What do you think?
Rate this book
Larry Macklin Mysteries #6
April's Desires
The peace of spring is shattered for criminal investigator Larry Macklin when his best friend, Pete Henley, is accused of brutally killing his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Larry knows that Pete is innocent, but the evidence is heavily weighted against him.
Before Larry can even begin to clear Pete’s name, he is pulled off of the case to investigate a another murder where the prime suspect is the local chief of police. As Larry investigates the latest death, it soon becomes clear that the murders may be related, part of a string of killings stretching back almost two decades.
In order to solve the case, Larry will have to risk everything he holds dear—his ethics, his friendships, his loyalty to the sheriff’s department… and his life.
Before Larry can even begin to clear Pete’s name, he is pulled off of the case to investigate a another murder where the prime suspect is the local chief of police. As Larry investigates the latest death, it soon becomes clear that the murders may be related, part of a string of killings stretching back almost two decades.
In order to solve the case, Larry will have to risk everything he holds dear—his ethics, his friendships, his loyalty to the sheriff’s department… and his life.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2017
1653 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Howe
40 books161 followersA. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 20, 2017
Larry Macklin is back with the sheriff's office, working for his father ... the sheriff. Larry is also working with his new partner, Darlene, an old flame. They are both having to get used to each other. While Larry has been with the Sheriff's office for a longer period of time, Darlene has been a law enforcement office for much longer.
Larry's best friend, Pete Henley, also working for the Sheriff's office. Pete is accused of beating his daughter's ex-boyfriend to death with a hammer. The night before his death, the young man had been upset with Pete's daughter and had grabbed her. Pete, being a very protective father, objected rather strenuously. He is now at the top of the list of suspects. Because they are such good friends, Larry is pulled off the case s led investigator and replaced with Darlene.
Meanwhile, Larry is called to another murder.... the next door neighbor of the local chief of police... who interestingly enough will be running against Larry's father for re-election.
As Larry and Darlene investigate their cases. they come to the conclusion that one killer may have committed both crimes....and the crimes may be related to a series of crimes from 20 years ago. And with Pete being suspended, they are short handed, yet don't want State Police called in.
They decide to bring in an independent profiler in order to have another couple of hands to help. The young man's' family hires a Private Investigator to do an independent exploration. And then an ex-Texas Ranger shows up to give a hand.
Maybe too many cooks spoiling the broth?
Larry is going to have to risk a lot .. his friendship, his job, his loyalty to his father.. and possibly his own life.
I have been fortunate enough to read this entire series from the very first. I highly recommend starting with book 1 and reading the others in order.
Larry is a terrific character...in both his professional life and personal life. He's charismatic, funny, and in turn, serious, and confused about what he wants to be when he grows up. But he has shown great growth since the first book.
5 Stars for the book .... 5 stars for the series
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Larry's best friend, Pete Henley, also working for the Sheriff's office. Pete is accused of beating his daughter's ex-boyfriend to death with a hammer. The night before his death, the young man had been upset with Pete's daughter and had grabbed her. Pete, being a very protective father, objected rather strenuously. He is now at the top of the list of suspects. Because they are such good friends, Larry is pulled off the case s led investigator and replaced with Darlene.
Meanwhile, Larry is called to another murder.... the next door neighbor of the local chief of police... who interestingly enough will be running against Larry's father for re-election.
As Larry and Darlene investigate their cases. they come to the conclusion that one killer may have committed both crimes....and the crimes may be related to a series of crimes from 20 years ago. And with Pete being suspended, they are short handed, yet don't want State Police called in.
They decide to bring in an independent profiler in order to have another couple of hands to help. The young man's' family hires a Private Investigator to do an independent exploration. And then an ex-Texas Ranger shows up to give a hand.
Maybe too many cooks spoiling the broth?
Larry is going to have to risk a lot .. his friendship, his job, his loyalty to his father.. and possibly his own life.
I have been fortunate enough to read this entire series from the very first. I highly recommend starting with book 1 and reading the others in order.
Larry is a terrific character...in both his professional life and personal life. He's charismatic, funny, and in turn, serious, and confused about what he wants to be when he grows up. But he has shown great growth since the first book.
