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Harry Starke #8
Calypso
“There are four basic reasons why someone commits murder. The first and most powerful is love. The second—equally powerful—is hate. Almost equally compelling is revenge. The fourth is profit. Money. When one family member kills another, one or more of them is almost always the motive, and the murders on Calypso Key were no exception.”—Harry Starke It was one of those beautiful, balmy days on Calypso Key in the US Virgin Islands. The sky was blue and a cool breeze was blowing in off the ocean as Harry and Amanda took their vows. All of their friends were there and all was well with the world... and then the sky fell. Harry draws the line at getting involved when the death of one of his father’s friends intrudes upon his wedding day, until he finds out he owes the girl’s father a debt he can never repay. And so he is dragged into an investigation of not just one murder, but two—and the wealthiest, most dysfunctional family he’s ever met. The cast of characters includes a former Navy Seal—now a butler—a man up to his eyes in shady financial dealings, and the woman at the heart of it all, who was pushed to her death from a third-story balcony. Harry clears a few hours to enjoy the good life on Calypso Key, but as for the investigation... well, we all know that when Harry’s involved, nothing is ever quite what it seems.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2016
286 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
285 books342 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 11, 2018
Harry’s island honeymoon sets the stage for Calypso, number eight in the Harry Starke detective series. But Harry's honeymoon is abruptly interrupted by the murder of a member of one of richest families on the island, and the local police enlist Harry’s help in solving the case.
Harry Starke, a former Chattanooga cop turned high-end P.I., is no-nonsense in solving crimes. Harry and his investigative team combine talents to solve the murder of one of the mega-rich at their family retreat on Calypso Key. Amanda, Starke’s new bride, adds an interesting and fresh dimension to the story.
Blair Howard has a crisp, clean writing style and a talent for creating stories with great wrinkles that will keep you in suspense until the last ten pages. The author has penned a great series with a memorable detective, Harry Starke.
Harry Starke, a former Chattanooga cop turned high-end P.I., is no-nonsense in solving crimes. Harry and his investigative team combine talents to solve the murder of one of the mega-rich at their family retreat on Calypso Key. Amanda, Starke’s new bride, adds an interesting and fresh dimension to the story.
Blair Howard has a crisp, clean writing style and a talent for creating stories with great wrinkles that will keep you in suspense until the last ten pages. The author has penned a great series with a memorable detective, Harry Starke.
October 6, 2018
Harry Starke and his wife Amanda are on their honeymoon in the Caribbean, when an old friend of the family asks him to look into the murder of his daughter. Harry would rather be doing other things while on his honeymoon, but gets sucked into the investigation, finding the usual family secrets on a small island.
Fairly typical for the sub-genre. I think most authors write a book like this when they take a vacation so they can write some of it off.
Fairly typical for the sub-genre. I think most authors write a book like this when they take a vacation so they can write some of it off.
October 19, 2016
Whodunit?
Good mystery and love story. Happy for Harry, he has a understanding wife. On his honeymoon with the help of his friends solved who was the killer. Very rich parents and their children, money always root of the problem. Good light reading.
Good mystery and love story. Happy for Harry, he has a understanding wife. On his honeymoon with the help of his friends solved who was the killer. Very rich parents and their children, money always root of the problem. Good light reading.
October 26, 2016
This is another wonderful addition to Mr. Howard's Harry Starke series.
Chock full of what we love about Harry and his expensive tastes in clothes, food, booze and vacations, this novel finds him on an exclusive island, getting hitched (finally) and facing a tough case practically at the same time as he says "I do."
Mr. Howard always manages to wrap a lot of details into his mystery/crime thrillers and Calypso is no exception. Anyone who loves series books by Harlan Coben or Lee Child will groove on Harry and his escapades.
Chock full of what we love about Harry and his expensive tastes in clothes, food, booze and vacations, this novel finds him on an exclusive island, getting hitched (finally) and facing a tough case practically at the same time as he says "I do."
