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Larry Macklin Mysteries #4
February's Regrets
Following his resignation as an investigator with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Larry Macklin is working part time as a reserve deputy and trying to decide what to do with his life.
He’s drawn back into investigating against his will when his friend, Shantel Williams, asks for his help to find her missing niece, Tonya. While Larry initially believes that there’s a reasonable explanation for Tonya’s lack of communication with her aunt, it quickly becomes obvious that her disappearance is part of something more serious. The Swamp Hacker, a serial killer who stalked Adams County fifteen years ago, has returned and is killing again.
Unable to resist the hunt for a predator that eluded the sheriff so many years ago, Larry agrees to assist with the current investigation. It becomes a race against time as the murders become more brutal and more frequent. Will the killer escape justice a second time?
He’s drawn back into investigating against his will when his friend, Shantel Williams, asks for his help to find her missing niece, Tonya. While Larry initially believes that there’s a reasonable explanation for Tonya’s lack of communication with her aunt, it quickly becomes obvious that her disappearance is part of something more serious. The Swamp Hacker, a serial killer who stalked Adams County fifteen years ago, has returned and is killing again.
Unable to resist the hunt for a predator that eluded the sheriff so many years ago, Larry agrees to assist with the current investigation. It becomes a race against time as the murders become more brutal and more frequent. Will the killer escape justice a second time?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2016
1592 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Howe
40 books161 followersA. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 8, 2017
Enjoyable.
Good who done it series. Knew I was going to be interrupted many times while reading, that reason picked this series to read. With some books have a hard time putting my Kindle down, and keep up with the story closely, not with this series.
Larry always gets results, and his relationship and understanding with his father growing. So far read four books in this series and entertained by all of them.
Good who done it series. Knew I was going to be interrupted many times while reading, that reason picked this series to read. With some books have a hard time putting my Kindle down, and keep up with the story closely, not with this series.
Larry always gets results, and his relationship and understanding with his father growing. So far read four books in this series and entertained by all of them.
October 11, 2016
Larry Macklin is a man who has lost some self-confidence in himself and is now trying to decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life. He quit his job as investigator for the County Sheriff's Office because of a case that almost cost the Sheriff his life. The Sheriff also happens to be Larry's father.
While he's perusing the want ads, his friend Shantel Williams comes to him for help. Her 20-year-old niece is missing. Larry's afraid that Tanya might be in real trouble. The Swamp Hacker, a serial killer who was active 15 years ago has returned and is killing again. Larry's father had been in charge of that investigation and the killer was never identified.
As Larry re-joins the force as investigator, more young women are being killed, each more brutally than the last.
Larry Macklin is a wonderful character .... self -depreciating with humor, sensitive, caring... really a nice guy. Although he has self-doubts, he's a really smart investigator, using a lot of common sense.
Although there are several secondary characters that help make the book as interesting as it is, the star of the show, in my opinion, is Mauser, a 200 lb. Great Dane who loves everyone.
There is no over-the-top psychological suspense, just a nice easy to read mystery surrounding good people. I very much look forward to the next addition to this well-written mystery.
I have been very fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to read this entire series from the beginning. Each one is okay as a stand-alone, but it's so much better to read in order. Many thanks to the author who provided the digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
While he's perusing the want ads, his friend Shantel Williams comes to him for help. Her 20-year-old niece is missing. Larry's afraid that Tanya might be in real trouble. The Swamp Hacker, a serial killer who was active 15 years ago has returned and is killing again. Larry's father had been in charge of that investigation and the killer was never identified.
As Larry re-joins the force as investigator, more young women are being killed, each more brutally than the last.
Larry Macklin is a wonderful character .... self -depreciating with humor, sensitive, caring... really a nice guy. Although he has self-doubts, he's a really smart investigator, using a lot of common sense.
Although there are several secondary characters that help make the book as interesting as it is, the star of the show, in my opinion, is Mauser, a 200 lb. Great Dane who loves everyone.
There is no over-the-top psychological suspense, just a nice easy to read mystery surrounding good people. I very much look forward to the next addition to this well-written mystery.
I have been very fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to read this entire series from the beginning. Each one is okay as a stand-alone, but it's so much better to read in order. Many thanks to the author who provided the digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 29, 2016
I'm really enjoying this series. The plots are pretty straightforward, the characters extremely likeable, and I can usually breeze through the book in a couple of hours. And I'm always left feeling good about the next installment. While these can be read alone, you miss out on a lot by not reading the entire series. It's the relationships between the people involved that so appeals to me. There's Larry's relationship with his dad who just happens to be the sheriff and Larry's boss. It's just been the two of them since Larry's mom died and as typical of most males, they don't always communicate like they should. The only reason Larry became a deputy was because it was his father's stipulation for running for sheriff. Now Larry's not certain he wants to remain a deputy due to some bad things that happened on his last case.
Then there is Larry's relationship with his girlfriend, Cara, who works for the local vet. They are still in the first phase, wanting to know each other better while feeling their way through some challenging issues. They're comfortable with one another and she's very supportive of his work and the long hours he sometimes keeps while on a case.
Larry's partner, Pete, is another good draw to these stories. He and Larry are good friends as well and I love the banter between them. They can always count on one another and Pete often encourages Larry no matter what situation Larry finds himself in.
Add to all that a huge dog named Mauser who belongs to Larry's dad and the fact Larry is often coerced into babysitting the creature, and you've got the occasional twist of humor that these plots sometimes need to lighten the mood.
In this particular story Larry is working in a reserve capacity while trying to decide what he wants to do with himself. Although everyone around him thinks he's a great investigator and should stay on the job, Larry's not convinced. This requires a little soul searching on his part. However, when a friend's niece goes missing and he's asked to find her, Larry can't help getting involved. There's a distinct possibility the woman's disappearance is tied to an old serial killer case that was never solved. Larry's dad worked the case the first time and it has always bothered him that the killer got away. Now it looks like whoever it was has begun killing again, leaving his victims brutally hacked with a hatchet. It will take Larry's A game, along with help from his partner and his dad, to stop this guy once and for all.
This is an easy recommend for me. Don't think you'll be disappointed.
Then there is Larry's relationship with his girlfriend, Cara, who works for the local vet. They are still in the first phase, wanting to know each other better while feeling their way through some challenging issues. They're comfortable with one another and she's very supportive of his work and the long hours he sometimes keeps while on a case.
Larry's partner, Pete, is another good draw to these stories. He and Larry are good friends as well and I love the banter between them. They can always count on one another and Pete often encourages Larry no matter what situation Larry finds himself in.
Add to all that a huge dog named Mauser who belongs to Larry's dad and the fact Larry is often coerced into babysitting the creature, and you've got the occasional twist of humor that these plots sometimes need to lighten the mood.
In this particular story Larry is working in a reserve capacity while trying to decide what he wants to do with himself. Although everyone around him thinks he's a great investigator and should stay on the job, Larry's not convinced. This requires a little soul searching on his part. However, when a friend's niece goes missing and he's asked to find her, Larry can't help getting involved. There's a distinct possibility the woman's disappearance is tied to an old serial killer case that was never solved. Larry's dad worked the case the first time and it has always bothered him that the killer got away. Now it looks like whoever it was has begun killing again, leaving his victims brutally hacked with a hatchet. It will take Larry's A game, along with help from his partner and his dad, to stop this guy once and for all.
This is an easy recommend for me. Don't think you'll be disappointed.
February 22, 2025
3.5 stars
Wish I had started this series in the correct order, just because I dislike to start at the middle. You can read it as a stand alone and not feel as if you've missed important things. Buuuut the characters are quite nice, the humour is cute and the story is intriguing enough to keep you wanting to read more. I like how the author gives you hints so that the identity of the criminal doesn't come as a complete surprise. I enjoy that. I find it predictable enough without it being frustrating or boring.
My previous thriller was the Housemaid's, series so compared to that one, this was pure genius.
Will continue this series, meaning I will go it's beginnings.
Recommend!
Wish I had started this series in the correct order, just because I dislike to start at the middle. You can read it as a stand alone and not feel as if you've missed important things. Buuuut the characters are quite nice, the humour is cute and the story is intriguing enough to keep you wanting to read more. I like how the author gives you hints so that the identity of the criminal doesn't come as a complete surprise. I enjoy that. I find it predictable enough without it being frustrating or boring.
My previous thriller was the Housemaid's, series so compared to that one, this was pure genius.
Will continue this series, meaning I will go it's beginnings.
Recommend!
February 24, 2019
A serial killer is back in Adams County. Lead character Larry Macklin is determined to solve these vicious murders that began years ago and have begun again. Also back are Pete, Shantel, Mauser the great dane and Larry’s father, Sheriff Macklin. This is the 4th book in this series and I enjoyed this one as much as the previous 3. It’s fast paced with no down time, it keeps you interested in the story and turning the pages. Author A.E. Howe has created a series with characters that will have me reading the rest of the books. You don’t have to read the previous 3 books to read this one, it stands alone although I would highly recommend it to give you a little better insight into the development of the characters. Fun read!
July 18, 2025
I’m new to this author and have to say I am greatly enjoying this series. The author provides very well written, solid mysteries, which hold my attention from the first page to the last! As these books are written in the first person, the reader travels through the story from within Deputy Larry Macklin’s head! And what a fun ride it is! A.E Howe has a wonderful dry sense of humor, and it is showcased through Macklin! I have to say, books 2 & 3 did not illustrate Howe’s humor, so I was a bit concerned because it’s a main reason I love this series. But it was back in this book!
Love Mauser!! Such a loveable character!
These are quick, fun reads, good storylines, well written and great entertainment!
Love Mauser!! Such a loveable character!
These are quick, fun reads, good storylines, well written and great entertainment!
February 15, 2019
An AEH. Mystery Novel (LMMB - 4)/A Serial Killer Returns
AEH. has. penned the fourth novel in the LM. series. LM resigned from the force in LMMB - 3 but now wants to return to the force. He is allowed to come back, but with a new partner, a female, which LM. Thinks is punishment for resigning. LM. and his new partner attempt to determine whom the serial killer is and as they close in the answer becomes very comp!icated. This is an excellent read for the genre....DEHD
AEH. has. penned the fourth novel in the LM. series. LM resigned from the force in LMMB - 3 but now wants to return to the force. He is allowed to come back, but with a new partner, a female, which LM. Thinks is punishment for resigning. LM. and his new partner attempt to determine whom the serial killer is and as they close in the answer becomes very comp!icated. This is an excellent read for the genre....DEHD
August 22, 2020
Endings getting better, best yet!
This was my favorite thus far,despite I had the killer pegged way early. I wasn’t sure but when Tonya gave a telling clue my certainty was pretty much pegged. But what made it a favorite was no over climate ending. There was a little but one that could be expected in the apprehension of a killer.
I’m getting to like pretty much all the characters though Chantel kind of gets on my nerves. Even the various suspects though were well written.
This was my favorite thus far,despite I had the killer pegged way early. I wasn’t sure but when Tonya gave a telling clue my certainty was pretty much pegged. But what made it a favorite was no over climate ending. There was a little but one that could be expected in the apprehension of a killer.
I’m getting to like pretty much all the characters though Chantel kind of gets on my nerves. Even the various suspects though were well written.
December 10, 2022
Regrets for sure
This story is a continuing the series where January left off. Larry has quit and is on part time duty. He is thinking he made too many mistakes with the last case and is not truly qualified to continue as an investor. His father accepts his resignation but keeps him on part time. We learn more about the other characters and the true to life situations that occur in their lives. The end has a very surprising finish.Thanks for all the entertainment.
This story is a continuing the series where January left off. Larry has quit and is on part time duty. He is thinking he made too many mistakes with the last case and is not truly qualified to continue as an investor. His father accepts his resignation but keeps him on part time. We learn more about the other characters and the true to life situations that occur in their lives. The end has a very surprising finish.Thanks for all the entertainment.
August 11, 2023
Continues to improve with every book
Started reading A.E. Howe’s writing, with his first novella. He has improved in writing and length of story in each book. I’ve enjoyed stories and the characters development in every book. February’s Regret continues the author’s growth, with an excellent story and an unexpected twist at the end. All the original characters are present as well as some new. The ending caught me completely by surprise.
Started reading A.E. Howe’s writing, with his first novella. He has improved in writing and length of story in each book. I’ve enjoyed stories and the characters development in every book. February’s Regret continues the author’s growth, with an excellent story and an unexpected twist at the end. All the original characters are present as well as some new. The ending caught me completely by surprise.
January 6, 2024
I'm surprised this series of books is rated so highly. They are pretty good but not outstanding. I guess there aren't that many really great mystery series out there. 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. At least following a series, you get to know the characters more and more.
December 29, 2017
Hooked on Lucky Larry - a guy that cares about his job
Ok — I will admit it I laughed at the end when Larry’s ex shows up and asked for her stuff. Larry simply replied, I’ve moved twice and threw it out. Larry simply grows on you. He finally is in a relationship and now his ex appears. I am enjoying this series.
Ok — I will admit it I laughed at the end when Larry’s ex shows up and asked for her stuff. Larry simply replied, I’ve moved twice and threw it out. Larry simply grows on you. He finally is in a relationship and now his ex appears. I am enjoying this series.
October 14, 2021
A very twisted tale around an insolvable puzzle—one that Deputy Macklin "busted' by flicking his finger.
Very gruesome and tragic, and the available evidence never uncovers the bad guy. His decision to quit the sheriff's seems to have been the right move. Yet it turns out that his insights and pure luck once again put an end to a horrific killing spree and reopen doors.
Very gruesome and tragic, and the available evidence never uncovers the bad guy. His decision to quit the sheriff's seems to have been the right move. Yet it turns out that his insights and pure luck once again put an end to a horrific killing spree and reopen doors.
December 15, 2021
5+*stars
ANOTHER GREAT ONE, I LOVE THIS SERIES, FEEL AS THOUGH I KNOW ALL THE CHARACTERS PERNONALLY. I HAVE ALL 19 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES I’VE READ 10 AND ONLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY HAVE 9 MORE TO READ (boo-hoo) I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’LL DO WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THAT’S WHY I ONLY READ THEM AS A SPECIAL TREAT FOR ME. SIGH. WHATAMIGONNADO? ;D
ANOTHER GREAT ONE, I LOVE THIS SERIES, FEEL AS THOUGH I KNOW ALL THE CHARACTERS PERNONALLY. I HAVE ALL 19 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES I’VE READ 10 AND ONLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY HAVE 9 MORE TO READ (boo-hoo) I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’LL DO WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THAT’S WHY I ONLY READ THEM AS A SPECIAL TREAT FOR ME. SIGH. WHATAMIGONNADO? ;D
July 11, 2017
February's Regrets
I really don't know what more to say about this series except that it is a five star series. I love it and really enjoy it. I do recommend this series. It is a must read.
I really don't know what more to say about this series except that it is a five star series. I love it and really enjoy it. I do recommend this series. It is a must read.
August 27, 2018
Another who done it from A.E. Howe.
Someone is missing she happens to be some one close. But why is she the key to some grissley murders. Larry knows something is close but what, even in his wildest dreams he did not guess.
Someone is missing she happens to be some one close. But why is she the key to some grissley murders. Larry knows something is close but what, even in his wildest dreams he did not guess.
October 23, 2020
Best one yet!
Couldn't put it down! This book in the series centers on a serial killer and was extremely well written. I did figure out who the killer was way before the end but it didn't matter because it was so well written and the ending was great!
Couldn't put it down! This book in the series centers on a serial killer and was extremely well written. I did figure out who the killer was way before the end but it didn't matter because it was so well written and the ending was great!
June 5, 2021
Now, THIS was a good story, BUT...
This really was a good story, right up to the sudden conclusion. That's what left me, what is it? SMH? I have no words. Good grief! Spend a little time fleshing out the ending!
This really was a good story, right up to the sudden conclusion. That's what left me, what is it? SMH? I have no words. Good grief! Spend a little time fleshing out the ending!
July 7, 2022
Cozy mystery set in small town Florida. Fourth book in a series, but I haven’t read the others and it didn’t matter. I didn’t guess the perp, which is always a good thing.
Months of the year challenge-February
Months of the year challenge-February
February 1, 2025
Great read
February's Regrets is a really good read. AE Howe has done a fine job with the Larry Macklimn series to date. They have all been very interesting and enjoyable books.I look forward to reading more red of the series.
February's Regrets is a really good read. AE Howe has done a fine job with the Larry Macklimn series to date. They have all been very interesting and enjoyable books.I look forward to reading more red of the series.
February 11, 2025
All right, I'm hooked...
Just finished book 4, and on to book 5. What is there, like 20?? Well its winter and I like to read good writers. Like the commercial said "Try it, you'll like it." You won't be disappointed..
Just finished book 4, and on to book 5. What is there, like 20?? Well its winter and I like to read good writers. Like the commercial said "Try it, you'll like it." You won't be disappointed..
May 20, 2017
Interesting to watch the relationship between characters grow and evolve. Looking forward to March in the series.
May 22, 2017
Still reading this straight throigh
Smother serial I can't put down. The stories are well written and the people draw you in from the begging.
Smother serial I can't put down. The stories are well written and the people draw you in from the begging.
May 28, 2017
Good Guy Wins
Easy reading, your right with Larry trying to solve the case. Never would guess how this "Case" does end, was it luck?
Easy reading, your right with Larry trying to solve the case. Never would guess how this "Case" does end, was it luck?
August 26, 2017
Good story
Enjoyed the story. Only reviewed because I couldn't get this off the kindle app on my phone without leaving a review.
Enjoyed the story. Only reviewed because I couldn't get this off the kindle app on my phone without leaving a review.
May 13, 2018
February's Regrets
I read books 1-3and thoroughly enjoyed them but this book was so long that it became almost boring. Now I'm going to check out book 5.
I read books 1-3and thoroughly enjoyed them but this book was so long that it became almost boring. Now I'm going to check out book 5.
June 16, 2018
Good read
Never fails to entertain. Macklin cant get away from being the deputy he doesn’t want to be but knows is his true calling.
Never fails to entertain. Macklin cant get away from being the deputy he doesn’t want to be but knows is his true calling.
June 22, 2018
Looking for that serial killer for times past.
His father headed the task force in years past when Larry was a youngster. Now it is Larry's turn. He's back.
His father headed the task force in years past when Larry was a youngster. Now it is Larry's turn. He's back.
September 15, 2018
Another fine tale
There is so much to love about this series. I find I am binge reading without really trying. Can't wait to read March's Luck. Gotta go!
There is so much to love about this series. I find I am binge reading without really trying. Can't wait to read March's Luck. Gotta go!
August 20, 2019
didn't see that one coming...enjoying the series, looking forward to reading March
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews