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FBI Profiler #6.5
The 4th Man
FBI Profiler Pierce Quincy and Officer Rainie Conner return in a baffling cold case in this exclusive eBook short story by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner.
A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her boyfriend and two campus security guards . . . all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty.
Five years later, ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, agree to consult on the still-unsolved case, delving into deep background to comb for any clue that will lead to the woman's murderer. But with no leads and the case colder than the body, will they be able to build a case against one of the three suspects, or is there a fourth man out there? And if the killer has eluded the police this long, how far will he go to ensure justice is never served?
With Gardner's singular ability to delve into the minds of criminals and law enforcement alike, The 4th Man is a shocking look at the reasons for taking a life . . . and just how far profilers need to go to learn them.
It also includes an early look at Gardner's next chilling thriller, Right Behind You, coming January 31, 2017.
A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her boyfriend and two campus security guards . . . all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty.
Five years later, ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, agree to consult on the still-unsolved case, delving into deep background to comb for any clue that will lead to the woman's murderer. But with no leads and the case colder than the body, will they be able to build a case against one of the three suspects, or is there a fourth man out there? And if the killer has eluded the police this long, how far will he go to ensure justice is never served?
With Gardner's singular ability to delve into the minds of criminals and law enforcement alike, The 4th Man is a shocking look at the reasons for taking a life . . . and just how far profilers need to go to learn them.
It also includes an early look at Gardner's next chilling thriller, Right Behind You, coming January 31, 2017.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2016
1712 people are currently reading
6368 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gardner
82 books20.4k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
November 24, 2016
This is a short story featuring Pierce Quincy and Rainie Connor. I have never read Lisa Gardner before and I really enjoyed this tale. A decade ago Jaylin Banks was found strangled in the Boston University Library. In an effort to resolve this cold case, Quincy and Connor have been called in. They interview Jaylin's boyfriend, two security guards, and a domestic violence adviser. The interviews are compelling and conducted with seamless ease by the experienced duo. Who exactly is the 4th man? This case is based on a true life one and utilised well in this book. I have to say I was impressed with the writing and will read Lisa Gardner again!! Many thanks to Penguin Dutton for an ARC
October 31, 2017
This short story centers around the resurrection of a cold case from ten years ago. The suspects are interrogated one by one, each providing their own accounts from the night in question. The ending seemed silly. Until I read the author’s note, that is.
May 2, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
January 3, 2017; Penguin/Dutton
Quincy and Rainie are back in action with the help D.D. Warren in this novella. I am not a huge fan of novellas but I like Gardner’s quick stories that actually leave a nosy person like me satisfied. In this short story, the three crime fighters are trying to solve an unsolved case by looking at the last three suspects to see the victim alive. As they interrogate them to see who strangled the young university student they wonder if their was a “4th man”. This novella is a lead up to a new novel featuring Quincy and Rainie, Right Behind You – I am so happy that this series is not finished. I will be reading the novel at the end of the month and have a review for you soon.
***I received an eARC from the AUTHOR/PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
January 3, 2017; Penguin/Dutton
Quincy and Rainie are back in action with the help D.D. Warren in this novella. I am not a huge fan of novellas but I like Gardner’s quick stories that actually leave a nosy person like me satisfied. In this short story, the three crime fighters are trying to solve an unsolved case by looking at the last three suspects to see the victim alive. As they interrogate them to see who strangled the young university student they wonder if their was a “4th man”. This novella is a lead up to a new novel featuring Quincy and Rainie, Right Behind You – I am so happy that this series is not finished. I will be reading the novel at the end of the month and have a review for you soon.
***I received an eARC from the AUTHOR/PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
July 11, 2025
It has been too long between reads for the lovely D.D Warren and Lisa Gardner. I didn't completely gel with this one as the link with Quincy and Rainie isn't strong - the merging of the series has only given me a taste and it would have been years ago that I read one of these, realistically I had zero recall of these characters.
It's absolutely spurred me on to continue with D.D Warren as I love this character, and her strength as a lone wolf and her don't get in my way attitude. This short story was a reminder to get back into the game, and as an aside, I didn't realise Lisa Gardner has based the majority of her titles on real life cases.
Looking forward to number 10 in D.D Warren's series where hopefully my book memory will be better!
It's absolutely spurred me on to continue with D.D Warren as I love this character, and her strength as a lone wolf and her don't get in my way attitude. This short story was a reminder to get back into the game, and as an aside, I didn't realise Lisa Gardner has based the majority of her titles on real life cases.
Looking forward to number 10 in D.D Warren's series where hopefully my book memory will be better!
December 20, 2016
The 4th Man is a short story featuring reoccurring characters: Pierce Quincy, Rainie Conner and Detective D.D. Warren. It can be read as a stand alone, but due to its brevity reading some of the other stories first would help give the characters context.
Lisa Gardner writes excellent stories and this one is no exception. She some how manages to get all the hallmarks of a good mystery in just a few pages. D. D. and company must figure out whodunnit and why in a 10 year old locked room murder. There is even a twist to the ending. This is a quick, satisfying read that would be perfect if you don't have a lot of reading time.
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Lisa Gardner writes excellent stories and this one is no exception. She some how manages to get all the hallmarks of a good mystery in just a few pages. D. D. and company must figure out whodunnit and why in a 10 year old locked room murder. There is even a twist to the ending. This is a quick, satisfying read that would be perfect if you don't have a lot of reading time.
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 29, 2016
This is a very short story featuring Profiler Pierce Quincy and Officer Rainie Conner, and of course, D. D. Warren, who plays a minor role. If you have never read this series, I would seriously recommend you start at the beginning. THE 4TH MAN is a stand-alone, but it really doesn't do justice to the characters for a first time reader.
Several years ago a young college student was found strangled in the library and only her shoes went missing. There was no DNA, no clues, no witnesses. The only serious suspects were the three men who were in the library at the same time as she was .... 2 campus security guards and her boyfriend.
At D.D. Warren's request, Quincy and Connor agree to take a look at these three men to see if they can shake a confession out of one of them. But as more information is garnered, what comes to light is a possible 4th man who is unaccounted for.
There is a lot of information packed into this short story, minus a lot of fluff. It's well-written and leaves the reader wanting more.
Many thanks to the author / Emily Brock / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley who provided a digital ARC. The opinion expressed herein is unbiased and entirely my own.
For Lisa Gardner followers, this includes an early look at Gardner's next chilling thriller, Right Behind You, coming January 31, 2017.
Several years ago a young college student was found strangled in the library and only her shoes went missing. There was no DNA, no clues, no witnesses. The only serious suspects were the three men who were in the library at the same time as she was .... 2 campus security guards and her boyfriend.
At D.D. Warren's request, Quincy and Connor agree to take a look at these three men to see if they can shake a confession out of one of them. But as more information is garnered, what comes to light is a possible 4th man who is unaccounted for.
There is a lot of information packed into this short story, minus a lot of fluff. It's well-written and leaves the reader wanting more.
Many thanks to the author / Emily Brock / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley who provided a digital ARC. The opinion expressed herein is unbiased and entirely my own.
For Lisa Gardner followers, this includes an early look at Gardner's next chilling thriller, Right Behind You, coming January 31, 2017.
January 5, 2017
I was thrilled to be back in the world of Quincy and Rainie in Lisa Gardner's short story, The 4th Man.
FBI Profilers Pierce Quincy and Rainie Connor work alongside Boston PD Detective DD Warren on a 10 year old cold case involving the murder of college student Jaylin Banks. There are no witnesses, no DNA and no clues.
They re-interrogate three suspects that lead to a possible fourth.
In true Lisa Gardner fashion there is a twist in the end and never a dull moment throughout.
A riveting read!
I look forward to her new novel, Right Behind You, to be released 1/31/17.
Many thanks to the author, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley who provided a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
FBI Profilers Pierce Quincy and Rainie Connor work alongside Boston PD Detective DD Warren on a 10 year old cold case involving the murder of college student Jaylin Banks. There are no witnesses, no DNA and no clues.
They re-interrogate three suspects that lead to a possible fourth.
In true Lisa Gardner fashion there is a twist in the end and never a dull moment throughout.
A riveting read!
I look forward to her new novel, Right Behind You, to be released 1/31/17.
Many thanks to the author, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley who provided a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2017
3.5 Stars
The 4th Man was based on a true story/murder, which definitely underscores the idea that “truth is stranger than fiction”. The reasons a person will murder are quite baffling sometimes!