Mr. Howard always manages to wrap a lot of details into his mystery/crime thrillers and Calypso is no exception. Anyone who loves series books by Harlan Coben or Lee Child will groove on Harry and his escapades.
February 11, 2021
I think this was a case where the narrator took away from the story for me. Tom Lennon is not my favorite narrator and I found it tough to listen to the story. It was a basic murder mystery in a wealthy family where nobody is exactly how they seem. Not a bad story but not a great mystery for me.
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October 5, 2016As I have said with all of the Harry Starke books that I have read, I love them! This one is absolutely no exception. Each and every one of them confounds me. It is hard not to believe that Mr. Howard has not worked as a police or private investigator in a past life, someplace. He writes these books as a virtual expert.
Unlike any book before, his setting is in the Virgin Islands. And unlike any to come, I truly believe he will never have his family and much loved friends along to celebrate his wedding and honeymoon. His wedding, the nuptials are barely said when he is summoned to work on a homicide investigation with a few of his friends. His dad is kind of indebted to the asked to have Harry do the job.
One thing that does happen in every Harry Starke book, is that we the readers never know who the culprit is until the very end. As surprising as it may seem, that is a given. It happens in every Harry Starke novel whether we believe we know who it is or not. That is what makes this series so unique and so utterly great (along with over-the-top characters in each book which add to the fun).
Thank you to Mr. Blair Howard for giving me a free e-copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
Unlike any book before, his setting is in the Virgin Islands. And unlike any to come, I truly believe he will never have his family and much loved friends along to celebrate his wedding and honeymoon. His wedding, the nuptials are barely said when he is summoned to work on a homicide investigation with a few of his friends. His dad is kind of indebted to the asked to have Harry do the job.
One thing that does happen in every Harry Starke book, is that we the readers never know who the culprit is until the very end. As surprising as it may seem, that is a given. It happens in every Harry Starke novel whether we believe we know who it is or not. That is what makes this series so unique and so utterly great (along with over-the-top characters in each book which add to the fun).
Thank you to Mr. Blair Howard for giving me a free e-copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
November 2, 2023
Harry and Amanda get married on Calypso Key. The same night his Father brings over an old friend and asks Harry to look into a mysterious death. With Amanda’s consent he does and it leads to a fascinating procedural. Harry and his team evaluate clues and testimony, attempting to sort out the truth from the lies. Great reading on a rainy afternoon. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
November 4, 2016
Missed the first 7!
Great book. I may have started with#8 in the Harry Stark series but as Mr. Howard says it is surely a stand alone . The story kept me guessing about who done it. Charlie Chan, Colombo have nothing on Harry Starke.
Great book. I may have started with#8 in the Harry Stark series but as Mr. Howard says it is surely a stand alone . The story kept me guessing about who done it. Charlie Chan, Colombo have nothing on Harry Starke.
July 29, 2022
Still grieving the horrendous murder of kid brother Hank, Harry Starke and fiancée Amanda Cole are off to the Caribbean in CALYPSO. Harry has his whole crew, on vacation (at his expense - I want to work for Harry) including father August and Step-Mother Rose ready to relax and enjoy some much needed down time. The beach front wedding goes off without a hitch, beautiful, full of love. After celebrating with their "family", Amanda and Harry slip off for some alone time, only to be interrupted by the local police. There's been a murder on the island, and the father of the dead girl just happens to be Leo Martan Sr., and he's drug August with him to ensure Harry Starke will be the one investigating his daughter's death. Harry doesn't want to go, but between August and Amanda, he finds himself eyeball deep in a murder mystery with an entire family that has more money than good sense. Before all is said and one, Mr. Martan will lose not only his daughter, but also his step-daughter. Can Harry, Kate and Bob figure out who done it? Will Harry be able to actually have a real honeymoon with his new bride Amanda? Another great story from author Blair Howard. This one will keep you guessing, can you figure out who the murderer is before Harry? I dare ya!
