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Harry Starke #7-9

Retribution / Calypso / Without Remorse

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Grisly Murders. A lack of clues. A detective that can’t let go.Three more sizzling crime novels packed full of murder, mystery, action and heart-stopping suspense… and a little humor. Blair Howard’s unique stories, his wickedly woven plots and his no-nonsense style of writing will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride right to the very last page.

From murder and revenge in Retribution, to murder and corruption in the Caribbean in Calypso, to the ultimate the 15-year-old cold case of the murder of Peter Nicholson in Without Remorse they will keep you turning the pages late into the night - you won't be able to put them down!

You can’t read just one. So grab your copy and join Harry on the hunt for justice today.

586 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2017

938 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Blair Howard

284 books340 followers
Blair 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.

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5 stars
1,063 (66%)
4 stars
424 (26%)
3 stars
95 (5%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for richard lambert.
2 reviews
July 1, 2018
Nine fives.

I have just finished the ninth of the Harry Starke series and it is a long time since I enjoyed nine books in a row like these. Being age 94 I claim the right to be a bit old fashioned and these nine books suit me totally, they are extremely well researched throughout, you do not wade through an abundance of four letter words and heaps of gratuitous gore, the sexy bits are reminiscent of the movie days when the censor decreed one foot had to be touching the floor at the side of the bed and a little bit is left to your own imagination. Thank you Blair for many hours of enjoyment, it has been worth every penny. I wish you much success with the story telling ahead and I am looking for more. of your titles. Richard.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
November 27, 2018
Collections

Another set of excellent mysteries! Harry and Amanda tie the knot. Their wedding is down in the Virgin Islands but the wedding/ honeymoon is interrupted by a murder. Since friends and family are present then there are plenty to help solve it.
Another mystery involves the death of Harry’s brother and an couple of old enemies are involved. The other mystery is a 15 years old murder which was label a suicide but we not.
Lots it action, plot twists and lots of self examination by Harry! I highly recommend this book!
4 reviews
June 27, 2017
Excellent reads

I've read nine in the harry starke series. And plan to read more. Who reads nine books if they aren't good? If you love a mystery, here you go!!
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
581 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2023
First, I love Harry Stark! From the first book in the series, Genesis, that Blair Howard is now giving away free. It's well worth reading first because it tells how Harry left the police and opened his PI company. Harry isn't your usual PI - he's very rich and his father is a multi-millioniaire lawyer. It isn't entirely necessary to read the books in order, but since they follow the course of Harry's life it's a good idea.
Harry Stark is a complex character. Very intelligent, obviously very attractive to women, although he doesn't say as much because the books are written in the first person - one really feels that he is talking to the reader personally. As a man in his early 40s he has very particular tastes. The processes he goes through to solve a mystery - and sometimes in a very gung ho, and hands on way, are interesting and do rely to an extent on staring at the ceiling! The stories often set the scene before Harry gets involved. The last stories - in books 4-6 were quite dark and disturbing, but the begining of this one even more so, when one of Harry's own is the victim. All of the characters are interesting throughout the whole series, in fact one of the principles, Lt. Catherine Gazzara has her own spin off series. I feel I know Chattanooga to some extent too. I can't wait to move on to the next volume!
7,743 reviews49 followers
May 17, 2020
RETRIBUTION
Harry is someone who doesn’t take it lightly, when someone messes with his family. A brother is brutally murder. He has a soft spot for family even his step mother. Accidentally killed, then what’s with the gambling debt, and then why put a price tag on Harry’s head. This is not a typically PI story of Harry’s, it was deeper, and very good.

WITHOUT REMORSE.
Harry returns from his honeymoon, agency was so well run, he questions, was he needed. A cold case, from 15 years ago, the mother comes and wanting answers of her son's hunting death. Why him, he has clout in town, he can't be ignored. 4 went hunting, 1 was having affair with the dead man's wife. They all hold influencing position now, was it revenge, or what to kill a friend. They were the movers and shakers of the city and Harry didn't like any of them. Amanda not happy about him taking, she remembers it vividly, those 3 are crooks. The plot was intriguing as Harry lays out the pieces, putting together a puzzle from 15 years. The detail,, the characters are very well done. Another winner by Blair, and for readers to work along with Harry to figure this out. Looking forward to the next book.
Given audio which added to the enjoyment of these stories
For my voluntary review and my honest opinion
489 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2017
Harry Starke series: book 7-9; Retribution, Calypso, and Without Remorse!

Blair Howard weaves a great read that keeps you turning pages trying to figure out how Harry and his friends and employees solve whatever case they are involved in. In Retribution, Harry's brother, Henry is killed by Harry's old enemy, Shady and his gang. Harry, Kate, Don, and Dupree take them all out and Shady's in prison. Harry's injured, asks Amanda to marry him on Calypso, where Harry's asked to solve his host's daughter's murder; which he does and then he and Amanda take a six week vacation. Coming back to work, Amanda goes back to Channel 7, Harry's voted because his employees have everything covered until Mrs Nicholson asks Harry to prove her son's death in 2002 wasn't an accident! Harry used in the case, but the solution isn't found until after his client is killed after she had agreed to allow her son to be exhumed and a new autopsy performed. One thing leads to the case being solved, but Harry is tired of homicides and read bodies. This series will have you wondering how Harry's investigations come together? Thanks for another great read.
189 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2020
Retribution Calypso and Remorse. Three great standalone books.

Harry Starke is my favourite PI by miles. I love the main characters who develop as each book go by ( so that you feel you know them more and more) with a good mix of nice and nasty. They are always supported by other good characters who strengthen the tale. The stories are so believable, have good twists and turns and never fail to make a riveting read. Blair Howard is a master author with a brilliant imagination. You really rout for Harry and his team. Whilst they are standalone books there is more enjoyment if you read as a series and follow the development and lives of characters. Retribution follows the death of of Harry’s brother Henry and reintroduces good old Shady Tree master villain and long time adversary of Harry. Calypso see the development of Harry’s personal life when he finally gets married. Unfortunately his honeymoon is interrupted early on but it’s a great read because of that. Finally Remorse, which probably should have been called Remorseless takes an old crime and revisits it. With astonishing results. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books. You will too!
120 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2018
These three books were quite good. Retribution, Harry Starke's younger brother is murdered brutally. Harry has to deliver this information to his father, tough day for Harry. Of course Harry and his team will be working hard to deliver the murderer to justice. The search leads Harry to an old enemy, and Harry has to win this skirmish. In Calypso Harry and Amanda get married on a tropical island with 22 of their favorite people in attendance. Naturally someone is murdered and Harry's father commits Harry to solve the crime. Harry refused emphatically but even Amanda pushes him into the case when she finds out why Harry's dad made the commitment. And finally in Without Remorse a hunter is found dead in the woods. Harry is just back from his honeymoon and discovers his business is operating just fine without him.. Then an older women walks and asks him to prove her son was murdered 15 years ago, his death was declared a suicide, she did not believe it then and doesn't believe it now. Her son was the hunter found dead in the woods... Harry is bored so he commits to help find the answer to her belief...
Profile Image for Roger.
5,528 reviews27 followers
October 12, 2023
Retribution (Harry Starke #7), my twenty-ninth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat haunted house/detective fiction. So far each book in the series has been batter than its predecessor, the author finding different settings to involve his major characters in. I look forward to Calypso (Harry Starke #8).

Calypso (Harry Starke #8), my thirtieth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat thriller fiction, a genre I find myself leaning towards. I look forward to his next book no matter the main character. Up next is Without Remorse (Harry Starke #9).

Without Remorse (Harry Starke #9), my thirty-first read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat fiction. I look forward to his next book no matter the main character. Next up is Calaway Jones: The Harry Starke Novels, Book 10. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Mary Hollaway.
54 reviews
August 25, 2017
Spectacular series of nine murder novels!

I love the way you write, Mr. Howard. I love your descriptions of all the characters and your love of beautiful women. I so enjoy how you sculpt the landscapes from your home; the color, the textures and the sunrises. You thoroughly enjoy what is around you.

You speculate and concentrate on what the killer is feeling and thinking to solve your cases. Excellent fiction sir. You are by far one of the greatest storytellers of our time.

I hope to find that you are either continuing the Harry Starke series, if only a couple more before you retire him and Amanda to enjoy the sand and sea .

Kudos to you on your work!
2 reviews
September 8, 2021
I read these 3 books back-to-back over the last weekend, it was poor weather so a great opportunity to get immersed in the world of Harry Starke!
the books have a link between them and there is an opportunity for Harry to follow up on one evil guy who escaped his clutches from book #7.
Some nice little twists along the way in all of the books, particularly #9, I won't spoil it for prospective readers!
These books are quite well written and very enjoyable, the characters have some flesh on their bones and the plot lines are quite plausible.
I have enjoyed a few others in this series, well done Mr. Blair Howard and thank you for the entertainment.
Profile Image for Kathy.
722 reviews29 followers
August 24, 2017
I've said these things before but I like this guy named Harry Starke. Characters are very important to me as far as enjoying a book goes and Harry is humorous, honest, sarcastic (my favorite). Makes for an easy, really fun read. The other thing I may have mentioned is that these books have quite a few typos. Now I have to lead the pack in putting down a book when there are too many typos BUT...I like these books so much I was able to overlook them. I might have grimaced at a few typos and Blair Howard needs a good proofer but nonetheless, I love the books.
506 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2019
AWESOME, AWESOME READ!!

A NON-STOP read through Books 7, 8 and 9!!
Harry and his employees go through something different in each book. Solving crime after crime and become a more cohesive group!
Harry and Amanda get closer, with each book and Amanda is more involved with finding the answers needed to solving each case.
Harry and Amanda get closer, getting to the point of living together. Will they finally tie the knot?? Guess you'll have read these books to find out...LOL
I'm off to buy the next book or more!!
248 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2019
Best Boxset I’ve Read

Even if you have never read any of the previous Harry Starke books you can read one or all of the books in this box set and have a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment with out having even read any of the previous books. These are just as good as stand a longs as the entire series. But once you get Harry and Kate in your system you will want to read everything Blair Howard has ever written. Excellent PI series with a touch of Mel Gibson ish not by the book character to make you read all night or weekend or week, well there are quiet a few Books! Enjoy!
1 review
June 23, 2017
I have read all 3 sets of your books and really enjoyed them.

At first I chose your books because I wanted to try something new & they were not expensive so, I figured there wasn't much to lose; after trying the first set; I thought they were good and interesting, so I decided to try the next set and was somewhat hooked. Again, I decided to try the last set; I have now tried all 3 sets and give them all a 4 out of 5.
Profile Image for Joyce Long.
7 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2017
Super Novels - Great Reads

This is a new author for me, and I was not disappointed. Characters are well defined and interact with one another well (Even if they are enemies to the core). I could put myself into the story easily and that's important to me. Understanding all of the various parties is one of the reasons I like mysteries.. Well done. I will continue to read this author in the future!!
1 review
November 5, 2017
Excellent read!

I've always stuck to authors I know, Patterson, JD.Robb, Baldacci, Jance, Woods etc, but Ideas a review of Blair Howard and decided to give him a try. No regrets!! The stories are all fast paced and his characters are extremely interesting. I starts with books 1-3 and immediately went on to 4-6. I couldn't put them down. For anyone who enjoys mysteries and crime solving, I hardily recommend Blair Howard. He has joined my elite group of authors.
Profile Image for Garde Burgess.
12 reviews
January 21, 2018
Harry Starke will take you along on the quest

The Preamble pulls you in and the story keeps evolving. Sometimes you know who it is by the middle but you want read how Harry is going to get them. Sometime the characters are so complex that you keep reading to find out who did it and why because you just know it is not for the reasons you believe. I have enjoyed all nine books to date.
80 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2019
HARRY STARK SERIES... amazing!