Detective D.D. Warren has been working on cold case murders and this one committed ten years earlier stumped the investigators. A college student was strangled, and her body left in the stairwell of the campus library. No physical evidence was left on the scene and there were no eyewitnesses to the crime. But D.D. is a persistent woman, and she’s uncovered a lie told by each of the three persons of interest involved. She doesn’t want to miss any opportunity to catch the killer so she calls in profiler experts Quincy and Rainie to question these three men. What follows is an interesting discovery of what actually happened that night.
I’m a huge fan of Lisa Gardner’s mysteries, I’ve been reading her stories for years, but the first book I read of hers was a Quincy and Rainie book: The Third Victim, the first book they were put together, and I was hooked! Ms. Gardner has been writing mysteries featuring other detectives/FBI agents since then so it’s be quite a while since I’ve “seen” Quincy and Rainie. I’ve always wanted to catch up with them again, and with this short story I got a little to whet my appetite before their full-length return in, Right Behind You. As usual their clever deductions impress!
Even though The 4th Man is part of a larger series, it isn’t necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy. This is mainly a crime procedural/mystery without much personal from Quincy, Rainie or D.D. Warren. It’s also very short; probably took me an hour to read the whole story.
There’s a teaser at the end for Right Behind You, and after reading I can’t wait to pick it up! As a side note, I noticed Luke Daniels is the narrator for the audio version of The 4th Man. He’s one of my all-time favorite narrators so I’m sure that would be an excellent way to “read” this story!
A copy was kindly provided by Dutton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The 4th Man was based on a true story/murder, which definitely underscores the idea that “truth is stranger than fiction”. The reasons a person will murder are quite baffling sometimes!
Detective D.D. Warren has been working on cold case murders and this one committed ten years earlier stumped the investigators. A college student was strangled, and her body left in the stairwell of the campus library. No physical evidence was left on the scene and there were no eyewitnesses to the crime. But D.D. is a persistent woman, and she’s uncovered a lie told by each of the three persons of interest involved. She doesn’t want to miss any opportunity to catch the killer so she calls in profiler experts Quincy and Rainie to question these three men. What follows is an interesting discovery of what actually happened that night.
I’m a huge fan of Lisa Gardner’s mysteries, I’ve been reading her stories for years, but the first book I read of hers was a Quincy and Rainie book: The Third Victim, the first book they were put together, and I was hooked! Ms. Gardner has been writing mysteries featuring other detectives/FBI agents since then so it’s be quite a while since I’ve “seen” Quincy and Rainie. I’ve always wanted to catch up with them again, and with this short story I got a little to whet my appetite before their full-length return in, Right Behind You. As usual their clever deductions impress!
Even though The 4th Man is part of a larger series, it isn’t necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy. This is mainly a crime procedural/mystery without much personal from Quincy, Rainie or D.D. Warren. It’s also very short; probably took me an hour to read the whole story.
There’s a teaser at the end for Right Behind You, and after reading I can’t wait to pick it up! As a side note, I noticed Luke Daniels is the narrator for the audio version of The 4th Man. He’s one of my all-time favorite narrators so I’m sure that would be an excellent way to “read” this story!
A copy was kindly provided by Dutton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
A quick, little story that combines D.D. Warren and Quincy and Rainie. It was entertaining, but a little repetitive. One cool thing is the author's note at the end telling where this idea came from and that it was based on a true case. Sometimes the truth IS stranger than fiction. It gets me ready to read the next Quincy and Rainie in the series, Right Behind You. Recommended to anyone reading the series.
January 17, 2023
I don't know how Ms. Gardner does it, but so far, her D. D. Warren series is the best thriller series I've ever read. Brilliant!
March 23, 2020
This was a good, fast read.
"A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her: her boyfriend and two campus security guards . . . all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty.
Five years later, ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, agree to consult on the still-unsolved case, delving into deep background to comb for any clue that will lead to the woman's murderer. But with no leads and the case colder than the body, will they be able to build a case against one of the three suspects, or is there a fourth man out there? And if the killer has eluded the police this long, how far will he go to ensure justice is never served?
With Gardner's singular ability to delve into the minds of criminals and law enforcement alike, The 4th Man is a shocking look at the reasons for taking a life . . . and just how far profilers need to go to learn them."
"A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her: her boyfriend and two campus security guards . . . all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty.
Five years later, ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, agree to consult on the still-unsolved case, delving into deep background to comb for any clue that will lead to the woman's murderer. But with no leads and the case colder than the body, will they be able to build a case against one of the three suspects, or is there a fourth man out there? And if the killer has eluded the police this long, how far will he go to ensure justice is never served?
With Gardner's singular ability to delve into the minds of criminals and law enforcement alike, The 4th Man is a shocking look at the reasons for taking a life . . . and just how far profilers need to go to learn them."
June 12, 2022
A good, well written short story. DD Warren, Quincy and Rainie working together on an old case so if you're a fan of theirs, The 4th Man is worth reading.
September 17, 2023
My Rating: 2⭐️⭐️ boring reason to murder someone…
I realise that murder should not be boring but the reason that this person was murdered was the most stupid reason I have heard in a long time. Now I also realise that this is based on a true story… BUT still it was stupid and boring.
I haven’t read the FBI Profiler series either (and this is a crossover shorty) so I didn’t know the other characters, DD was not really the MC at all.
Honestly I could have done without it… the only thing going for it was Gardner’s writing style which I usually like… this had trouble keeping my attention though so while I am glad I will have read the whole series… I wouldn’t actually recommend this one…
I realise that murder should not be boring but the reason that this person was murdered was the most stupid reason I have heard in a long time. Now I also realise that this is based on a true story… BUT still it was stupid and boring.
I haven’t read the FBI Profiler series either (and this is a crossover shorty) so I didn’t know the other characters, DD was not really the MC at all.
Honestly I could have done without it… the only thing going for it was Gardner’s writing style which I usually like… this had trouble keeping my attention though so while I am glad I will have read the whole series… I wouldn’t actually recommend this one…
April 8, 2017
I know, I know, The 4th Man is a short story and not a full-length novel and I am throwing in a 4 star review. But the simple fact is, when I sit down and read anything by Lisa Gardner( except for The Other Daughter which was a stinker) time literally stands still. Or in this case- the bathwater grows cold. Plus, it re-introduces loyal fans to former FBI profiler, Pierce Quincy and his partner, Rainie, while also giving us our( my) favorite Boston detective, D.D. Warren. The premise is simple- D.D. Warren and her team are trying to finally put to rest a ten year cold case and call for the expertise of both Quincy and Rainie. Over the course of one night, the trio interrogate some of their strongest suspects while also trying to search for the mysterious "4th man", the suspect that police may have overlooked the first time round.
I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end and cannot wait to catch up with some of my favorite characters in Right Behind You.
I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end and cannot wait to catch up with some of my favorite characters in Right Behind You.
January 2, 2017
The "queen" of crime thrillers, Lisa Gardner returns following Find Her (2016) with a tantalizing mystery suspense short story, with an un·be·liev·a·ble killer twist:
THE 4TH MAN (Quincy & Rainie #6.5) with a preview of the upcoming highly anticipated Right Behind You, which will leave you salivating, and rushing to pre-order.
Boston Homicide Detective DD Warren has inherited a cold case and FBI Profiler, Pierce Quincy and his partner wife, Rainie Connor, have flown in from Oregon to assist with the case. (love this duo)!
A ten-year-old case of a young woman murdered at the university library, in the stairwell. Manual strangulation. No signs of struggle, no evidence of sexual assault. Non-violence. Not a single print, hair, thread, speck of dirt, or swab of DNA to be recovered.
The only detail out of place; she’d been missing her shoes. A pair of dirty white Keds, which per her family, she purchased the year before for less than twenty bucks. They were never recovered from the crime scene.
There was a guard on duty for the evening, plus one for the graveyard shift. The students used an electronic access system to enter the library. However, the students could also bring guests with them. These were to be manually logged in by the guard under the student’s ID.
Over the course of the years, they did not have these guest’s names and the original investigators had dropped the ball. From a list of over sixty possible murder suspects, with ten years to run and hide, the person could be clever or cold. Rainie and Quincy’s job was to push buttons of the prime suspects. (They remind me of The Mentalist ), one of my favorites. Observant. Intuitive. Sharp.
The beautiful honor student, Jaylin Banks had whispered conversations and phone calls, as well as canceled meetings leading up to the night of her murder. A smart girl dating a bad boy. Sweet and introverted.
Suspect #1: James Duchovny, the boyfriend at the time. Binge drinking, a bully, hoodlum, explosive temper, violence and a rap sheet. He had been 22 yrs. Of age at the time of the murder. A jealous rage?
Suspect #2: Dennis Ringham, early thirties; one of the two security guards working on the night in question- the university’s rent-a-cop. Someone who wanted a uniform but couldn’t have one.
Suspect #3: Laurel Santana, a professional security guard, working the graveyard shift. Married with a baby. The wild card. He had been the one to find the body. He came on at 11:50 pm.
There had also been a mysterious older female visitor. A secret meeting? Who was The 4th Man? Did someone come back or stay behind?
James and Jaylin were supposed to meet at the library and go out afterward. Her paper was not finished. He had told the security guard she was on the second floor and to keep an eye out for her. She said she needed an extra hour and would meet him at the bar.
Did he return to the library later? Whoever killed her had to be someone already inside the library. Someone with access to the library.
A student, a guest, or a security guard? A 4th Man. Motive? Obsession?
A classic closed-room murder, based on a true story—Lisa Gardner once again delivers an intriguing crime thriller with characters’ reader's love. The investigators prevailed, identifying the perp and finding justice in a case where the truth truly is stranger than fiction.
As always, Gardner has the perfect combo and all the essentials: Setting, a perpetrator, an alibi, a suspect, a victim, a puzzle, evidence, a motive, a detective or sleuth, a clue, a plot, and a finally, a breakthrough.
Lisa Gardner and Karin Slaughter always deliver the best novellas!
A killer teaser, with a bonus preview of more "real-life inspired "suspense, Right Behind You, where we continue with an unstoppable team; Quincy and Rainie as they take on a spree killer with the help of their foster daughter and an expert in fugitive tracking.
The novella is worth the read to get the preview of the real deal. Trust me, it is extraordinary. Was fortunate to have received an early reading copy (1/31/17) - Right Behind You (review forthcoming) is one of Gardner’s best yet! Jaw-dropping, spine-tingling . .
“Had a family once. Father. Mother. Sister. Lived in our very own double-wide.” . . . .
A special thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
THE 4TH MAN (Quincy & Rainie #6.5) with a preview of the upcoming highly anticipated Right Behind You, which will leave you salivating, and rushing to pre-order.
Boston Homicide Detective DD Warren has inherited a cold case and FBI Profiler, Pierce Quincy and his partner wife, Rainie Connor, have flown in from Oregon to assist with the case. (love this duo)!
A ten-year-old case of a young woman murdered at the university library, in the stairwell. Manual strangulation. No signs of struggle, no evidence of sexual assault. Non-violence. Not a single print, hair, thread, speck of dirt, or swab of DNA to be recovered.
The only detail out of place; she’d been missing her shoes. A pair of dirty white Keds, which per her family, she purchased the year before for less than twenty bucks. They were never recovered from the crime scene.
There was a guard on duty for the evening, plus one for the graveyard shift. The students used an electronic access system to enter the library. However, the students could also bring guests with them. These were to be manually logged in by the guard under the student’s ID.
Over the course of the years, they did not have these guest’s names and the original investigators had dropped the ball. From a list of over sixty possible murder suspects, with ten years to run and hide, the person could be clever or cold. Rainie and Quincy’s job was to push buttons of the prime suspects. (They remind me of The Mentalist ), one of my favorites. Observant. Intuitive. Sharp.
The beautiful honor student, Jaylin Banks had whispered conversations and phone calls, as well as canceled meetings leading up to the night of her murder. A smart girl dating a bad boy. Sweet and introverted.
Suspect #1: James Duchovny, the boyfriend at the time. Binge drinking, a bully, hoodlum, explosive temper, violence and a rap sheet. He had been 22 yrs. Of age at the time of the murder. A jealous rage?
Suspect #2: Dennis Ringham, early thirties; one of the two security guards working on the night in question- the university’s rent-a-cop. Someone who wanted a uniform but couldn’t have one.
Suspect #3: Laurel Santana, a professional security guard, working the graveyard shift. Married with a baby. The wild card. He had been the one to find the body. He came on at 11:50 pm.
There had also been a mysterious older female visitor. A secret meeting? Who was The 4th Man? Did someone come back or stay behind?
James and Jaylin were supposed to meet at the library and go out afterward. Her paper was not finished. He had told the security guard she was on the second floor and to keep an eye out for her. She said she needed an extra hour and would meet him at the bar.
Did he return to the library later? Whoever killed her had to be someone already inside the library. Someone with access to the library.
A student, a guest, or a security guard? A 4th Man. Motive? Obsession?
A classic closed-room murder, based on a true story—Lisa Gardner once again delivers an intriguing crime thriller with characters’ reader's love. The investigators prevailed, identifying the perp and finding justice in a case where the truth truly is stranger than fiction.
As always, Gardner has the perfect combo and all the essentials: Setting, a perpetrator, an alibi, a suspect, a victim, a puzzle, evidence, a motive, a detective or sleuth, a clue, a plot, and a finally, a breakthrough.
Lisa Gardner and Karin Slaughter always deliver the best novellas!
A killer teaser, with a bonus preview of more "real-life inspired "suspense, Right Behind You, where we continue with an unstoppable team; Quincy and Rainie as they take on a spree killer with the help of their foster daughter and an expert in fugitive tracking.
The novella is worth the read to get the preview of the real deal. Trust me, it is extraordinary. Was fortunate to have received an early reading copy (1/31/17) - Right Behind You (review forthcoming) is one of Gardner’s best yet! Jaw-dropping, spine-tingling . .
“Had a family once. Father. Mother. Sister. Lived in our very own double-wide.” . . . .
A special thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
January 1, 2020
This story really gave me the willies being it was inspired on true events.
April 2, 2017
The ending is so lame - the who in who-done-it is so obvious & the reason? so childish, amateurish - I'm embarrassed for the author. Did she phone this one in? I'm being generous with rounding - 1.5 stars.
February 9, 2017
A short story, not even a novella. The only positive was the return of Quincy & Rainie, the FBI Profilers, who Gardner has ignored since 2008, although their new novel was released yesterday. Boston Detective DD Warren is reviewing cold cases: this one is the 10-year old strangulation Jaylin Banks in the stairwell of a Boston college library. For unexplained reasons, the profilers are brought in to interview suspects, eventually solving the murder by determining the killer's unusual motive. Don't bother with this one.
February 6, 2017
The 4th Man
I have always enjoyed the Detective D.D. Warren series and it has been years since I have read a Quincy and Rainie series. I thought it was a great idea to combine the two series but something was missing in this story. I couldn't put my finger on it but I am looking forward to reading the new book that is coming out soon with these characters. I hope it will be as good as the other books in these two series.
I have always enjoyed the Detective D.D. Warren series and it has been years since I have read a Quincy and Rainie series. I thought it was a great idea to combine the two series but something was missing in this story. I couldn't put my finger on it but I am looking forward to reading the new book that is coming out soon with these characters. I hope it will be as good as the other books in these two series.
April 9, 2017
A super short little cold case crime mash-up featuring Quincy & Rainie and DD! I'd give this four stars alone for just that pairing. The story started off interesting but the twist, the solve, was.. so bizarre. Made worse because in the afterword Gardner admits a similar crime happened in the eighties. So so weird, so so heartbreaking.
Rainie's job right now was to push buttons. Quincy knew from personal experience that his wife and partner was very good at it.
THE 4TH MAN isn't a necessary read for either the Detective DD Warren series or the Quincy & Rainie series. But for fans of both it's just nice to see these much beloved characters playing in the same sandbox.
2.75 stars
Rainie's job right now was to push buttons. Quincy knew from personal experience that his wife and partner was very good at it.
THE 4TH MAN isn't a necessary read for either the Detective DD Warren series or the Quincy & Rainie series. But for fans of both it's just nice to see these much beloved characters playing in the same sandbox.
2.75 stars
August 30, 2017
Truth really is stranger than fiction sometimes. This story was based on an actual case and it is strange. Quick novella, but worth the read.
December 10, 2016
D. D. Warren, a Boston Homicide Detective, prides herself on solving cases. But there is one cold case that still disturbs her. The strangling death of college student Jaylin Banks, whose body was found in the stairwell of the library one late night. Only her white Keds sneakers were missing.
Now, ten years later, D. D. has brought in two consultants from Oregon, the husband and wife team of Quincy and Rainie Connor.
Years before, three suspects had been interviewed: Jaylin’s boyfriend, James Duchovny, and two security guards: Dennis Ringham and Santana.
As the two consultants interrogate each of them again, no new information comes forth. It is only when they bring in Erin Pizzey (the alias for Rebecca Stein), a woman who runs the battered woman’s shelter, that more information is brought to light. A significant detail that leads them to the “4th man,” and an arrest.
The 4th Man was a quick and straightforward read. I enjoyed the writing style, mostly made up of interrogations, and the quick resolution to the case. 5 stars. (My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley).
Now, ten years later, D. D. has brought in two consultants from Oregon, the husband and wife team of Quincy and Rainie Connor.
Years before, three suspects had been interviewed: Jaylin’s boyfriend, James Duchovny, and two security guards: Dennis Ringham and Santana.
As the two consultants interrogate each of them again, no new information comes forth. It is only when they bring in Erin Pizzey (the alias for Rebecca Stein), a woman who runs the battered woman’s shelter, that more information is brought to light. A significant detail that leads them to the “4th man,” and an arrest.
The 4th Man was a quick and straightforward read. I enjoyed the writing style, mostly made up of interrogations, and the quick resolution to the case. 5 stars. (My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley).
December 29, 2016
I have read every book and e-novella that Lisa Gardner has written. I am completely obsessed with The FBI Profiler series and the D.D. Warren series. So I was very excited to read this short story.
You could read this story without having read any prior Lisa Gardner books. However, it will obviously have a much bigger impact if you are familiar with Quincy, Rainie, and D.D.
The 4th Man is an e-novella. It is part of the FBI Profiler/Quincy & Rainie series (#6.5). But it's also a part of the D.D. Warren series (since she is in this story).
This is a short story to bring us back into the FBI Profiler world before the full length novel Right Behind You comes out at the beginning of 2017.
This story features both D.D. Warren and Rainie and Quincy. It has been so long since I've read about Rainie and Quincy that I was so happy to get this e-novella featuring them.
While I absolutely loved seeing Quincy and Rainie work with D.D. Warren the actual case was just okay for me. I liked seeing their process. But the reasoning for the killing was sort of dumb, IMO. However, if you love Lisa Gardner then this short story is still a must read.
May 21, 2019
A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her: her boyfriend and two campus security guards . . . all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty.
I found this to be a very interesting mystery based off a true event way back in 1984. There were quite a few twists in this one that kept me on my toes, especially when every suspect had a perfectly good reason to be guilty of the murder. Yet right until the last 6 pages did I figure it out. That either makes me the world's dumbest detective or it makes this mystery pretty good, it'll be up to you to decide.
All in all, The 4th Man is a nice, quick, enjoyable read.
I found this to be a very interesting mystery based off a true event way back in 1984. There were quite a few twists in this one that kept me on my toes, especially when every suspect had a perfectly good reason to be guilty of the murder. Yet right until the last 6 pages did I figure it out. That either makes me the world's dumbest detective or it makes this mystery pretty good, it'll be up to you to decide.
All in all, The 4th Man is a nice, quick, enjoyable read.
February 22, 2017
I do love a good cold case that proves a fresh look at the facts will get the victim justice in due process. Sometimes a second look or new eyes on the documents brings to light a clearer path of the crime. Based on a true story makes this case even more interesting, if not just a touch creepy. Enjoy the bumpy ride as the detectives break down the previous suspects and all the readers learn they all had secrets the night Jaylin Banks died in the stairwell at the campus library. Sounds a bit like a Clue game. One pivotal character gives the clue needed to close the case.
June 13, 2023
A woman is found murdered in a staircase but her case goes cold after they can’t find any leads. Years later, D.D. asks Pierce and Rainie Conner, who are married and FBI profilers, to help crack the case. D.D. has the suspects narrowed down to three people, until they realise there was a fourth man on the scene.
This short story was a lot more about the FBI Profiler series than D.D. She was barely in it as Pierce and Rainie did the investigating and interviewing. I did enjoy it but found the case to be a bit straightforward.
This short story was a lot more about the FBI Profiler series than D.D. She was barely in it as Pierce and Rainie did the investigating and interviewing. I did enjoy it but found the case to be a bit straightforward.
November 28, 2016
Canceled meetings with family and friends. It could mean nothing at or all. Or maybe...it isn't a matter of what changed in the victim's life ten years ago, but who" A fourth man.
With the married team of ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, are assigned to conduct interviews of suspects of a cold case of 10 years ago. The murder of Jaylin Banks. A college student who was murdered in tightly secured library. With the list of those who entered the library, the married team conducts interviews hoping to uncover a lie and or misstep of Jaylin's murder.
For a short story, I thought it picked up pretty well the characters, the chemistry of the husband and wife team and was able to pull off a twist. Based on a true account, I was hooked.
A Special Thank You to Penquin Dutton Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
With the married team of ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, are assigned to conduct interviews of suspects of a cold case of 10 years ago. The murder of Jaylin Banks. A college student who was murdered in tightly secured library. With the list of those who entered the library, the married team conducts interviews hoping to uncover a lie and or misstep of Jaylin's murder.
For a short story, I thought it picked up pretty well the characters, the chemistry of the husband and wife team and was able to pull off a twist. Based on a true account, I was hooked.
A Special Thank You to Penquin Dutton Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 4, 2017
Last month I jumped on the Lisa Gardner bandwagon and when I was pitched this short story there was NO WAY I could pass it up!
Clocking it at under 40 pages, The 4th Man follows an investigation into a cold case: ten years earlier, a college student was strangled in a stairwell. This story focuses on tracking down several witnesses for another round of questioning. It's quick, entertaining, and made me VERY excited to read more of Lisa's work! If a total newbie like me (only one book down!) enjoyed it, I'm positive die-hard fans will love this bonus story featuring characters they already know and love.
For more Lisa Gardner flailing (and other reviews) head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
Clocking it at under 40 pages, The 4th Man follows an investigation into a cold case: ten years earlier, a college student was strangled in a stairwell. This story focuses on tracking down several witnesses for another round of questioning. It's quick, entertaining, and made me VERY excited to read more of Lisa's work! If a total newbie like me (only one book down!) enjoyed it, I'm positive die-hard fans will love this bonus story featuring characters they already know and love.
For more Lisa Gardner flailing (and other reviews) head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
January 1, 2017
If you are a fan of the police procedural, then you will enjoy this short story by Lisa Gardner. For me, it’s been too long since I read anything featuring FBI Profiler Pierce Quincy and Officer Rainie Conner, an efficient and smart tandem in the interrogation room, and a lovely couple in their daily life.
Quincy and Conner get handed the interrogation of 3 suspects in a 10 year old cold case, by the Boston PD, more specifically D.D. Warren. A young woman was killed and found dead in the University library, and it can only have been by someone who was in the library at that time.
Quincy and Conner’s approach is different and skilful for every interview. They know how to profile – they know for 95% who they will have in front of them.
I don’t often enjoy short reads, because it’s so difficult for the author to make an impact with so few pages. Here the author did a great job.
Quincy and Conner get handed the interrogation of 3 suspects in a 10 year old cold case, by the Boston PD, more specifically D.D. Warren. A young woman was killed and found dead in the University library, and it can only have been by someone who was in the library at that time.
Quincy and Conner’s approach is different and skilful for every interview. They know how to profile – they know for 95% who they will have in front of them.
I don’t often enjoy short reads, because it’s so difficult for the author to make an impact with so few pages. Here the author did a great job.
April 17, 2021
We just discovered Gardner wrote this short story as part of her “Profiler” series – but one that also features to some degree her police detective character, Sergeant DD Warren. Working a cold case, DD has identified three men who might be the murderer nearly a decade ago of a college woman late at night in the library. Quincy and Rainie are on board and interview each of the suspects in turn without too much luck; but then an older woman employed by the college has some important information that helps zero in on the culprit, who had a very unusual fetish that prompted the killing. Gardner says in a brief afterward that unfortunately her tale was modelled after a true-life incident.
So for about a half-hour reading, not bad at all.
So for about a half-hour reading, not bad at all.
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