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Audrey Harte #3
Three Strikes
Three Strikes is the new novel in a thriller series where a criminal psychologist uses her own dark past to help law enforcement catch dangerous killers.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and Audrey Harte has a lot to be thankful for -- her mother has recovered from surgery, her relationship with Jake is solid, her father is relatively sober, and her career is evolving in an exciting direction. So when an 18-year-old girl turns up on her mother's doorstep, claiming to be the daughter Maggie Jones gave up for adoption, Audrey is amazed.
As Audrey helps the girl discover where she came from, people in the little town of Edgeport think she should leave the past alone, and they let her know through threatening messages and phone calls. Soon, Audrey realizes that it doesn't matter how well you think you know someone -- you don't know what they're capable of until their secrets are threatened...
Thanksgiving is approaching, and Audrey Harte has a lot to be thankful for -- her mother has recovered from surgery, her relationship with Jake is solid, her father is relatively sober, and her career is evolving in an exciting direction. So when an 18-year-old girl turns up on her mother's doorstep, claiming to be the daughter Maggie Jones gave up for adoption, Audrey is amazed.
As Audrey helps the girl discover where she came from, people in the little town of Edgeport think she should leave the past alone, and they let her know through threatening messages and phone calls. Soon, Audrey realizes that it doesn't matter how well you think you know someone -- you don't know what they're capable of until their secrets are threatened...
Audiobook
First published November 7, 2017
65 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kessler
8 books370 followersAs a child Kate Kessler seemed to have a knack for finding trouble, and for it finding her. A former delinquent, Kate now prefers to write about trouble rather than cause it, and spends her day writing about why people do the things they do. She lives in New England with her husband. - See more at: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 13, 2018
I rate this book 4 stars (out of 5), which may not be apparent from the rest of this post. Also, I read this during summer, which is my worst time of year.
Three Strikes is not a thriller, but there are three mysteries to solve:
-Who's Mackenzie Bell's biological father, and who's warning her away from finding out?
-What were the circumstances surrounding Mike LeBlanc's death?
-Who's responsible for the recent dead body?
One of the things I appreciate most about this series is that Audrey Harte killed someone when she was about thirteen, and actually faced consequences: time in a juvenile correctional facility. Vigilante murders are common in fiction, but the perps aren't often held to account. That may be part of wish fulfilment on the part of the author, and maybe readers. So I have a lot of respect for characters - and the authors who write them - who don't just do the crime but also do the time. Even another character in the series commits murder, and is also sent to a correctional facility.
But apparently that all changes if the person committing the crimes is an adult. Then the person covers their arse, or other people cover it for them. That happens in Three Strikes:
-A character erases security footage, planning to claim it's a "glitch"
-When a character is attacked, the police immediately want to view security footage, but another character claims that they need permission from the attacked person first
-A character promises not to tell a secret, but then quickly after tells someone because "they won't tell anyone"
There's even possible statutory rape (or gross sexual assault) that happened nineteen years ago, but the police aren't told so no charges are laid.
And it pisses me off that Detective Neve Graham is treated like the enemy because she's competent at her job. She also grew up biracial in very white Edgeport, so she was already an outsider and not part of the Harte/Tripp family unit.
It's also annoying how Jake pretty much owns everything in town, and is noted as a "real estate mogul". It would be interesting to see how Edgeport would survive without him if he died, but for better or worse (worse, in my opinion) I predict a happy ending to the series. Which is NOT WHY I READ CRIME.
All grumbles aside, Three Strikes is another instalment in a series I always look forward to reading. Though only one novel and one novella are scheduled to follow, I'd happily read more crime fiction by Kate Kessler. Edgeport comes alive with all its small-town secrets, and there are likely countless more yet uncovered.
Three Strikes is not a thriller, but there are three mysteries to solve:
-Who's Mackenzie Bell's biological father, and who's warning her away from finding out?
-What were the circumstances surrounding Mike LeBlanc's death?
-Who's responsible for the recent dead body?