Well, so far I've read 9 books of the Harry Starke Series and thsnk Blair Howard's Facebook post about the series, which sounded interesting. I bought them by series of 3 and so far ended at book 9.
Mr. Howard certainly keeps you going till the end of who dun-it! Now I have to buy the next one and the next. I'll be sleep deprived but I need to go on reading!
Thanks, Irene!
474 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2019
Fantastic !, Excellent Books

Each book was written by this talented author who knows how to keep the reader's attention and unable to put book down. Revenge was heart breaking with the death of Harry 's younger brother. Calypso was a great story with everyone sharing in the wedding of Harry and Amanda and Harry solving another crime. The third and final story was another display of the greatness of Harry Starks. I continue to read every book by Blair Howard.
260 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2021
Another Howard masterpiece

Harry always gets his man (or woman). Descriptions of surroundings, food and drinks are fascinating! Because I have read Mr. Howard's novels out of order, I noticed
a few editing errors in Retribution that I have never seen in any of his other books. Also a friendly reminder; Bob isn't an ex-Marine! There is no such thing as an ex-Marine!
As usual the plots twists and turns keeps me reading without a break to see WHO DID IT.
1 review
December 30, 2017
I love Harry Starke

I read all nine books, one right after the other. Harry Starke is a lot like Stone Barrington, Blair Howard has written a character that I look forward to getting to know better. His stories are captivating and interesting he gives you all the clues but the ending is still a surprise.
97 reviews
March 5, 2021
Mesmorizing

I read everyday, but most times it is 3-4-5 chapters a day. I
Finished the 1st 9 in 9 days. I just could not put them down without finishing each one to discover whodunit as the twists and turns just keep you in perpetual suspense. Great writer and fun to read his stories
Profile Image for Jay Moeller.
37 reviews
June 12, 2021
A Non Stop Thrill Ride

Harry Starke, a private detective and former cop, is at his best in this thrilling box set. Three carefully crafted mysteries each with their own thrills and Surprises . Any reader of mystery or detective fiction is sure to enjoy this trifecta of exciting novels.
3 reviews
August 23, 2021
Harry Starke Series

The Harry Stark series is exceptional reading and very hard to put down. I first read all of these books about two years ago, and for some reason after trying hard to find something comparable I came back to reading them once again, and haven’t regretted my choice.
229 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2021
A Great Collection!

All three were tops in my book with five star reviews. You'll find them all on goodreads.
Well written and entertaining. Blair Howard is a master at story telling - quite descriptive where needed, wonderful characters with personality, an intriguing mystery with lots of action and a few surprises. I am now addicted to the Harry Starke Series.
45 reviews
May 14, 2017
Great reading

Have enjoyed all 9 books so much. I' m pretty good at guessing the culprit most of time; but, with Harry Stark, he keeps me guessing until close to the end. I would recommend anyone who loves mysteries to read these books!
2 reviews
August 8, 2017
A great series

I have finished all 3 Sets (9 books). I enjoyed the characters, the style of writing and the process of solving the crimes. Well written. Believable. You should start with three first book. Time to move on to #10.
187 reviews
August 14, 2017
Very enjoyable reading

Some of the best mystery stories written. Characters so real and story plots interesting. The story line flows constantly and keeps one guessing about the outcome of each scenario written.
Profile Image for Sandra Frangou.
35 reviews
September 5, 2017
I loved the Harry Stark series, all 11 books. Great story telling with a wonderful sense of humor. Every book a real page turner. Several of the books I stayed up half the night to finish. Loved, Loved them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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