Fort Point

Maine Justice #2

by Susan Page Davis

In the summer of 1860, Prince Edward Island's inhabitants eagerly await their first visit from a British royal. Molly Orland is too poor to be invited to the ball in honor of the young Prince of Wales, but she is pleased to serve as a maid in the house where he will be a guest. There she meets Peter Stark, under-steward for the royal party. Peter is attracted to the beauty of the island and to Molly, whom he's determined to shield from the antics of the playboy prince. When they discover a long-buried secret that could bring shame to Peter's royal employer, will he remain a loyal servant or help Molly's family get the justice they deserve?

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Contemporary

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2017

About the author

FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!

Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.

I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

Reviews

[Iola]

Fort Point is the second book in the Maine Justice series. I described Priority Unit, the first book in the series, as an almost-perfect blend of Christian fiction, romance, and suspense. Fort Point has a different feel.

We've already seen Detective Harvey Larson and Jennifer Wainthrop fall in love and become Christians in Priority Unit. Fort Point (and, I assume, the later books in the series) are more suspense. The romance and the faith aspects are still there, but they definitely take second place to the suspense plot.

And the suspense is excellent. Fort Point is a police procedural mystery that begins with the discovery of the body of Maine's most famous novelist. (Personally, I've read enough novels about people who write novels. Perhaps Davis has as well, given her novelist is the victim.)

Detective Larson is part of Maine's Priority Unit, a special force, so is tasked with investigating the murder. But it's not easy. The victim wasn't just a novelist. He was also an investigative journalist, and Larson wonders if one of his investigations may have attracted attention from the wrong people. Soon a second body is discovered, and evidence that suggests corruption in high places ...

I didn't think the writing was as strong in Fort Point (although that could just be that it's been about a year since I read Priority Unit, and I was so impressed by the three strands of the plot that I didn't pay much attention to the writing). It wasn't that the writing is poor. It's more that it felt a little unpolished in comparison with Davis's other books.

Overall, Fort Point is a solid suspense novel, but does have a different flavour than Priority Unit and Susan Page Davis's earlier romantic suspense novels. If you're looking for a lightweight romantic suspense novel, Fort Point isn't what you're looking for. But if you're looking for a well-plotted police procedural suspense with plenty of twists and strong characters, Fort Point might be just what you are looking for.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won my choice of books in this series a few months ago, and picked book #1. I enjoyed it and put the rest of the books that were out (2-5) on my Christmas wish list, and received all 4 for Christmas. I loved this book as much as book one, if not more. Davis has created some great characters, and also a great plot and suspense

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in a series. Christian mystery. Familiar characters, developing relationships and inspiration. Not as much suspense as the first book but still a good read. So thankful that I was able to get this one through the interlibrary loan service at my library.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"'M confronts TN - TN is defiant.'"

The last words written in dead man's notebook, a very famous dead man, Martin Blake; a nationally recognized author and journalist whose remains have just washed ashore close to a busy highway bridge. On the scene by coincidence, shortly after a bystander discovers the body, is Priority Unit Detective Harvey Larson. Following the victim's whereabouts the day that he was murdered prompts Harvey and his unit to investigate a class reunion at nearby Fort Point, where terse conversations between classmates seem to leave clues leading towards a decades-old cold case.

Jennifer Wainthrop is eagerly anticipating her upcoming nuptials; the prospect of marrying Harvey Larson, despite their difference in age, is a true blessing from a God that Harvey and Jennifer are just getting to know. As the stress over wedding arrangements escalates, along side Harvey's high profile murder case, can they learn before they get married, how important it is to love selflessly, pray often, and communicate freely?

Enjoy this second installment in Susan Davis' well plotted "Maine Justice" series with its steady cadence and likable characters.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

[Pastor McKeiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Jesus was introduced in this story. Harvey and Jennifer were seeking God. I especially enjoyed how the author allowed them to ask the "hard" questions. The ones must intellectuals and new believers ask. It was very refreshing.

[Linda Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I got this book free from Bookbub. I usually read Christian/inspirational historical romances, but something about the plot of this modern detective story drew me. Even though it's book #2 in the series, I was able to jump right into the rhythm of the characters and the author told just enough of the backstory that I didn't feel lost. Very rarely do I love a book so much that I have to go on and pay full price for the others, as I've been disappointed in the past with sequels feeling rushed or carbon copies, or just lacking the good things from the original - but THIS series, ohmygosh, it surpassed my wishes by a thousand miles. I love the way Ms. Davis writes, all of the detail of the daily lives of the characters, the mystery of the cases they are working on, the clues, the interaction with one another - everything!

I adore the Christian aspects and how the characters start out seeking, get saved, begin immersing themselves in their new faith, and ultimately begin to bring others into the fold as well. It's soft and subtle, but I'll tell you, those aspects have really blessed me in my walk right now as I've been dealing with a long season of treading water. So many times while reading, I'll come across a sentence or paragraph that makes me lean my head back and bask. Love it.

I'm now on book 7 in the series and wish it had 100 more! Each one has been unique in plot and never have I felt it was cookie cutter or same 'ol, same 'ol, but yet each one has the things I loved about the first one I read, if that makes sense, lol. Also, have you ever read an awesome romance, but then wished you could see into the couple's future? That's what's so good about these! The original couple, Harvey and Jennifer, are in each book and as they have their first baby and are settling into their marriage, we get to enjoy their happy-ever-after! That's a dream come true for me.

Susan Page Davis is now my new favorite author. Well done, well done. If you enjoy a good mystery without being shocking or violent, romance without smut, and family/friend interactions that are the way you wish your own family was, then these books will please you. A++

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Harvey Larson has a lot on his plate. He's getting married in a few short weeks and he and his partner, Eddie Thibodeau, just happened upon the body of the most famous man in Maine, writer Martin Blake. First on the scene, the pair begin their investigation which leads them to a 35th class reunion at Fort Point. When a second classmate turns up dead, the investigation gets ever more sinister. Each clue points toward a 35-year-old unsolved murder case. Is it possible that their efforts could bring justice and closure to more than just Blake's family?

As Harvey investigates, his fiancé, Jennifer Wainthrop, works in police records. Although she's deep into wedding plans, Jennifer still manages to find some important clues for Harvey and Eddie's case. As The Priority Unit goes all-in to track a killer, can they close the case in time for the honeymoon?

Fort Point, Maine Justice Book 2, reads like a police procedural. Harvey and Eddie are meticulous about following the clues and getting the evidence they need to "get their man." I enjoyed each twist along the way. I also loved the glimpses into Harvey and Jennifer's romance. The characterize it as a "May-October" romance since Harvey is 16 years her senior but their chemistry was unmistakable from the first. I loved how chastely they conducted themselves - going so far as to ask her roommate to serve as a chaperone any time they are together. Their weekly pre-marital counseling and their emphasis on praying about everything also brought strength to their relationship.

I have enjoyed this series and look forward to reading Book 3, Found Art.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this story carries a subtle message that teenagers and young adults need to learn. At that age, many never think about their actions having long-term consequences. Sadly enough, they do. If good habits are formed at an early age, they help carry us through life with fewer struggles with the temptations that come our way and with fewer regrets. Some never learn that and stumble into all kinds of trouble in the early years. Consequently, those troubles can haunt them years later and lead to a continual series of poor choices. Few of us went to school with a nationally acclaimed author who is also an investigative reporter. If there were secrets, he could find them but it may have cost him his life. The Priority Unit gets pulled into the case when the author is found dead on a riverbank near his home. His wife heard him tell a Congressman earlier that day that he knew his secrets. Did those secrets have anything to do with the death of the author? Then another body turns up. The Priority Unit has its hands full. The story includes romance as the lead investigator is helping his fiancée prepare for their wedding and their life together. The faith element is strong as Harvey and Jennifer seek not only to make wise choices concerning their own actions and plans but also share their faith with others around them. Without preaching constantly to friends and family, they are a positive influence and are known for their faith and their high standards. The action and suspense were high octane, keeping me reading when I needed to get some sleep. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly thanks to the author for my review copy.

This is the second book in the Maine Justice series and a warning may contain spoilers if you haven't read book one. This books starts with the murder of a famous author Martin Blake after a school reunion. A second attendee turns up dead a few days later and they wonder if they are related. Again Harvey has to investigate the murder and try to work out who is involved. Early in the book after Martin's body is found they have to see his wife, well this is where it go interesting for me. His wife's name is Thelma Blake. My father had a sister who passed away at around 15 called Thelma and they were going to name a daughter they lost Thelma so reading her name was interesting. It didn't make me sad it just gave me a little start at first. This Thelma is such a large character that it would be nice to think she was a part of them.

Now back to the review. Harvey is also up for a promotion he is not sure he wants as he doesn't like change. We also see more of his partner Eddie in this book and I have to say I really do like Eddie. In there spare time Jennifer and Harvey are planning a wedding and some of the decisions are interesting. I also found later close to the wedding I was laughing at some of the antics and things that were happening. The mystery itself had me wondering who was involved and who the killer was. I had guessed a few of the clues but still wasn't sure till the end. I am looking forward to the final book in the series.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey Larson is one busy detective. In a few weeks he will be marrying Jennifer Wainthrop and he has been assigned to the investigation of the murder of a famous Maine author. As Harvey and his partner Eddie Thibodeau work to solve Martin Blake's murder they become involved in a second death involving a possible drowning and this in turns leads to another case that is 35 years old and still unsolved. What follows is an action-filled story filled with suspense and unusual circumstances involving the Priority Unit.

Fort Point is the second book in the Maine Justice series and Susan Page Davis offers her memorable characters some very intriguing situations as they work "to serve up justice". This book also allows the lovely romance between Harvey and Jennifer to advance to the next step. As their marriage approaches, they have pre-wedding counseling with their minister and they also try to avoid the temptations that their physical attraction presents. They truly are good Christian witnesses and it is refreshing to read a good, clean romance with two special people who love each other and also love God.

This was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more in this Christian mystery series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is my honest opinion.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would actually place this book between 3.5 and 4 stars. I liked the first book in the series more than I did this one--though this one is good too--it's just more suspense with less emphasis on the Christian aspects of the characters than there was in the first book.

I first heard of this series through a friend (MJ) who posted them on GoodReads.

In this book, Jennifer and Harvey are planning their wedding. There are Christian aspects to the book:
*They get premarital counseling from the pastor of their church
*They take care to not let their relationship go too far physically while they're only engaged
*Jennifer's brother Jeff shows interest in Christianity
*Eddie makes strides in his faith walk

But the prayers and thoughts of the two main characters that I liked so much in the first book are absent in this one.

It looks like I guessed correctly about some of the potential couples. Time will tell on some of the others. Sarah did not play as big a role in this book as she did in book 1.

The tedious nature of police building the case seems well done. The author balances it well, making it so we realize that the answers don't just materialize and it's working aspects of the cases that brings new clues to further the investigation all while not making it too slow, tedious, and plodding that we're bored by it as readers.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one starts us out about 2 weeks after the first book. We meet a few of Jennifer’s siblings and some other new characters, but the main ones are Harvey, Eddie, Jennifer and Beth, along with Mike some others from the detective unit. We start off with a murder of a famous author, which is followed shortly by the discovery of a drowning victim, or was it drowning? Through the course of trying to find clues and leads a 35 year old cold case is discovered. Does it have any bearing on the case now, and how will they find the info to unravel it? Along with Harvey in the thick of trying to solve this case, we have him and Jennifer planning and getting ready for their wedding in just 4 weeks. Harvey really wants this case wrapped up before then. Will everything come together in time? Another great story I stayed up way too late finishing.

[Barbara Pifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting investigation into more than 1 murder

Sometimes a mystery novel lets you figure out who did it right away, other times you are surprised, that's what keeps my interest when other things are not so interesting. Liked the 'human' aspects of the characters & the investigation process was interesting, but, somehow the personalities of the lead characters just didn't mesh to me. The finance' didn't add much to the story, and if she asked whether her finance' ate one more time I was going to scream! Liked the Christian edge, but even that seemed forced at times. All in all an ok book, likeable characters, mostly.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

By starting with the 2nd book in the series I did not get the full impact of some of the things that happen in this book. I think some of the foundation from the first book would have been helpful. The mystery revolves around 2 deaths following a class reunion as well as the upcoming wedding of the main detective and his finance that also works at the police department. There were a lot of people to keep track of and reading the first book would have helped with that as the main characters were introduced then. I might want to read the first book but at this point, I'm not interested in pursuing this series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Harvey Larson is such a great policeman and super fiance. His bride-to-be, Jennifer, helps soften the policeman side of Harvey as well as pull him out of his hurtful past. They make a great couple. Following along with Harvey as he solves an current murder which he discovers ties to an old one, is eye opening. I love how the clues are revealed and yet they don't immediately lead to the answer. This is such a well written police thriller. I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headed for the altar

Harvey & Jennifer are working toward their wedding day, but murder and mayhem keep getting in the way. Harvey must solve a decades old crime and in the process solve several other crimes. It is heater shelter as he pushes to get it all settled before the wedding. I loved that the author named the reporter "Toothaker" because reporters are often like a bad toothache. Finally they are married and back from the honeymoon when they confront burglars right in their own house.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really liking Detective Harvey Larson, he is one smart, like-able fellow. This case is full of twists and turns where each clue could point to numerous suspects. I really enjoy how we get to follow Harvey around to each area in the investigation yet we get to see his softer side as his fiance plans their wedding. Mystery, suspense, a new faith and a little romance.. I couldn't ask for anymore in a detective/crime story!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. It continues on with Harvey and Jenny, they're getting ready for their wedding and Harvey is working on a new case - at least no one is trying to kill him and Jenny in this one.

There is a cuss phrase at about the 90% mark, but Harvey responds to it in such a way that it made the phrase a true statement rather than something thrown out there. Other than that, this is a clean read.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main plot line of this book, a couple of murders and a cold case from 35 years before, was very good. The sub plot of the detective and his fiancee getting ready for their wedding was not so great. I found it to be very traditional in the sense that she was to be leaving her job when they got married and being an at home wife, and that disturbed me because it seemed to be his choice, not so much hers. Not having read the first book, I don't know the context, but still it was a worry.

[Susan Mitton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery was good, proselytizing not so much.

While this is a good mystery, I had some issues with all the proselytizing, and to insinuate that one Christian religion is more Christian than another is just wrong, we all worship the same God. Also, the pretending that two adults who are getting married can't kiss each other in public; and they need a chaperone at home is just silly. Wish the author had just stuck to the murder mystery story, it was pretty good.

[Cathy Bickerstaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantic murder mystery

Normally, when I like an author, I like whatever genre he or she writes. However, I think I prefer Susan Page Davis ' westerns.
That said, this book had a humdinger of a plot, connecting a cold case, a supposed suicide with two current murders, with some political corruption thrown in for good measure. Finding the evidence was challenging, but also reinforced that there is no perfect crime.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime Mystery Romance

The author covered all the story lines with this tale, And very well. Overall the balance was good. Since I'm a male, I thought the romance had more focus.

It was great to read a novel that was clean with no foul language, sensual sex scenes and no violence and yet with a non-intrusive faith theme. Congratulations to the author,

I hope you enjoy a relaxing read

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense and danger abound for the detective Harvey as he and Jenny prepare for their wedding. The book has several surprises including murder! The book is a stand alone title but will be even more interesting if you read the first book in the Maine Justice series. I recommend this romantic suspense to others. I received an e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Priority Unit of Portland, Maine's PD has caught another intriguing case and the pressure is on for Dective Harvey Lawson who is also fully immersed in the final weeks of wedding preparations with his lovely financée, Jennifer. This book is a whirlwind of Romance and Suspense that kept me turning the pages even till the wee hours of the morning.

[Jane Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good mystery!

Great characters and lots of intriguing events that keep Harvey and his partners busy looking for clues and trying to catch the killer before he strikes again. All of this while planning a wedding for Harvey and Jennifer, so the pressure in on to solve the case before they get married.

[Ana Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you in suspense.

Harvey & Jennifer are such a great couple. They are very similar in many ways & are growing in Christ together. Harvey is portrayed as a very smart & intuitive man. I really enjoy how he handles the investigation, but I also like that he is humble & treats everyone fairly.

[June D · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best stories

I read a lot of Christian books, both romance and suspense stories. This was definitely one of the best. Nothing was sappy. The characters’ relationship to Christ was realistic. The romance wasn’t front and center.
Anyone who is interested in seeing how Christ can be involved in every part of life should read this book.

[MargeGordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading and was interrupted, so had to set it aside. When I finally got back to it it was 9:45 at night. The next thing I knew it was 12:15 and I couldn't put it down but I had to get up early that morning, so I went to bed. I got up and did my errand and finished the book. Then I downloaded the rest of the series! Great book.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great followup to the first Priority Unit book by Davis! Everything you want from a whodunit...fast-paced, suspenseful, twists and turns galore, and like whipped cream on the sundae, Harvey and Jennifer's continued story. I absolutely love this book!

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense pulls you through the book as Harvey and the Priority Unit work to solve a murder.
I love how God is present in Harvey and Jennifer's lives and how their witness brings others to The Lord.
I recommend this book as a series because it adds to reader enjoyment.