5 Stars for the book .... 5 stars for the series
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 13, 2017
This wasn't my favorite in the series but it was still really good. Larry's friend and co-worker, Pete, is the prime suspect in his daughter's sort of ex boyfriend. While the girl had gone out with Todd Harper a few times, she'd broken things off. However, Todd refused to take no for an answer. He kept texting and phoning and even showed up where Jennifer was and got all touchy feely with her. In spite of Pete's previous warnings to leave Jennifer alone, Todd persisted to the point Pete threatened him with a baseball bat in front of plenty of witnesses, Larry included. Now Todd is dead, hit in the head repeatedly with what appears to be a baseball bat.
Larry doesn't believe for an instant that Pete is guilty but it sure doesn't look good when the fight he had with Todd had been recorded by several people and was all over social media. Pete is suspended with pay pending an investigation. Because of Larry's close ties to him, Larry's dad, the sheriff, puts Darlene, Larry's partner, in charge. Larry understands and ends up getting assigned to a different case. He runs into problems, however, when it becomes apparent the two cases, his and Darlene's are connected.
I enjoyed the way the author took two different investigations and wove them into one big case that they ended up working together to solve. And in this particular story, Larry's relationship with Cara, his girlfriend, deepens to the point she's hinting at wanting to move in with him. Larry isn't sure he's ready for that and boy does he bungle it up as he tries to explain to Cara the reasoning behind his reluctance to take that next step. If I were Cara I don't think I would have been as understanding as she was after she'd already committed to him at this point.
Besides his relationship with Cara, there's always Larry's dad to deal with. Both men have a difficult time expressing their feelings and the older Macklin isn't the easiest person to get along with. Plus he has Mauser, his ten ton Great Dane that Larry quite often babysits for when his dad is indisposed. This makes for some humorous moments in the book and adds to the appeal of the story.
I'm so glad I discovered this series about small town police work with a cast of characters I find highly entertaining. Starting the next book now.
Larry doesn't believe for an instant that Pete is guilty but it sure doesn't look good when the fight he had with Todd had been recorded by several people and was all over social media. Pete is suspended with pay pending an investigation. Because of Larry's close ties to him, Larry's dad, the sheriff, puts Darlene, Larry's partner, in charge. Larry understands and ends up getting assigned to a different case. He runs into problems, however, when it becomes apparent the two cases, his and Darlene's are connected.
I enjoyed the way the author took two different investigations and wove them into one big case that they ended up working together to solve. And in this particular story, Larry's relationship with Cara, his girlfriend, deepens to the point she's hinting at wanting to move in with him. Larry isn't sure he's ready for that and boy does he bungle it up as he tries to explain to Cara the reasoning behind his reluctance to take that next step. If I were Cara I don't think I would have been as understanding as she was after she'd already committed to him at this point.
Besides his relationship with Cara, there's always Larry's dad to deal with. Both men have a difficult time expressing their feelings and the older Macklin isn't the easiest person to get along with. Plus he has Mauser, his ten ton Great Dane that Larry quite often babysits for when his dad is indisposed. This makes for some humorous moments in the book and adds to the appeal of the story.
I'm so glad I discovered this series about small town police work with a cast of characters I find highly entertaining. Starting the next book now.
October 31, 2018
When best friend Pete Henley is presumed to be guilty of killing his daughter's ex-boyfriend criminal investigator Larry Macklin is given the case. But when a second body is discovered, maybe it is not as straightforward as everyone thought. Then enter an ex-Texas Ranger.
An enjoyable mystery
An enjoyable mystery
March 19, 2018
What's not to like? A well written whodunit with believable characters and a plot that kept me guessing till the end. I really enjoyed this book and though it is part of a series, it certainly stands well on its own. I've not read anything by this author before but am always ready to give another whodunit writer a go. There are some duds out there but this is not one of them. Initially a bit confusing because there's a Chief of Police, a Sheriff, and his son who's the one telling the story. All these police experts seemed a bit unnecessary but I think they point to the characters' development in earlier books of the series. Cara, as the love of Larry's love, is a delightful character and I can see a whole series being devoted to 'her side' of the relationship. It's never about, 'let's just move in together', but there's a whole sub-plot of just what that implies for the two of them as well as their animals. Not to even mention the Sheriff's dog! This author does not need my encouragement to keep going - there are still more months in this series of books. Thank you A E Howe.
June 19, 2018
First of all I have a confession to make, I only bought this because I needed an April related title for a reading challenge so my expectations were not massive. But do you know what, I actually really enjoyed this. There isn't anything new or all that original in the story, although I did like the role that modern technology played, and there wasn't anything particularly stand out about the characters. But saying that, it was well written, flowed well and had believable characters that weren't flat and had a bit about them, certainly more than you often see in these kind of murder mystery type stories. I also liked the fact that it wasn't all about the main characters, the support characters got involved too, even coming forward during key moments and providing key bits of information that just gave everything a bit more depth. I sense that my kindle is going to fill up with Larry Macklin!
July 22, 2025
Another good, fun read in this series. Have read all 6, and I believe they’re getting better as the series progresses. Quick read with a good storyline/mystery. Love the author’s humor! Love the inclusion of Mauser who provides tons of fun to the story. Actually I enjoy all the characters…..except 1. The girlfriend Cara.
Cara has been an annoyance from book one! She is way too clingy for me! And now she starts in on Larry about moving in with him! She’s not too bright as she keeps pushing him even though he’s balking at the idea. What really set me off was when she starts moving her stuff into his house without asking him!!! I don’t know why the author had to add this character! What is the point of her (other than to annoy me!)? Was hoping she’d go away but obviously she’s here to stay! I’ll just have to skim over the pages involving her!
Cara has been an annoyance from book one! She is way too clingy for me! And now she starts in on Larry about moving in with him! She’s not too bright as she keeps pushing him even though he’s balking at the idea. What really set me off was when she starts moving her stuff into his house without asking him!!! I don’t know why the author had to add this character! What is the point of her (other than to annoy me!)? Was hoping she’d go away but obviously she’s here to stay! I’ll just have to skim over the pages involving her!
September 18, 2019
April's Desires is the 6th book in this series and I enjoyed this one as much as the first 5. Lead character Detective Larry Macklin is back but this time, his best friend and former police partner is a prime suspect in a murder. He doesn't believe that his friend Pete is guilty so he gets to work with his partner Detective Darlene Marks. Together they start to unravel the mystery as the body count rises. In the midst of this chaos, Macklin is faced with making some major personal decisions concerning his girlfriend. While this is a series, this book can stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first ones to have a better understanding of the characters. This book is an entertaining, easy and fun read. I'll be reading the next book in this series.
April 13, 2018
A Good Addition to This Series
Earlier this year I read book #1 of this series and was not impressed by “November’s Past.” I needed another quick read, so I decided to see if the young, whinging investigator protagonist has grown into an adult. Happily, yes, and he’s now a sheriff’s deputy, paired with a female partner with whom he has a professional relationship.
I enjoyed this quick read, because the storyline was focused (most of the time) on the police procedural and on the investigation, which widened in scope as more seemingly unrelated victims are murdered.
This book was moderately paced, but the ending came in a rush and left a sense of irresolution.
Earlier this year I read book #1 of this series and was not impressed by “November’s Past.” I needed another quick read, so I decided to see if the young, whinging investigator protagonist has grown into an adult. Happily, yes, and he’s now a sheriff’s deputy, paired with a female partner with whom he has a professional relationship.
I enjoyed this quick read, because the storyline was focused (most of the time) on the police procedural and on the investigation, which widened in scope as more seemingly unrelated victims are murdered.
This book was moderately paced, but the ending came in a rush and left a sense of irresolution.
May 20, 2018
In April’s Desire Larry finds himself in the middle of two separate murders during his incumbent father’s re-election campaign. Both murders have the possibility of becoming politically volatile for the election. He and his partner Darlene need to solve both murders as fast as they can so that they do not become an issue and the sheriff’s department doesn't look bad in the eyes of the community. There are twists and turns throughout the novel that keep you interested and involved. These books are great light, interesting, and suspenseful reads!