September 13, 2021
Once a detective, always a detective…
If you are good at what you do and others know it, there is no place to hide - even on your own Caribbean wedding/honeymoon. After a woman is discovered dead below her balcony window, Harry feels obliged to offer his opinion – is it murder or suicide? However, he cannot just walk away from a crime scene without a thorough investigation. With his team conveniently on hand enjoying the beach, they agree to work on the case involving some very odd family and household relationships. These characters plus his desire to be with his wife, Amanda, keep him quite busy and determined to still enjoy his vacation…
This all makes for a very enjoyable read and a good mystery to boot. I love the blend of Harry discovering the truth behind the death while being true to himself and in his own personal relationships. The exotic setting added color to the story which was well-written and a quick read while engaging you till the end.
If you are good at what you do and others know it, there is no place to hide - even on your own Caribbean wedding/honeymoon. After a woman is discovered dead below her balcony window, Harry feels obliged to offer his opinion – is it murder or suicide? However, he cannot just walk away from a crime scene without a thorough investigation. With his team conveniently on hand enjoying the beach, they agree to work on the case involving some very odd family and household relationships. These characters plus his desire to be with his wife, Amanda, keep him quite busy and determined to still enjoy his vacation…
This all makes for a very enjoyable read and a good mystery to boot. I love the blend of Harry discovering the truth behind the death while being true to himself and in his own personal relationships. The exotic setting added color to the story which was well-written and a quick read while engaging you till the end.
July 21, 2020
The Honeymoon Phase is over
Far slower paced than previous novels in the series. Harry & Amanda are on their honeymoon in the Caribbean, with all Harry's family, his ex girlfriend and staff from the office???? Daft idea.
But of course he couldn't solve a murder without Bob and co.
Found the coincidences in this book stretched a bit too far, unusual for Blair Howard , but it was repetitive.Goodness knows how many times he mentioned the golf course, I know it is a passion of the author, but within the first few chapters we knew that the house was edged by a golf course.
He mentioned iPhone so many times, perhaps he was paid for product placement. In addition there were silly mistakes, saying a pot of decaf coffee and a lot of unleaded coffee - surely the same, especially as he had regular.
Way below par.
Far slower paced than previous novels in the series. Harry & Amanda are on their honeymoon in the Caribbean, with all Harry's family, his ex girlfriend and staff from the office???? Daft idea.
But of course he couldn't solve a murder without Bob and co.
Found the coincidences in this book stretched a bit too far, unusual for Blair Howard , but it was repetitive.Goodness knows how many times he mentioned the golf course, I know it is a passion of the author, but within the first few chapters we knew that the house was edged by a golf course.
He mentioned iPhone so many times, perhaps he was paid for product placement. In addition there were silly mistakes, saying a pot of decaf coffee and a lot of unleaded coffee - surely the same, especially as he had regular.
Way below par.
November 4, 2022
Even his honeymoon can’t keep the murder cases from finding him. Harry Starke is married and enjoying an indulgent honeymoon with his new wife and closest family and friends. A young girl has been found dead below her balcony. The small local PD say it’s suicide but the girls rich father wants Harry Starke to investigate. This is an enjoyable enough story but for me it’s not one of the best of this series. There are more than a few cliche characters from the rich father that gets whatever he wants to the spoiled rich kids who treat the world with disdain. Amanda, Harry’s new wife, flips between anger that someone wants his help during their honeymoon to telling him it’s the right thing to do. It’s a fun read but nothing that hasn't been done many times before.
March 8, 2018
"Murder On The Honeymoon Island"
This is an exciting story of Harry Starke and his soon to be wife, Amanda. They are looking forward to enjoying the beautiful sunny days in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But their laid-back vacation days turn into murder and mayhem. Harry doesn't want to get involved in the murder of one of his father's friends on his wedding day. But he's dragged into the investigation of not just this murder, but also another! The victim's family is the most dysfunctional family Harry has ever met. The cast of characters are entertaining and memorable. There's bedlam on Calypso Key, which will definitely intrigue and entertain you. Highly recommend.
This is an exciting story of Harry Starke and his soon to be wife, Amanda. They are looking forward to enjoying the beautiful sunny days in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But their laid-back vacation days turn into murder and mayhem. Harry doesn't want to get involved in the murder of one of his father's friends on his wedding day. But he's dragged into the investigation of not just this murder, but also another! The victim's family is the most dysfunctional family Harry has ever met. The cast of characters are entertaining and memorable. There's bedlam on Calypso Key, which will definitely intrigue and entertain you. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2020
I really thought I had it this time. I follow Mr. Howard's writing and I thought I had it figured out in this mystery. Nope, again, he fooled me. I think I am attacking my methodology wrong. Next time, pick my least likely candidate. I accidentally read this novel out of order as I am reading the whole series and was astounded to find Harry was marrying. What, I say? To this particular woman? Say it isn't so? And then solving a mystery on a honeymoon. I can't say I would be so generous of my time on such a paradise of a honeymoon. The book was dynamic and kept me guessing "who's on first" basically the whole way. Nice job Blair.
May 23, 2020
I love this series!
The sympathetic detective with a good heart and sometimes questionable methods in the name of good results for a good cause, Harry Starke is a strong favorite of mine.
Sadly for me as a fan of his former partner Kate Gazarra, his Ever After is with a charming and fascinating women who is someone other than Kate.
Harry being Harry, the love story, and honeymoon, are a lethal adventure with lots of twists
A great read to get to meet the MRS - and an action packed KU dramatic read!
The sympathetic detective with a good heart and sometimes questionable methods in the name of good results for a good cause, Harry Starke is a strong favorite of mine.
Sadly for me as a fan of his former partner Kate Gazarra, his Ever After is with a charming and fascinating women who is someone other than Kate.
Harry being Harry, the love story, and honeymoon, are a lethal adventure with lots of twists
A great read to get to meet the MRS - and an action packed KU dramatic read!
July 4, 2020
Masterful
Harry has done it again. He gets married and on the first day, he is asked to solve a murder. He is angry and would refuse to do it if the man weren't such good friends with his dad. The gang is all there so Harry has his support system in place. Now, he just has to ferret out the murderer.
Another perfect story by Blair Howard. The cast of characters is well realized but not easy to pin down. The mystery is masterful but not as easy to solve as you might wish. All in all, a really nice read.
Harry has done it again. He gets married and on the first day, he is asked to solve a murder. He is angry and would refuse to do it if the man weren't such good friends with his dad. The gang is all there so Harry has his support system in place. Now, he just has to ferret out the murderer.
Another perfect story by Blair Howard. The cast of characters is well realized but not easy to pin down. The mystery is masterful but not as easy to solve as you might wish. All in all, a really nice read.
June 13, 2021
Calypso is an entertaining whodunit that takes place during poor Harry’s tropical honeymoon, because, of course, the poor guy can’t get a break. There’s some pretty interesting characters in this one including a Butler who’s an ex Navy Seal and looks like Christopher Walken.
Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content.
The narrator for this book is the same one who does the rest of the series. He does a good job with the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content.
The narrator for this book is the same one who does the rest of the series. He does a good job with the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 3, 2020
I wouldn't like for anyone to ask me to drop my honeymoon and work on a case. But we can understand why Harry has to do it. Rarely does someone get away with murder, but this person almost does twice. It's an explosive story of the greed of a dysfunctional family where every member is a suspect. Mr. Blair has outdone himself with this story; it's witty, smart and kept me guessing until the end. I couldn't put it down. Each book just keeps getting better and better!!
May 9, 2022
Nothing but the best books I've read
Now that I retired I read all types of books and read a lot of books every year. Blair Howard is one of the best writers that I've run across and he has very few typo or grammar mistakes. The storyline keeps throwing a twist at you and you think you have it figured out until the end but then you find 90% of the time that you are wrong. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Now that I retired I read all types of books and read a lot of books every year. Blair Howard is one of the best writers that I've run across and he has very few typo or grammar mistakes. The storyline keeps throwing a twist at you and you think you have it figured out until the end but then you find 90% of the time that you are wrong. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
May 28, 2025
Poor Harry can't catch a break. The man gets married early in the AM, and by the afternoon he is working on a case. Was it suicide or murder? The police say suicide, but Harry takes one look and says murder.
Now Harry must solve a case that has deceit, lies, spoiled adults, and another murder. Harry figures out who did the deed, but he has no proof. How does he do it, well read the great story and find out.
Now Harry must solve a case that has deceit, lies, spoiled adults, and another murder. Harry figures out who did the deed, but he has no proof. How does he do it, well read the great story and find out.
August 15, 2018
BH. Has penned a novel which details the reasons for wanting money. The 4 reasons are love, hate, revenge and profit. BH. Works his storyline around a family and shows the results of being careful because "What you wish for May be what you do not want!" This is an excellent read for the genre. ....DEHS
August 14, 2020
This has been my favorite book in the series to date. Harry, Amanda and all their friends and family travel to the Virgin Islands for the big wedding. They are looking forward to two weeks without working but that doesn't last long. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't wait to find out the culprit. This is a great book that I highly recommend.
March 29, 2021
Obligation to the family. What about his wife, he just married, an a honeymoon. He was best friend of his dad he didn’t feel he should say no. A murderer has gotten away with it twice. Harry has a great team to back him. Greed and a dysfunctional family keep you guessing of who. Enjoyed the narration also by Tom Lennon, his voice was good and added .
September 11, 2022
Harry Starke, but not one of the best
Ok, I know the title says “not one of the best”, but it was real good. My problem, and maybe it’s only me, is that there were too many characters and names to keep track of. I almost wished I had started an index of who was who. But aside from that, it was pretty good.
Ok, I know the title says “not one of the best”, but it was real good. My problem, and maybe it’s only me, is that there were too many characters and names to keep track of. I almost wished I had started an index of who was who. But aside from that, it was pretty good.
May 24, 2020
What a breath of fresh air. This book was fantastic. Yet again all the characters came alive for me and it sure was good to have the known ones all in one room so to speak. Even though it was a serious storyline it was also humorous but dramatic also. Bring on the next one.
August 1, 2021
Blair , you are a wonder.and I will follow you!!!!
I'm in love with Harry. Always in love with Harry.if you're old enough you remember this tune. The skills involved in this series are indeed awesome.
I'm in love with Harry. Always in love with Harry.if you're old enough you remember this tune. The skills involved in this series are indeed awesome.
January 11, 2022
The Hunt Continues
Harry is on the hunt for a killer, but there are so many suspects that he he has his most difficult case to solve. Another well written, action packed novel from this author.
Harry is on the hunt for a killer, but there are so many suspects that he he has his most difficult case to solve. Another well written, action packed novel from this author.
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March 17, 2022Wedding
Harry and Amanda get married in the Caribbean . Everyone who was important was there . Aldo, suicide ? , no murder . Harry is besotted with Amanda and wants no part of an investigation . But he does one, for his dad.
Harry and Amanda get married in the Caribbean . Everyone who was important was there . Aldo, suicide ? , no murder . Harry is besotted with Amanda and wants no part of an investigation . But he does one, for his dad.
September 26, 2017
love these books and characters. will read them all and save them on kindle to read again some time
November 25, 2019
Calypso
Harry Starke books never fail to keep you up reading long into the night. Great writing! Can’t wait for number 9!
Harry Starke books never fail to keep you up reading long into the night. Great writing! Can’t wait for number 9!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews