Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Larry Macklin Mysteries #3

January's Betrayal

Rate this book
The specter of corruption has hovered over the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for months. Criminal investigator Larry Macklin is convinced he’s identified a mole for drug dealers within the department, but he doesn’t have enough evidence to prove it.
Larry’s attention is diverted when a recently released suspect in a series of rapes is shot and killed in the act of raping and murdering a woman… or so it seems. But the more Larry digs into the case, the more it becomes clear that the incident is part of a larger conspiracy—one that could have a devastating effect on his father’s career as sheriff.
Larry is desperate to find the real killer and to protect the reputation of the sheriff’s office, but it just might lead him to make the biggest mistake of his career.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2016

1565 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

A.E. Howe

40 books161 followers
A. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
761 (51%)
4 stars
517 (35%)
3 stars
155 (10%)
2 stars
25 (1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2017
This mystery series aren't stand alone books.

Should be read in order, to understand all the main characters. Last book ended with how to resolve the dirty cop in the department. Rapes, drug dealing and murder. Larry Macklin listens and understands the advices he hears, but when it comes to dirty cop issues he can't put his personal feelings aside. He really doesn't want to be deputy under his father, will read the next book to find out.
2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
July 26, 2016
We first met Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Macklin in November’s Past, the first book of this series. Larry is doing a job he’s not sure he wants. He’s got a dry wit, but it seems to have vanished in this book. He is a different kind of investigator, doing things his way, and in January’s Betrayal, this could cost him his job.

Larry and his father, the sheriff, have known for months there is a traitor in their midst. Larry is certain he knows who the mole is, but there’s not enough physical evidence to do anything.

In the midst of his investigation, there has been a series of rapes. A recently released suspect is shot and killed in the act of raping and murdering a woman. The more Larry looks at this, the more he feels that the officer who shot is not telling the truth.

As with the first two books, this is well written with believable characters that seem to grow and mature with each story. While there is much humor in the first two books, this one is somewhat more somber, mostly due to the nature of the crimes involved.

Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading this series in order. While the mystery and crimes are solved by the end of the book. there is a slight cliff-hanger. I definitely want to read the next adventure of Larry Macklin.

Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
23 reviews
February 15, 2019
Larry is developing into a more confident person. He is doing great as a detective and has a rocky relationship with Cara. Unfortunately a good hearted bad decision may cause all of his progress to crumble.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,108 reviews19 followers
October 23, 2020
I've come to really enjoy this series. Although I never did really like the first book in the series, the three additional yarns I've read have been pretty good. With a solid protagonist and some strong plots author A.E. Howe is a very good storyteller. A must read in a must read series. Check it out.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
94 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2025
Finally found out why he resigned in the first place. Well, the entire story behind it. Whilst you can read them as a standalone, there are parts that are connected. For a small county, they sure have lots of criminals.
Profile Image for Margaret Millmore.
Author 10 books58 followers
September 7, 2016
First off, this is book three in this series and I highly recommend purchasing books one and two first.

In both books one and two there is an underlying plot regarding corruption in the sheriff’s department and Larry Macklin is concerned for two reasons; first, he hates corruption; second, this could be very bad for his father, who is the elected County Sherriff.

Larry is determined to find out who the corrupted deputy is and what they’re up to. But what he uncovers and how he deals with it could end his own career.

Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however this is a verified purchase. To date, I’ve purchased all three books in the series and very much look forward to the next one (reviews for books one and two are posted separately).

See all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
424 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2016
Mistakes can create terminal results

In this case Larry's mistakes cause permanent results. They end up with dead people and job problems. There is never a good time to look for a job. February is really not a good time to be out of a job. Since being a Deputy wasn't something Larry wanted to be doing to begin with maybe things will improve.
I like happy endings and this book doesn't have one.
Profile Image for Donna Brown.
Author 5 books21 followers
November 15, 2018
Working in a small town law enforcement agency has its perks but having your father as the sheriff isn’t necessarily one of them. There’s always pressure and politics. Deputy Larry Macklin, a detective with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, lives with that pressure every day.

January’s Betrayal, is award winning author A.E. Howe’s third book in the Larry Macklin mystery series and continues with all of his wonderful characters, including Mauser the dog and Cara, Larry’s new love interest. But, murders continue and heightened suspicions of a dirty cop within the walls of the sheriff’s office grow and the suspect list narrows.

A witness is located, evidence doesn’t match statements given to detectives and a colorful confidential informant comes through with life-saving information. Just when you think you’ve figured the mystery out the story takes a surprising turn.

Howe does a great job in giving the reader important background information on all of his characters so reading the first two books in the series isn’t a must. However, if you want a deeper understanding and two other fun reads then start at the beginning!
Profile Image for Sam.
3,464 reviews265 followers
December 15, 2018
Once again I admit that I needed this for the same reading challenge that I read April's Desires but as then, this story did not disappoint (and it turns out that you don't need to read these in order either, which is very useful). The story flows as well as previously and the characters are realistic with plenty of their own flaws and mistakes, even when trying to do the right thing! Not only that there is a bit more diversity with the characters than you often find, I'm thinking of Larry's CI Eddie who is not typical of his crime loving family or what you might expect from a CI but he is written it what to me appears to be a respectful and real way, so much so you really cheer for him during the final scenes.
3,198 reviews26 followers
February 15, 2019
An AEH. Mystery Novel (LMMB - 3)/The Murder Accusation Remain

AEH. has. penned the third novel in the LM. Series. The accusations from the other candidate will not disappear. LM. Can find no trace of guilt or innocence in his investigation. His father is one of the candidates as the rapist and murder. The person found in Book 2 was not the one who committed the crimes. LM is under the gun and trying to find the guilty party to prove his father's innocents. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
November 4, 2021
5+++++++++*stars
TO SAY I REALLY LOVE THIS SERIES IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT, I’VE BOUGHT ALL OF THE BOOKS EXCEPT ONE. I’M STOCK PILING THEM FOR THE WINTER, LIKE A SQUIRREL GATHERING NUTS. LOL. MY PROBLEM IS TRYING TO SAVE THEM UNTIL WINTER ACUALLLY GETS HERE. I COULD HAVE THEM ALL READ BY THE END OF THIS MONTH (if I go slow) AND ITS ONLY NOVEMBER. I LIKE ALL THE CHARACTERS THE TWO AND FOUR LEGGED ONES. I LOVE SHANTEL. SHE’S A WISE WOMAN AND I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HER. I HOPE LARRY CLEANS UP HIS ACT IN THE NEXT BOOK. HE MESSED UP IN THIS ONE. . .WELL SORT OF. DAMN! ;D
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2021
And so, another chapter in the ongoing saga

Murder solved, but still ongoing... Decent story, but it just seems like another (long) chapter in Larry Macklin's life. I guess that's what a series really is: chapters in a protagonists life. I'm just wishing there was more to the wrap up.
183 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2024
I'm surprised this series of books is rated so highly. They are pretty good but not outstanding. The best part of the book series is the audiobook narrator; he's terrific and one of the main reasons I enjoyed the book. The author is very much a dog lover and the dog gets quite a bit of play in the book; he's unusual. Good enough series.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,797 reviews101 followers
September 17, 2017
This is another good book in this series. These books are short and easy reading; the characters are believable and likable; the plots are clear and well developed. There are a few editing issues - grammar errors, malapropisms, etc. - that need addressing.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
84 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2018
Good series.

Have enjoyed this series with each book I've read. They are not super violent, but have good story lines. Each book can stand alone but some characters always show up in following book.
Profile Image for John Scheibelhut.
186 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2018
A rapist, a deceit, and a relationship lesson.

Larry learns of deputy tied to the drug running family in Adams County. Also a murdered rapist released by the Sheriff. And, a surprise ending. Read it!
5 reviews
October 9, 2019
Betrayal tells story of of Larry's humanity

I enjoyed reading of deputies reactions and struggles as they do their jobs. Relating stories of flawed weak deputies was interesting and forceful reminder of the choices we make.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,627 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2025
procedural with humanity

Larry’s acquired a confidential informant, and information indicates a hint of corruption in the Sheriff’s department vis-a-vis illicit drugs.

On the interim, a spate of assaults against women occupy the department and its investigators..
1,507 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2017
January's Betrayal

This is a very good series . The suspense is great . I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series.
6 reviews
January 17, 2018
Best story of the series so far

This was the third story and by far the best. The most twists and turns. A surprise ending. Overall good read
1 review
September 11, 2018
Great whodunit

Kept me guessing until the end. Another great Macklin mystery, can't wait to read the next one in the series
Profile Image for Darleen Baldinelli-Pournia.
16 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2019
Wonderful series! You can’t put this book down and I never knew who did it! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series
Profile Image for Susan.
1,623 reviews
August 10, 2019
really good, lots of twists, can't wait to read the next in the series...
30 reviews
December 22, 2020
Another good read

Again never a dull moment. He has great talent to keep you guessing what is next and how the characters come together.
141 reviews
March 11, 2021
I'm loving this series!

It sometimes makes it go a bit slow, but the details are what really bring the story together.I hope to go through every last book about Larry Macklin!


4,374 reviews28 followers
April 12, 2021
Good

This book is part of a series that is about the dectives for the sheriff's department and investaion which includes murders .
207 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2023
I have enjoyed the Larry Macklin series. The books are well written with good plot lines.
2,182 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2024
A good episode in the life of the Sheriff and the Deputy. Finishes up some mysteries and leaves you hanging on what comes next. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.