One of the things I appreciate most about this series is that Audrey Harte killed someone when she was about thirteen, and actually faced consequences: time in a juvenile correctional facility. Vigilante murders are common in fiction, but the perps aren't often held to account. That may be part of wish fulfilment on the part of the author, and maybe readers. So I have a lot of respect for characters - and the authors who write them - who don't just do the crime but also do the time. Even another character in the series commits murder, and is also sent to a correctional facility.
But apparently that all changes if the person committing the crimes is an adult. Then the person covers their arse, or other people cover it for them. That happens in Three Strikes:
-A character erases security footage, planning to claim it's a "glitch"
-When a character is attacked, the police immediately want to view security footage, but another character claims that they need permission from the attacked person first
-A character promises not to tell a secret, but then quickly after tells someone because "they won't tell anyone"
There's even possible statutory rape (or gross sexual assault) that happened nineteen years ago, but the police aren't told so no charges are laid.
And it pisses me off that Detective Neve Graham is treated like the enemy because she's competent at her job. She also grew up biracial in very white Edgeport, so she was already an outsider and not part of the Harte/Tripp family unit.
It's also annoying how Jake pretty much owns everything in town, and is noted as a "real estate mogul". It would be interesting to see how Edgeport would survive without him if he died, but for better or worse (worse, in my opinion) I predict a happy ending to the series. Which is NOT WHY I READ CRIME.
All grumbles aside, Three Strikes is another instalment in a series I always look forward to reading. Though only one novel and one novella are scheduled to follow, I'd happily read more crime fiction by Kate Kessler. Edgeport comes alive with all its small-town secrets, and there are likely countless more yet uncovered.
November 24, 2017
I'm not really sure what it is about this series that I like so much. Generally, I'm not much for morally ambiguous characters and Audrey Harte is that. The people of this small town in Maine are truly messed up, but it does make for a suspenseful and engaging storyline.
September 7, 2019
These are wonderful books. This series has everything that makes diving into a different world worthwhile. Audrey and this cast of characters keep me guessing in every book. This one has lots of twists and turns.
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December 22, 2017Three Strikes by Kate Kessler is one of my rare DNF's. I tried numerous times to get into the book, but just couldn't. Why, you ask?
I was initially intrigued by the description of the book - "Three Strikes is the new novel in a thriller series where a criminal psychologist uses her own dark past to help law enforcement catch dangerous killers." Sounds like a great premise.
What I should have noted was that this was the third book in a series. Now, some authors make it easy to jump into their series. Some back story is provided, but often you can read them as a stand alone. Not in this case. So much has happened in the first two books and I felt overwhelmed and out of step for as far as I did get. Murder, rape, incest, serial killers, terminal illness, a messed up small town and some very dysfunctional relationships. A psychologist who has committed murder. It started to feel like a dark daytime soap opera put to the printed page - aiming for titillation.
But, where I finally lost hope of continuing was in the character count. Oh yes, I started making my own player's list to keep track of who was who, as there are many (many) players introduced in the first few chapters. But, when my list hit 23 just past page 37, I threw in the towel. Too many, too much.
This may be the case of a book in the hands of the wrong reader, as there are many who have really enjoyed this book.
I was initially intrigued by the description of the book - "Three Strikes is the new novel in a thriller series where a criminal psychologist uses her own dark past to help law enforcement catch dangerous killers." Sounds like a great premise.
What I should have noted was that this was the third book in a series. Now, some authors make it easy to jump into their series. Some back story is provided, but often you can read them as a stand alone. Not in this case. So much has happened in the first two books and I felt overwhelmed and out of step for as far as I did get. Murder, rape, incest, serial killers, terminal illness, a messed up small town and some very dysfunctional relationships. A psychologist who has committed murder. It started to feel like a dark daytime soap opera put to the printed page - aiming for titillation.
But, where I finally lost hope of continuing was in the character count. Oh yes, I started making my own player's list to keep track of who was who, as there are many (many) players introduced in the first few chapters. But, when my list hit 23 just past page 37, I threw in the towel. Too many, too much.