February 25, 2019
Awesome series
I am thoroughly enjoying this excellent series. Larry Mackline is a well developed person with the same feelings quirks and issues all of us have. The author has matured him and opened up the profile of a man his partners and a mission of dedication to law enforcement and the desire to solve a mystery. Begin this series with book one. You won't be sorry. Have fun with a really clean storylines and excellent writing.
I am thoroughly enjoying this excellent series. Larry Mackline is a well developed person with the same feelings quirks and issues all of us have. The author has matured him and opened up the profile of a man his partners and a mission of dedication to law enforcement and the desire to solve a mystery. Begin this series with book one. You won't be sorry. Have fun with a really clean storylines and excellent writing.
August 24, 2020
Worth the time
The plot was good enough to keep my interest, but a few unanswered questions and once again one of my pet peeves in a story is when a loved one is in danger, especially at the end. I guess it’s because there isn’t really and suspense. 99.9% of the stories I’ve read the loved one and or the hero survives. For me it’s just a yawn 🥱 to until the final last few pages.
The plot was good enough to keep my interest, but a few unanswered questions and once again one of my pet peeves in a story is when a loved one is in danger, especially at the end. I guess it’s because there isn’t really and suspense. 99.9% of the stories I’ve read the loved one and or the hero survives. For me it’s just a yawn 🥱 to until the final last few pages.
July 1, 2017
Desires to catch a murderer
I chose those rating as this is an interesting story which is entertaining and we'll written. I thoroughly enjoy A. E. How's series
I was concerned Pete may be found guilty as innocent people are and make up a slim percentage of our prison she population.
I chose those rating as this is an interesting story which is entertaining and we'll written. I thoroughly enjoy A. E. How's series
I was concerned Pete may be found guilty as innocent people are and make up a slim percentage of our prison she population.
May 14, 2018
IT WAS SO FUNNY TO WATCH LARRY HAVE A COMPLETE MELT DOWN AND REVERT BACK TO CHILDHOOD DURING THAT BREAKFAST SCENE. I DON’T THINK ANYBODY REALIZES IN SOME INSTANCES YOU NEVER TOTALLY ARE A REAL GROWN-UP. HAHAHA! KIDS FORGET THAT PARENTS ARE HUMAN TOO AND HAVE FEELING JUST LIKE THEY DO. THIS HAD ME GUESSING ALMOST UP TO THE END . . . GREAT. ;D
March 27, 2021
Enjoying the ongoing life of Larry and friends
Sometimes a little slow moving, but I think that is a lot of times related to the fact that you are getting such wonderful deep detail about what actually happen!s in searching out the clues needed for A police mystery.I'm going to enjoy continuing this series!
Sometimes a little slow moving, but I think that is a lot of times related to the fact that you are getting such wonderful deep detail about what actually happen!s in searching out the clues needed for A police mystery.I'm going to enjoy continuing this series!
June 6, 2021
What I like. What I don't like.
What a like about Howe's stories is the twists and turns he builds in, the subtle clues, the not-so-subtle clues,and Mauser. What I don't like is the usual resolution. It always seems to come out of nowhere, seemed to have nothing to do with the paths they were following, happened in one page and, frankly, a letdown, unsatisfying.
What a like about Howe's stories is the twists and turns he builds in, the subtle clues, the not-so-subtle clues,and Mauser. What I don't like is the usual resolution. It always seems to come out of nowhere, seemed to have nothing to do with the paths they were following, happened in one page and, frankly, a letdown, unsatisfying.
August 2, 2017
April's Desires
Great series . I don't know what else to say. I have said the same thing with every book in this series. It is a great series worth reading . Love it . I highly recommend it.
Great series . I don't know what else to say. I have said the same thing with every book in this series. It is a great series worth reading . Love it . I highly recommend it.
April 21, 2018
Too much ah shuck type of things. Not very good policing, and why would they use a profiler and not vet him first. ‘The Rookie’ is the son of the police chief and is always trying to do slightly illegal deeds. I did finish this book but did not enjoy it too much
June 26, 2018
Ties that bind
Part of a series, and this is the first one I have read. I need to go back and read the rest. Can make it as a stand alone, the ties are for the crimes in this story and the help departments can give each other. An interesting cast of characters.
Part of a series, and this is the first one I have read. I need to go back and read the rest. Can make it as a stand alone, the ties are for the crimes in this story and the help departments can give each other. An interesting cast of characters.
July 4, 2018
This story kept me clueless for the longest time.
Of all the Macklin stories, I can honestly say that this one never gave me one those huh has moments. I was so engrossed that it wasn't that important. Another couldn't put it down mystery.
Of all the Macklin stories, I can honestly say that this one never gave me one those huh has moments. I was so engrossed that it wasn't that important. Another couldn't put it down mystery.
September 3, 2018
When someone close to you is in trouble , you do all you can to help them.
Larry 's job is on the line, he's been ordered to keep his case and Pete far from each other. Larry knows he is innocent but he must prove it without prejudice.
Larry 's job is on the line, he's been ordered to keep his case and Pete far from each other. Larry knows he is innocent but he must prove it without prejudice.
March 5, 2019
Usual good read
My Dad was a cop for27 years so I haven't gotten this idea from television. When the knob of the bat was removed from the grill, why didn't the investigator \friend remove ashes? Even Sherlock Holmes analyzed ashes.
My Dad was a cop for27 years so I haven't gotten this idea from television. When the knob of the bat was removed from the grill, why didn't the investigator \friend remove ashes? Even Sherlock Holmes analyzed ashes.
December 22, 2019
Good
I found this story to be really good and the characters were interesting. If you look to the clues you can figure out the killer. I did about two thirds of the way through the story.
I found this story to be really good and the characters were interesting. If you look to the clues you can figure out the killer. I did about two thirds of the way through the story.
June 14, 2020
Excellent
Having read the first six books in this entertaining and well written series, I can say with confidence that I recommend them. Each book has an intriguing plot and the characters are well developed and believable.
Having read the first six books in this entertaining and well written series, I can say with confidence that I recommend them. Each book has an intriguing plot and the characters are well developed and believable.
February 6, 2021
A good story. Comes with some twists that carry the story along. All the gang is here along with as one new folks. Good to see more sides of people.
A couple of unexplained items, but not a big deal.
Good winter reading.
A couple of unexplained items, but not a big deal.
Good winter reading.
August 27, 2021
Started out great!
Then you added cara, a love interest, which greatly turns me off. Now it mediocre, not great. Kill cara and turn this into a murder mystery. I don't know if i' ll read the rest.
Then you added cara, a love interest, which greatly turns me off. Now it mediocre, not great. Kill cara and turn this into a murder mystery. I don't know if i' ll read the rest.
September 8, 2021
Relaxing mystery reads
On the sixth book of the calander series. I appreciate reading these detective stories when in bed. This series doesn't have a 100 angles going like so many do.
The characters are strong but not overly. I always look forward to the next book. Thanks
On the sixth book of the calander series. I appreciate reading these detective stories when in bed. This series doesn't have a 100 angles going like so many do.
The characters are strong but not overly. I always look forward to the next book. Thanks
August 13, 2022
Keeps you guessing!
Great read right up to the end. Author Howe keeps reader and main character on even terms. Thankfully, main character, Deputy Macklin, gets to take the abuse that is dished out! :-)
Great read right up to the end. Author Howe keeps reader and main character on even terms. Thankfully, main character, Deputy Macklin, gets to take the abuse that is dished out! :-)
December 17, 2025
This was probably my favorite in the series so far. I'm a big fan of Pete so I liked that he was at the center of the story, especially after being removed as Larry's partner a few books back.
Darlene is starting to grow on me, and I've always liked Cara.
I rarely see where the plots are going, which is exactly what I want a mystery novel to be. I'm looking forward to many more entries in this very good series.
Darlene is starting to grow on me, and I've always liked Cara.
I rarely see where the plots are going, which is exactly what I want a mystery novel to be. I'm looking forward to many more entries in this very good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2017
the best of this really fantastic series so far! Full of suspense and showing how easy it is to do something "wrong" to help a friend.
Looking forward to "May".
Looking forward to "May".
May 26, 2017
wonderful!
so far I have read all of this series of books & enjoyed them. They are interesting & light hearted mystery.
so far I have read all of this series of books & enjoyed them. They are interesting & light hearted mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews