book doesn't exactly need Kate's abilities as much as the previous ones did. Andy is chosen by one of her mentors to take the assignment because of her unique perspective, and also because her superior noticed she's been overworking herself in order not to leave much time for wallowing, and could use something to focus on. It was nice to see just how dedicated Andy is to her job and the amount of work she was willing to put into the case. Also, another benefit of Andy's point of view was seeing how appreciative she is of Kate's skills — she's always watching her girlfriend and swelling with pride.
I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to the romance. Andy was so broken without Kate and worried that she'd never come back, which led to the reunion scenes that were probably my favorites between them in all three books, especially the reconcilliation. It was just so heartfelt and honest and you never, not for one moment, doubt that these women love each other more than anyone.
My one disappointment was the resolution of the mystery, so major spoiler warning for this bit.
The side characters in this one were probably my favorites too. I missed Jack, who already started disappearing in the second book and barely shows up in this one, but the new ones made up for it. Les was hilarious and sweet with her maternal behavior, and Trokof was a nice surprise with his genuine concerns about the troop. I was worried about the amount of cadets, but thankfully the author didn't feel the need to introduce all 16 of them, so I didn't have too much trouble keeping track of the most important ones she focused on.
All in all, as I said before, I hope this wasn't the last book, but if it was, that ending scene sure was a great way to finish the series.
ARC received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
I absolutely loved the third instalment of Kate and Andy! It was a perfect way to round their story out. I thought the reconciliation between the two was perfect timing and perfectly done. I loved having the two back together and working a case with their telepathic communication at every step.
I will admit I did expect the case outcome would be much more complex and bigger. I appreciate it needed to take the back seat to the relationship to round out the series.
I will miss these two, I'm assuming this is the end, I wouldn't complain if it continued. So I think it would be a win-win either way for me.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I will admit I did expect the case outcome would be much more complex and bigger. I appreciate it needed to take the back seat to the relationship to round out the series.
I will miss these two, I'm assuming this is the end, I wouldn't complain if it continued. So I think it would be a win-win either way for me.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 1, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*
I have been a fan of this series from book one, so when I saw that the third book was to be released I knew I had to get a chance to review it.
If you have read the first two books in this series (which I highly recommend you do before reading this book) you will be familiar with this authors style of writing, which she carries on into this book.
The story in this book is quite different from the first two books as there is less action and more time for us to get to know Andy and Kate when they aren't completely stressed out. That said, it does not mean that this book is any less suspenseful the the previous two, in fact I spent the majority of the book trying to figure out what the secret was but I just couldn't figure it out (although I did come close).
Webber has a way of giving you a whole lot of information but leaving you just as in the dark as you were before and I love that about her books, nothing is ever as it seems.
The mystery part of the book aside, I have to say that I really enjoyed getting to see Andy and Kate in a more relaxed setting, without a literal or hypothetical countdown happening during all of their interactions.
If this is the last book in the series I would be happy with how it ended because I like how the author developed Andy and Kate's relationship, she didn't just give us the fairytale ending, instead she gave us a couple who has weathered the storm and come out stronger for it but still realises that they have a lot to work on which for me is the most real and happy ending she could have given them.
I have been a fan of this series from book one, so when I saw that the third book was to be released I knew I had to get a chance to review it.
If you have read the first two books in this series (which I highly recommend you do before reading this book) you will be familiar with this authors style of writing, which she carries on into this book.
The story in this book is quite different from the first two books as there is less action and more time for us to get to know Andy and Kate when they aren't completely stressed out. That said, it does not mean that this book is any less suspenseful the the previous two, in fact I spent the majority of the book trying to figure out what the secret was but I just couldn't figure it out (although I did come close).
Webber has a way of giving you a whole lot of information but leaving you just as in the dark as you were before and I love that about her books, nothing is ever as it seems.
The mystery part of the book aside, I have to say that I really enjoyed getting to see Andy and Kate in a more relaxed setting, without a literal or hypothetical countdown happening during all of their interactions.
If this is the last book in the series I would be happy with how it ended because I like how the author developed Andy and Kate's relationship, she didn't just give us the fairytale ending, instead she gave us a couple who has weathered the storm and come out stronger for it but still realises that they have a lot to work on which for me is the most real and happy ending she could have given them.
March 22, 2017
Well, Jessica Webb has won a fan for life. All three books in this series were excellent. I will read anything Webb writes.
June 13, 2018
This book represents the end of my Webb binge and oh, am I sad about it. In comparison to Repercussions, Trigger & Pathogen the case it centered around was quite anticlimactic. I kept expecting some wild turn or something completely unexpected, and it was exactly what I thought in the end.
That said, in this book, we FINALLY got inside Andy's head as she was the narrator. I adore her so much more than I already did. We finally get to see her motivations and faults, her weaknesses and how she deals with pain
I read somewhere before I started this that it was the best coming back together scene that this person had ever seen, and I agree with them. While the time apart was saddening at the end of Pathogen, Kate is back and is more accepting of herself and her identity, and isn't relying on old coping mechanisms anymore (the ring twirling, lack of concern about her well being, not making decisions) to deal with stress and life. She's much more level headed and stronger than we've ever seen her, and as we're seeing her through the veil of Andy's viewpoint, she's damn wonderful.
Andy really shows her cards in this one. We see her post-Kate, counting the days since they've been together, unable to spend even weekends alone at home and is constantly on the move, on a case, and keeping herself busy to keep the pain at bay. It was actually really heartbreaking to see this usually stoic, strong character so downtrodden, though I loved it as her depth really came through and was fleshed out. I also enjoy seeing her relationships with her family, and her other officers/instructors. She still commands respect, but it's nice seeing how much she is loved and cared about, and what amazing relationships she has cultivated throughout her life.
Relationships really take the stage in this book, both the one between Andy and Kate coming full circle and mending itself, but also the relationships between Andy and her supervisors, other instructors, and friends, and the close knit relationships between the cadets in Troop 18. The secondary characters are very real and instead of being distracted because you're not in the middle of the story, you enjoy the offshoots with the other characters and want to know what they're up to.
Again, while I stress that the case itself was pretty much a given, Webb does a fantastic job detailing scenes so you feel like you've just walked into the camp, so you can feel the atmosphere of the diner, the warmth of the B&B. She could write an entire novel of fluff and I'd be just as excited to read it as I would one of the thriller/suspense books.
Highly recommended.
That said, in this book, we FINALLY got inside Andy's head as she was the narrator. I adore her so much more than I already did. We finally get to see her motivations and faults, her weaknesses and how she deals with pain
I read somewhere before I started this that it was the best coming back together scene that this person had ever seen, and I agree with them. While the time apart was saddening at the end of Pathogen, Kate is back and is more accepting of herself and her identity, and isn't relying on old coping mechanisms anymore (the ring twirling, lack of concern about her well being, not making decisions) to deal with stress and life. She's much more level headed and stronger than we've ever seen her, and as we're seeing her through the veil of Andy's viewpoint, she's damn wonderful.
Andy really shows her cards in this one. We see her post-Kate, counting the days since they've been together, unable to spend even weekends alone at home and is constantly on the move, on a case, and keeping herself busy to keep the pain at bay. It was actually really heartbreaking to see this usually stoic, strong character so downtrodden, though I loved it as her depth really came through and was fleshed out. I also enjoy seeing her relationships with her family, and her other officers/instructors. She still commands respect, but it's nice seeing how much she is loved and cared about, and what amazing relationships she has cultivated throughout her life.
Relationships really take the stage in this book, both the one between Andy and Kate coming full circle and mending itself, but also the relationships between Andy and her supervisors, other instructors, and friends, and the close knit relationships between the cadets in Troop 18. The secondary characters are very real and instead of being distracted because you're not in the middle of the story, you enjoy the offshoots with the other characters and want to know what they're up to.
Again, while I stress that the case itself was pretty much a given, Webb does a fantastic job detailing scenes so you feel like you've just walked into the camp, so you can feel the atmosphere of the diner, the warmth of the B&B. She could write an entire novel of fluff and I'd be just as excited to read it as I would one of the thriller/suspense books.
Highly recommended.
February 26, 2017
Dr. Kate Morrison and Sergeant Andy Wyles, the story continues but with just Andy as she deals with sharp and sudden change in her personal life. All I have to say is thank goodness for kind, caring and knowing parents. I really enjoyed how the author articulates Andy's heartbreak. I was feeling the pain right along with her. I also liked her friend Kurtz, supportive yet challenging Andy. Although this story does not have the intensity as presented in the first two reads in the series Trigger and Pathogen, it was more character driven and what people will do when faced with challenges. What was most enjoyable was the reunion scene between Andy and Kate, wow! So well written, honest and believable. Appreciated the dialogue as they worked through the relationship issues that lead to Kate stepping away at the end of Pathogen. Whether there is another book in the series or not, I am pleased with the ending.
Received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
December 27, 2018
Andy Wyles is reeling over her lover's absence so much that she's counting the days Kate is not there. Kate was broken due to experiencing two traumas back to back. She needed to work on herself, and just left. Andy understands, but still feels abandoned. She was in a rut until her sergeant had her lead a unique case involving a small group of Canadian Mountie Cadets. Troop 18 is strange, and Andy has to figure out what is going on with them. So they're at a remote camp when Andy gets the bombshell news: their medic is transferring out and Dr. Kate Morrison is the replacement.
Wow. This was one of those mysteries where the mystery doesn't seem as important as the characters themselves. We get into Andy's head space for this book, the first of the series. And it works so well. With Kate out of the picture but always on her mind that I could almost feel her pain. Andy gave all of herself to Kate, and she's not there. Then there's the cadets of Troop 18; they'll an interesting insular bunch and even to a lay person like me, their interactions were just off. Frankly, their behavior was more than a little creepy, which gives this mystery a bit more depth.
There's a lot to love about the book, including being a strong sequel. I felt like the first book, Trigger is still the best, simply because of the exploding people aspect. But for character growth I'd say this one is the best of the series. Webb is slowly climbing into my must read category of authors. Highly recommended for fans of the Dr. Kate Morrison Mysteries, and for newcomers, start with Trigger. You won't regret it.
Wow. This was one of those mysteries where the mystery doesn't seem as important as the characters themselves. We get into Andy's head space for this book, the first of the series. And it works so well. With Kate out of the picture but always on her mind that I could almost feel her pain. Andy gave all of herself to Kate, and she's not there. Then there's the cadets of Troop 18; they'll an interesting insular bunch and even to a lay person like me, their interactions were just off. Frankly, their behavior was more than a little creepy, which gives this mystery a bit more depth.
There's a lot to love about the book, including being a strong sequel. I felt like the first book, Trigger is still the best, simply because of the exploding people aspect. But for character growth I'd say this one is the best of the series. Webb is slowly climbing into my must read category of authors. Highly recommended for fans of the Dr. Kate Morrison Mysteries, and for newcomers, start with Trigger. You won't regret it.
March 4, 2017
This is more of Andy's POV actually and I have to admit I don't really like it. No offense to all the people who like her. Andy's a nice character but sometimes she's just too much. She rude to the people who cares for her just because she's hurt over something. And I admit it got me thinking of dropping this to 4 on the first quarter of the book.
Well, until Kate showed up. Maybe that's the bottomline, without Kate Andy's horrible and difficult.
After the next half of the everything goes smoothly. This book is not as action packed as the first but it will still hold your attention.
I was often confused because they're so many names, ladt names to exact so you have to watch out on that.
I miss Jack I was hoping he will join this assignment this time. :(
I fell bad for Sergeant Trokof, I guess it also open my minded about "cruel" teacher pushing your limit because they just want the best for you.
I always assumed the wrong person! Way to go!
The ending made me smile. :)
4.5
Well, until Kate showed up. Maybe that's the bottomline, without Kate Andy's horrible and difficult.
After the next half of the everything goes smoothly. This book is not as action packed as the first but it will still hold your attention.
I was often confused because they're so many names, ladt names to exact so you have to watch out on that.
I miss Jack I was hoping he will join this assignment this time. :(
I fell bad for Sergeant Trokof, I guess it also open my minded about "cruel" teacher pushing your limit because they just want the best for you.
I always assumed the wrong person! Way to go!
The ending made me smile. :)
4.5
October 21, 2018
Jessica L. Webb is an outstanding thriller writer. This book is the third instalment of the Doctor Kate Morrison series. I would call it the Kate Morrison and Andy Wyles series. Troop 18 may not be as hectic and jam packed full of action like the first two instalments, but the unfolding mystery presented in this book has you hooked. It was hard to put down!
I was so taken back by the ending in Pathogen and so I was pleased Troop 18 continued the thread to tell us what happens next! I hope there may be another instalment to this series.
I was so taken back by the ending in Pathogen and so I was pleased Troop 18 continued the thread to tell us what happens next! I hope there may be another instalment to this series.
August 16, 2025
8/11/25
Fifth read of this stellar book. The setting, the mystery, and the tender care Andy and Kate have for one another keep me coming back for more.
Fifth read of this stellar book. The setting, the mystery, and the tender care Andy and Kate have for one another keep me coming back for more.
February 23, 2018
I did not like the start of this book, I really didn’t understand what the author had done at the end of the last book. Now she has Andy trying not to wallow in self-pity and Kate seems to have vanished into the ether.
One of the things I liked about the first two books, was their relationship wasn’t full of endless angst and there wasn’t the ‘game’ playing you get in many ‘romantic’ novels. For a while it appeared this was exactly what I was going to get, fortunately they sorted out their issues fairly quickly and I again enjoyed their relationship.
As for the mystery component of the story, I didn’t think this was quite as successful as the previous books. The idea behind the story was intriguing, but the tension/threat wasn’t there. This would have been OK if I could have felt more involved, but even though I tried, I never felt any empathy for the ‘Troop’ and as an organisation, the RCMP just annoyed me.
Towards the end I started skipping pages just trying to get to the end of the ‘mystery’, when I got there, it was a bit of an anticlimax. I had hoped there was going to be some very clever twist, but the solution was quite mundane.
If it was possible I may have been tempted to give just 2.5 stars.
One of the things I liked about the first two books, was their relationship wasn’t full of endless angst and there wasn’t the ‘game’ playing you get in many ‘romantic’ novels. For a while it appeared this was exactly what I was going to get, fortunately they sorted out their issues fairly quickly and I again enjoyed their relationship.
As for the mystery component of the story, I didn’t think this was quite as successful as the previous books. The idea behind the story was intriguing, but the tension/threat wasn’t there. This would have been OK if I could have felt more involved, but even though I tried, I never felt any empathy for the ‘Troop’ and as an organisation, the RCMP just annoyed me.
Towards the end I started skipping pages just trying to get to the end of the ‘mystery’, when I got there, it was a bit of an anticlimax. I had hoped there was going to be some very clever twist, but the solution was quite mundane.
If it was possible I may have been tempted to give just 2.5 stars.
April 28, 2017
I have to be honest, when I went into this book and saw that the perspective had shifted from Dr. Kate Morrison to Sergeant Andy Wyles, I was a bit worried. I love Dr. Kate Morrison. I love her point of view, I love her lack of self-preservation, and I loved watching her navigate her way through the daunting realization of a first love with a woman.
I shouldn't have worried.
In my love for Dr. Kate Morrison, I'd not considered how much I adored Andy—the no-nonsense way she handles her life, the way she lives by a strict code, and the way Kate completely got to her and made her re-examine so many of her "rules." So, stepping into Andy's point of view was a blessing, especially given how we left the pair in the previous book, Pathogen.
Much like Trigger, the first book in the series, the main narrative is the mystery to this thriller, and in this case it strikes close to home for Andy, who is tasked with uncovering what's going on with a troop of RCMP cadets who are in danger of washing out if they don't come clean about what it is that's going on amongst them.
Andy sets up a remote setting: a camp of small cabins she borrows from a retired friend, and alongside some of the troop's instructors, she tries to uncover the mystery. When the medic of the bunch is replaced after a couple of days with Dr. Kate Morrison, her love life and the mystery she's facing threaten to split her attention.
Webb delivers what I now know is her typical snarl of characters with complex motivations, and the mystery is a tough nut to crack. The clues are there in retrospect (and I felt rather clever for catching one of them, though I had no idea what it meant at the time). The journey is satisfying, and for those who have wondered about Dr. Kate and Sergeant Andy from the get-go, the resolution of their relationship status is within this book.
I should mention I listened to this one on audiobook, and it was performed, like the other two, by Ruby Rivers. Unfortunately, this book, like the second, contained a lot of Canadian references, and Ruby Rivers sort of mangles the language. For example, Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, is pronounced as "Ruh-gene-uh." French Canadian names get the same cringeworthy treatment. It's unfortunate, but I imagine non-Canucks won't find it quite so troublesome.
I shouldn't have worried.
In my love for Dr. Kate Morrison, I'd not considered how much I adored Andy—the no-nonsense way she handles her life, the way she lives by a strict code, and the way Kate completely got to her and made her re-examine so many of her "rules." So, stepping into Andy's point of view was a blessing, especially given how we left the pair in the previous book, Pathogen.
Much like Trigger, the first book in the series, the main narrative is the mystery to this thriller, and in this case it strikes close to home for Andy, who is tasked with uncovering what's going on with a troop of RCMP cadets who are in danger of washing out if they don't come clean about what it is that's going on amongst them.
Andy sets up a remote setting: a camp of small cabins she borrows from a retired friend, and alongside some of the troop's instructors, she tries to uncover the mystery. When the medic of the bunch is replaced after a couple of days with Dr. Kate Morrison, her love life and the mystery she's facing threaten to split her attention.
Webb delivers what I now know is her typical snarl of characters with complex motivations, and the mystery is a tough nut to crack. The clues are there in retrospect (and I felt rather clever for catching one of them, though I had no idea what it meant at the time). The journey is satisfying, and for those who have wondered about Dr. Kate and Sergeant Andy from the get-go, the resolution of their relationship status is within this book.
I should mention I listened to this one on audiobook, and it was performed, like the other two, by Ruby Rivers. Unfortunately, this book, like the second, contained a lot of Canadian references, and Ruby Rivers sort of mangles the language. For example, Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, is pronounced as "Ruh-gene-uh." French Canadian names get the same cringeworthy treatment. It's unfortunate, but I imagine non-Canucks won't find it quite so troublesome.
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