This may be the case of a book in the hands of the wrong reader, as there are many who have really enjoyed this book.
June 28, 2017
Another stunning and thrilling read with my favorite psychologist, Audrey Harte.
This one picks up just where the second book ending, and it focuses on Audrey helping Maggie's daughter find her biological father.
What I really love about this book was the growth you see from Audrey and Jake...something that keeps me coming back to this series.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
This one picks up just where the second book ending, and it focuses on Audrey helping Maggie's daughter find her biological father.
What I really love about this book was the growth you see from Audrey and Jake...something that keeps me coming back to this series.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
September 23, 2019
Alright, out of the three I’ve read so far, this is my least favorite. This is just a ‘suspenseful’ book. There wasn’t as much excitement as there was not the first two books which I struggled with.
I enjoyed the book, but I do wish there had been more excitement.
I enjoyed the book, but I do wish there had been more excitement.
February 3, 2019
Amazing! This is the third book in the Audrey Harte series and I really loved it. The story follows Audrey as she finds out the town she lives in has secrets that some people would kill to protect. Maggie Jones' daughter comes to town looking for her father so Audrey puts herself in the middle to search for clues. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
January 2, 2018
This was okay. A positive okay, but still and okay nonetheless.
I loved loved loved the first one in this series; the second was alright, and now this one is alright as well. I can’t quite put my dog eat on what is lacking for me other than to say that I just want more. I like Kessler’s writing; the characters are likeable yet not perfect, the plots are solid, and there’s a few red herrings along the way. However I want more! More suspense and thrills; more of that feeling I had when I read the first book and thought “holy shit, I need the second one right now!” Here’s hoping #4 will take me back there.
I loved loved loved the first one in this series; the second was alright, and now this one is alright as well. I can’t quite put my dog eat on what is lacking for me other than to say that I just want more. I like Kessler’s writing; the characters are likeable yet not perfect, the plots are solid, and there’s a few red herrings along the way. However I want more! More suspense and thrills; more of that feeling I had when I read the first book and thought “holy shit, I need the second one right now!” Here’s hoping #4 will take me back there.
September 14, 2020
I enjoyed reading this series.
I was both shocked and yet not shocked when Mackenzie's dad was finally revealed. I had thought it was one guy from town, but he wasn't the person.
I felt sad for Maggie and what she went through as a teen.
I was both shocked and yet not shocked when Mackenzie's dad was finally revealed. I had thought it was one guy from town, but he wasn't the person.
I felt sad for Maggie and what she went through as a teen.
November 7, 2017
we need a mini series for Audrey Harte!
November 8, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! Such a thrilling and twisting addition to the Audrey Harte series. Kessler knows how to keep her readers on edge and wanting more. I was blown away by every plot in this but and by how I couldn’t predict a thing. This book is just as good, if not better, than its predecessors (and that’s saying something!) I cannot wait for the fourth novel in this thrilling series that has kept me wanting more and more.
November 9, 2017
I pre-ordered this book last year after reading the first two. I seldom buy books but had to have this one. There were some delays with publishing but worth the wait. I love the continuing story of Audrey and the other characters as they evolve. Each book has some mystery, conflict and love in it. I look forward to Four of a Kind when it is published.
July 28, 2017
I found the writing bland and the characters flat. It was difficult to read and I felt that the characters were just names that speech was attached to instead of being fleshed out characters.
I had to read some pages/passages several times in order to understand it and I had to consciously focus to try to stay with the text. This is one of those books I read just to finish instead of enjoying it.
I gave this one star as per GR's 5 star rating system because I didn't like it. It does not necessarily mean that it's a 1 star by other people's standards or that other people won't like it.
I got this book as a free ARC.
I had to read some pages/passages several times in order to understand it and I had to consciously focus to try to stay with the text. This is one of those books I read just to finish instead of enjoying it.
I gave this one star as per GR's 5 star rating system because I didn't like it. It does not necessarily mean that it's a 1 star by other people's standards or that other people won't like it.
I got this book as a free ARC.
November 23, 2017
This book was so fantastic! There were a lot of threads-Mac's dad, what happened at the Ridge at the time-Mike's death, and some consequences of Scott's death! Such a great book, and I can't wait to read more!
January 21, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. I really dug the plot of this story and enjoyed how the author found a why to keep the voice of Maggie as an on-going character. Interesting. I've already started the 4th book!
August 11, 2024
DNF at 10%. Absolutely nothing happens and there are other better books. Exposition heavy featuring endless background about a multitude of characters. Ultimately not interesting. Perhaps i should have read the first two books, not sure.
June 17, 2021
Okay here’s the thing. I love this series. So when I bash it in a second just know what I said first!*
The plot was much more predictable this time, maybe I’m getting her style and clues, maybe I’m becoming super observant - most likely the former ;) and the characters did not grow too much; Rusty is always this way, she keeps mentioning the same struggle with her sister, etc. BUT, but, she is also finally moving on some in her life (Audrey, yes I’m talking about the fictional characters choices here) so I think we will not have the writing repetition we have had all three books in the next one. You know how The Babysitters Club *always* had the backstory of how they started and who was who, every single book? That’s Kessler. Yep, Audrey and Jake are crazy, we get it already! (At least they admit their love this time too though, progress that I will take!)
*Okay those were my cons, 4 because it’s still suspenseful and small town secrets and community justice, love all that. I love love her job and wish I was something cool like that too! (Not much on her job this time but plans in place, so I didn’t mind. We needed more plans in place/transition to Edgeport) I love Jake and Audrey and how cute they are! Of course I fall for that schmaltzy stuff, and stop trying to justify it by them being “crazy,” Bring it! Bring the cheesy! :)
I knew the ending way in advance for me like I said, and also some of the subplots were as “Shocking” as we were perhaps meant to think? I liked the Maggie flashbacks this time to development the characters a bit more (again, she repeats. A lot. We KNOW you feel guilty about Maggie. Check check check already!) I liked Maggie’s side, that was a, I don’t want to say better, but necessary, perspective. (Not better because she goes through some shitty stuff, but it’s part of the storyline and well done, we needed to see it.)
Will I get a wedding ? Can I have more snow and Maine descriptions in general please? Will I finally fricking learn more about Mom and Dad Tripp? Oh you betcha im going to read the next one - already reserved it, have a stack of books for summer reading but I’m just loving this series and have to keep going!
The plot was much more predictable this time, maybe I’m getting her style and clues, maybe I’m becoming super observant - most likely the former ;) and the characters did not grow too much; Rusty is always this way, she keeps mentioning the same struggle with her sister, etc. BUT, but, she is also finally moving on some in her life (Audrey, yes I’m talking about the fictional characters choices here) so I think we will not have the writing repetition we have had all three books in the next one. You know how The Babysitters Club *always* had the backstory of how they started and who was who, every single book? That’s Kessler. Yep, Audrey and Jake are crazy, we get it already! (At least they admit their love this time too though, progress that I will take!)
*Okay those were my cons, 4 because it’s still suspenseful and small town secrets and community justice, love all that. I love love her job and wish I was something cool like that too! (Not much on her job this time but plans in place, so I didn’t mind. We needed more plans in place/transition to Edgeport) I love Jake and Audrey and how cute they are! Of course I fall for that schmaltzy stuff, and stop trying to justify it by them being “crazy,” Bring it! Bring the cheesy! :)
I knew the ending way in advance for me like I said, and also some of the subplots were as “Shocking” as we were perhaps meant to think? I liked the Maggie flashbacks this time to development the characters a bit more (again, she repeats. A lot. We KNOW you feel guilty about Maggie. Check check check already!) I liked Maggie’s side, that was a, I don’t want to say better, but necessary, perspective. (Not better because she goes through some shitty stuff, but it’s part of the storyline and well done, we needed to see it.)
Will I get a wedding ? Can I have more snow and Maine descriptions in general please? Will I finally fricking learn more about Mom and Dad Tripp? Oh you betcha im going to read the next one - already reserved it, have a stack of books for summer reading but I’m just loving this series and have to keep going!
December 2, 2017
I was anxiously awaiting this addition in the series for several months after quickly going through the first two books. This is one of, if not, my favorite series of all time. I can’t believe that these are the only three books of Kate Kessler’s with how well written they are in my opinion.
I love Audrey Harte. I believe the set up of this character and her evolution throughout the series could not be any better. There is so much to find interesting about her and sooo many of the other characters as well. You really get invested in their lives. With each book I have thought I figured out the thrilling twist before it’s revealed but alas it is something much more unexpected and intriguing than I could have imagined. If you like thrillers and incredible, not the run of the mill, type of female lead characters then you will love it too.
Really looking forward to this fourth book even though the wait will be even worse/ harder than it was for this one. I hope this series continues for a long long time.
I love Audrey Harte. I believe the set up of this character and her evolution throughout the series could not be any better. There is so much to find interesting about her and sooo many of the other characters as well. You really get invested in their lives. With each book I have thought I figured out the thrilling twist before it’s revealed but alas it is something much more unexpected and intriguing than I could have imagined. If you like thrillers and incredible, not the run of the mill, type of female lead characters then you will love it too.
Really looking forward to this fourth book even though the wait will be even worse/ harder than it was for this one. I hope this series continues for a long long time.
March 5, 2018
I’m a HUGE fan of Kate Kessler. Audrey Harte is such a deep character and I love each new story Kate brings to the table involving her, Jake, her witty and endearing family, and the f’d up town of Edgeport.
She never fails to paint you a beautiful picture of Maine and rarely leaves out any gory details of its townsfolks.
The third installment was another page turner that I hated to put down when life was calling me away.
Audrey has good character development throughout the series thus far. Her and Jake’s relationship continues to thrive, and she can finally find peace in Maggie’s life/death.
At times there were sections where I felt the author rehashed the same thoughts and feelings of Audrey’s toward Maggie or Mackenzie or her father John. Repetition in the thoughts seemed a bit over the top, especially by book three in a series where we KNOW the character(s) pretty well by now.
Nevertheless, I had no drawbacks, never got bored, and can not wait for Four of a Kind to be released!
She never fails to paint you a beautiful picture of Maine and rarely leaves out any gory details of its townsfolks.
The third installment was another page turner that I hated to put down when life was calling me away.
Audrey has good character development throughout the series thus far. Her and Jake’s relationship continues to thrive, and she can finally find peace in Maggie’s life/death.
At times there were sections where I felt the author rehashed the same thoughts and feelings of Audrey’s toward Maggie or Mackenzie or her father John. Repetition in the thoughts seemed a bit over the top, especially by book three in a series where we KNOW the character(s) pretty well by now.
Nevertheless, I had no drawbacks, never got bored, and can not wait for Four of a Kind to be released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
😮💨 this one is a solid 3 ⭐️. There really wasn't anything in this book that just grabbed me and held me. Yes, there were twists. But most of it was spent trying to find MacKenzies dad and just...ugh.
I am over the whole Maggie and Clint thing. I get that this is a lot of the story, but 3 books in, and I am just exhausted from hearing about it constantly. Yes we know already, give me something new and fresh! I am good with keeping OG characters, but constantly being reminded of Maggie and Clint in these books is just...😩.
Overall, it was ok. We find out some secrets, and we get a twist at the end. There was no "real" blood pumping, edge of seat drama, or event. It was probably my lease favorite.
I have 1 more to go, I am hoping Maggie isn't in it.
I am over the whole Maggie and Clint thing. I get that this is a lot of the story, but 3 books in, and I am just exhausted from hearing about it constantly. Yes we know already, give me something new and fresh! I am good with keeping OG characters, but constantly being reminded of Maggie and Clint in these books is just...😩.
Overall, it was ok. We find out some secrets, and we get a twist at the end. There was no "real" blood pumping, edge of seat drama, or event. It was probably my lease favorite.
I have 1 more to go, I am hoping Maggie isn't in it.
July 1, 2019
I love a good psychological thriller and this book is brilliant. I’ve never read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. I’m so glad I chose to read this book. Audrey, the heroine in the story is a wonderful character and I do like how she has a sense of humor, makes her a lot more real. I love the mystery of this plot and it held my attention from the get-go. This is a great book and a wonderful way to spend a few hours, it’s a page-turner and not a book that is easily put down once you start to read it.
May 8, 2020
Spoiler alert. She only tells readers about 30 times that killing a man when she was 13 has ruined her life. I guess because she only mentioned it 40 times in the first book of the series. And she is still harping on Maggie hurting her feelings as if the first 20 times she told us we didn't get it. If it has been long enough that you have forgotten book one, don't worry--she covers ever single point of interest again so you can remember. I liked the first book pretty well, so this was a tremendous disappointment.
December 18, 2017
This is my kind of series with people I care about. Not for everyone, for sure. Audrey continues to battle her ghosts and begins to find meaning in the past she wants to forget but won't leave her alone. This time she is helping a teenager find out who her bio parents are and then the bodies start to pile up. More than one mystery to unravel...plus life goes on for Audrey ,her boyfriend, Jake, and all those crazy family members! There is another one coming! Thank you, Kate Kessler!
April 1, 2018
I am enjoying this series. Audrey has an interesting background in that she was in a juvenile detention center for killing her best friend's father. That time in her life shapes her current decisions and has changed her profoundly. The books are mysteries and thrillers, with characters that I really like. This one has a surprise ending. I'll continue reading this series that takes place in Maine.
February 13, 2019
So...I’m currently on page 109 and debating on whether or not to continue reading. I’m really disappointed in the plot of the third book. I fell in love with Kate within the second chapter of “it takes one”. I finished “two can play” in less than two days with a full time job. As soon as I finished the second book I got the third one IMMEDIATELY. But “three strikes” has taken me a week to read because I find it...bland, very boring. I honestly don’t even know if I’ll finish it.
February 14, 2019
I didn't think things couldn't any more convoluted. I was so very wrong. At least this time there was no attempt on Audrey's life by a psycho killer obsessed with her this time. Just when she thought moving on was possible Maggie's daughter pops up which creates a whole different kind of situation.
It's nice to see that his family will take up for him and that they have his back when things get harry. Glad that the older brother is getting his shit together.
It's nice to see that his family will take up for him and that they have his back when things get harry. Glad that the older brother is getting his shit together.
January 16, 2020
Out of the three Audrey Harte serious that i’ve read so far, this was the least favorite. Still a very good book and I enjoyed it and wanted to keep turning the pages. However, it wasn’t as suspenseful or twisted as the last two. No major threats, or bad kids come to hurt her. It didn’t make you wonder what was going to happen next as you turned the page. Still a good book, but the least thriller of the three.
December 14, 2017
I received this as an advance read from Goodreads. I first went back and read Audrey Harte #1 and #2. I give this book 3.5. I am really enjoying the characters and the small town setting. I believe this book would be hard to follow if you hadn't read one or both of the earlier ones. A good series - a "goodread"!
August 22, 2018
This book seems like the filling in a sandwich cookie. Not that it was bad... it wasn't. It just seemed like Kessler needed a bridge between book two and book four to move the characters along in the larger plot. Not much suspense here. Not much mortal combat. But a good story (if HIGHLY predictable) that serves its purpose.
November 30, 2025
Three Strikes had me hooked right away! Audrey is amazing—smart, tough, and easy to root for—and the suspense just keeps building. The twists kept me guessing, and I loved seeing her figure out the case while dealing with all the danger and emotional stuff. This book was intense, fast-paced, and totally addictive. Definitely a 5-star read for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews