Trace Evidence

Michael Flint #2

by Diane Capri

The child of billionaire tech CEO Veronica Beaumont is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. With his health rapidly declining, she hires Michael Flint, the heir hunter of last resort, to do the impossible: find Josh Hallman, the boy’s father, to provide a hoped-for match. Six years ago, Hallman piloted a plane that crashed, claiming the lives of two friends. Hallman’s body was never recovered, and he’s been presumed dead ever since. But Flint is beginning to have doubts—because he’s not the only one looking to find Hallman. The difference is, Flint wants to make sure he’s alive.

Now, in a race against time to save a child’s life, the best heir hunter in the business is determined to find Hallman, if he’s alive, before two relentless killers do. And when the Beaumont job uncovers new clues to a cold case that has haunted him his entire life, Flint finds himself wrestling with the toughest challenge of his career: Just because he can find someone, does that mean he should?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, ebook

First published August 22, 2017

About the author

Bestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.

Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...

Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”

Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.

Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.

Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having spent years reading Diane Capri’s Hunt for Reacher novels, I discovered this series, almost by accident. Michael Flint appeared in the latest Hunt for Reacher novel, impressing readers, but has his own story, which is just as exciting and even more riveting. Capri has sculpted this protagonist to be one that readers can enjoy with ease, while also being able to devour the novels in short order. This second book in the series delves deeper into the the Flint backstory and touches on some emotional and very personal sides to the man, all while battling a case or two in the present day. Capri shines in this series and has me eager to get my hands on another Michael Flint novel in short order.

When a woman of some means reaches out to Michael Flint for help, he cannot turn her down. Desperate to save her young son, Veronica Beaumont implores Flint to do what other investigators have been unable to do. Jamie Beaumont suffers from an illness and has been able to find no matches, but his biological father, Josh Hellman, might hold the key. Trouble is, Hallman has been missing for the last six years since his small plane went down on a fishing trip.

While Flint learns more about the plane crash and how the body of two men were found at the bottom of an icy lake, he wonders why there is no trace of Hallman. Did he walk away from the crash? Autopsies on the bodies showed non-crash related injuries that led to their deaths, leaving some to wonder if Hallman killed his friends and has since gone off the radar. Whatever’s happening, Flint wants answers. However, when he revisits the scene, some of the men he encounters, who were there at the time of the crash, are vague and appear to be hiding a secret of their own, including a former client of Flint’s.

The exploration for a lost parent sparks an interest in Flint to finally find out who his parents were and what happened to them. While files were spotty at the time, Flint learns that his potential mother may have been murdered by a man on death row, whose execution is imminent. With little time to waste, Flint works this as a side-job, hoping to get some of his own answers before it’s too late.

With a parallel narrative depicting what happened at the time of the crash, readers can see things from Josh Hallman’s perspective as well, including some of the secrets that Michael Flint is slowly unearthing. The mystery behind Hallman’s disappearance remains complicated, but there are some leads begging to be revealed that could help Flint find the key to saving the life of a young boy. Capri does so well with this piece that she will have readers praising her for the foreseeable future.

I discovered Diane Capri as the author of a great Jack Reacher spin-off, which I have long enjoyed. I knew she had some other series being published, but I never took the time to explore them. After Michael Flint’s appearance in the latest Reacher tale, I decided that I ought to expand my Capri reading knowledge. How pleased I was to do that, as Michael Flint turned out to be even better than any Hunt for Reacher novel I read. It’s nice to discover new aspects to an author you and long read and enjoyed.

Capri has a sensationally strong and detailed narrative base in this novel, which juggles numerous timelines and perspectives at the same time. The story gains further flavouring by a handful of one-off characters, who both enhance the larger story, as well as the Flint personal saga that proves to be a great undertone throughout. The Michael Flint backstory is captivating and keeps the reader engaged as a partial distraction from the Josh Hallman plot. The varied plot lines are entertaining throughout and keep the reader on the edge of their seat, as they seek to explore how Flint will be able to help others while doing the same for himself. This is surely the best Capri novel I have read to date and I am eager to see how the third novel in this series proves to be when it is released later this year.

Kudos, Madam Capri, for providing ongoing entertainment for your loyal fans.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real life Heir Hunter is a forensic genealogist.. someone who researches ancestry for missing heirs. Michael Flint is just such a man. He claims to be able to find anyone, anywhere, for a price.

Veronica Beaumont hires Michael Flint to find the father of her son who is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. Two problems .. Josh Hallman doesn't know he has a son and Josh Hallman is possibly dead.

Six years ago, Josh and two of his friends were on a plane piloted by him. Shortly after, the plane was found, crashed, and the bodies of his two friends. Josh's body has never been found.

Flint is determined to find the truth and hopefully will find the man alive .. because Flint isn't the only one looking for Josh.

Flint is also working a case that is very personal and he's just received a link to his own past. But the question is ... just because he can find someone, should he?

Besides the normal resources needed to do his job, Flint has other skills and he's not afraid to use them when necessary. Though the second book, this is a fine stand alone novel. Wherever Flint goes, the reader can be sure there will be lots of action, lots of violence, and lots of dead bodies. This is a well-written story line with terrific characters. I look forward to Flint's next adventure.

Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Evidence is full of action and excitement where Michael Flint works as an heir hunter, someone who follows clues and records to find a missing person. Veronica Beaumont hired Michael to find her ex-boyfriend and father of her son, Jamie, who is sick and needs a bone marrow transplant. Josh Hallman, disappeared after crashing a float plane in a small lake near Lake Tahoe six years ago. The bodies of his two friends who were with him were found but Josh's body was never found. Veronica feels that Josh is alive and wants Michael to find him, hoping that he will be a match for a bone marrow match for Jamie. We are taken on a wild adventure from Houston to the small lake and to wherever the clues lead. Veronica's pockets are deep and no expense is spared as Michael and his pilot friend, Drake, chase leads. Michael has many contacts that are at the ready to help. Michael has many talents, from diving to sky diving, hand to hand combat and other defensive abilities, not to mention smart investigative skills.
A side issue is also in the works as Michael has been given ideas of who his mother might be. She left him at a foster home when he was two years old and he never knew her or any of his family and really doesn't seem sure if he wants to find the answers in the matter. He does use his abilities for his own personal heir hunting. Will he find answers?
This is an engaging and exciting read that is hard to put down. I found the plot and characters interesting and complex. Michael's occupation is unusual and he is very capable to do his job. This is a great read that I recommend for those that like great mysteries.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh, unique occupation for the main character.
He hunts and finds persons others have not been
able to trace. But the heir hunter, Michael Flint
finds his target!!
The story takes off quickly and keeps an invigorating
pace right up to its dramatic conclusion.
Dive into a tale of a plane crash, a bone marrow donor,
the lives of the rich and famous, poverty, adventure,
intrigue, mystery, vivid characters, suspense, murder,
deceit and international travel.
The story was plotted out flawlessly. There were sub
plots within the main plot and lots of twists and turns.
The scenery of the various areas was described so
vividly that the reader feels like they are right there.
I volunteered to read Trace Evidence. Thanks to the
author via Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion
is my own.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

edge of your seat book this one...an heir hunter who finds people for a price...a bone marrow is needed to save the life of a boy and so it begins...

one plane crash 6 years ago...two bodies recovered and the third one missing all adds to the intrigue..

what a brilliant book and a great ending...gonna keep my eye on this author

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total action and excitement following the heir hunter, Michael Flint, into this book…Six years have passed, murder, plane crash, “bodies never found”, high profile oil and tech conglomerate, plus again total action…Enjoy

[Cyd Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller is unrelenting tension and thrills from the first page to the last. There was no way I could put it down. It opens with Michael Flint, the heir hunter, pulling off the daring exchange of a fake amber and gold pendant for return to its rightful owners, while in the middle of the ocean and dodging the tight security of a luxury yacht. Dark, cold, alone and navigating the luxury setting of a greedy man's security, Flint demonstrates his title as the best in the world at what he does. And he's smart. Very smart. After many near-death thrills on the yacht, Flint returns home to relax, only to be immediately called back into the game. This time it's a little girl who calls with a request for an outing he had promised with ice cream afterwards...and another impossible mission. It doesn't take much for Maddy, the little girl, to melt Flint's heart and take on the job. And what a job it turns out to be.

This was a thriller that kept me glued to the book and guessing until the very end. That doesn't happen often. At every turn of the plot, another question emerges and the reader is left wondering what in the world is going on, how a young boy's life can be saved by finding a man who has spent years dedicated to not being found, and how who is connected to whom and why. Somehow, It all seemed impossible to resolve to this reader, yet at no time did I get frustrated or feel that the story was out of control. For every ramping up of the tension, Flint comes up with a way to resolve the problem, and in the process, deepen the mystery of the mission. With rapid-fire thinking, Flint uses his smarts and military training to stay one step ahead of the riddle unfolding in front of him.

All of the characters in this novel are nicely crafted, but it's the relationships and their complexities that are superb. As Flint pushes through to find what will help a little boy live, the mystery of his own life stands in front of him, waiting to be solved. But does he really want it solved? Is that what's best for him? He's got it pretty good with the adorable little Maddy and close friend Katie Scarlett, a perfection web of relationships that suit a man of his temperament, background, training and line of work. What would solving his own mystery do to that little family he's created? He's a tough guy with a heart that melts as fast as the ice cream he allows Maddy to eat when her mother isn't looking, but when it comes to his own heart, he's lost; his own skills betray him.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers. They just don't come much better than this. And aren't we lucky that Trace Evidence is the second in this series with the promise of more novels to come.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, action packed thriller in the style of a James Patterson novel. I found myself immersed in the captivating plot from the very first chapter. From the author's vivid descriptions, I felt as though as I was right there along with the main character, Michael Flint.

Flint, is a no-nonsense, get the job done, heir hunter that hasn't failed a case. He is relentless and knows his craft. In a chase to track down a man that died in a helicopter crash, but whose body was never recovered, he is on a time crunch to help save the man's son. His son, Jamie, is in need of a bone marrow transplant in order to save his life.

I didn't read the first book in the series, but had no problem keeping up with the story. It worked well as a stand alone read. The story has lots of twists and action teamed with suspense to keep the reader entertained. I appreciated the fact that there was no vivid descriptions of gore. I can't wait to read more books in the Heir Hunter series.

I was provided with an ARC by Net Galley and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Evidence (Heir Hunter #2) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Six years ago Josh Hallman, along with two of his friends, Skip and Dan and headed out in their small plane on a men-only trip, but never arrived at their destination.
His son Jamie Beaumont's now dying from a form of bone-marrow cancer. Can Michael Flint locate Jamie's father Josh asap in time.

The story proceeds at a thrilling pace, narrated alternately in the third person, as flashback scenarios detailing what happened to the missing Josh and companions years earlier, then moving swiftly forward into the present-day action of Mike Flint and his sidekick (Alonzo) Drake, who's handy with his fists, a gun or any other weapon to hand in a tight spot - as is Flint of course.

With plenty of action, shocks, thrills, danger and mystery, Trace Evidence is Queen of Mystery and suspense Diane Capri's second book in her outstanding The Heir Hunter series, that you simply must not miss.
Go grab yourself a copy today - you certainly won't regret it!

[Laura Belgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Capri has a LOT of books out there, and several series. Her most prominent series is "The Hunt for Jack Reacher" series, largely known because it's something of a spin-off from Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. Who hasn't read at least one of those?

But understand that Capri has tremendous talent evidenced in her other series, and in Trace Evidence, the second in her new Heir Hunter series, she has Michael Flint — the best of the best heir hunters —locked in a fast-paced, tough to put down novel. His quest? Find a man presumed dead in an airplane crash because the man is the father of a young boy in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. Despite evidence to the contrary, Flint believes the boy's father isn't dead. But getting to the truth puts himself and others in jeopardy through twisted paths you won't see coming.

If you like fast reads, then what are you waiting for? Go check out the latest in the Heir series. I'm glad I did.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Flint is an heir hunter and good at his job. His 7 year old friend, Maddie has a friend, Jamie who needs a bone marrow transplant to live. His mother is a billionaire but that doesn't help his problem. Josh Hallman the father Jamie never knew may have the correct match. The question is where Josh is alive or not. He was in a float plane crash 6 years ago with two friends. The plane crashed at landing and eventually the other two bodies were found but never Josh. Flint has to find out what happened and could Josh be alive. Time is precious here so he and Drake are working as fast as they can with help from associates to find Josh. Wilcox who Flint did a job for before is involved some how but how.. Flint and Drake are finding lots of clues but no Josh. Loose ends from the other case are coming together too. Keeps you busy just trying to keep up.

[Roxanne Loveday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in the Heir Hunter series and and is as good, if not better than the first.
Diane Capri knows how to drag you into the story from the very beginning and then you hold on for a wild ride.

This time, Michael Flint is asked by one of two people in his life that he would do anything for - 7 year old Maddy Scarlett, to help a sick boy in her class. But, when Michael meets the boy's mother, he's not at all sure he wants to work for her. Ultimately, he has to try...

As he starts looking into the case, he realizes that it may well relate to one of his earlier cases and he knows things will only get worse before they get better.

Follow the world's best Heir Hunter as he tries to track down someone who hasn't left any trail at all for several years and is presumed dead. If he is alive, can he be found in time?

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way this book started and ended, an exciting adventure letting me know just how tough Michael Flint is and then even after the book’s main story has been solved…he ventures off into another daring adventure to close the book. Does this guy ever get to rest? This is the 2nd book in the Heir Hunter series. The only “spoiler” that I’ll give you is that Flint charges millions of dollars to find the heirs, so you know that he has every available person that he needs for help and every mode of transportation. It was a pretty fast paced book…I didn’t want to put it down until I was finished, and I still want more. I don’t feel like I missed anything (other than getting to read the 1st one) by coming in on the 2nd book. Great reading!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Diane Capri, author and Goodreads for the eBook Kindle copy of Trace Evidence ~ Heir Hunter ~ Book 2 that I won in the Giveaway and enjoyed reading; great story line!

Michael Flint has the world's best heir hunter. Action starts from the first page as Flint recovers a stolend family heirloom for a client with guns blazing. He moves on to two other heir finding searches when he looks for his biological mother and a missing father for a young boy that needs a bone marrow transplant to live. He solves murders, finds the father that disappeared six years ago and rights wrongs along the way. Lots of action, suspense, great supporting characters and throw in a loveable seven-year-old too for an outstanding book. Loved this one.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free from NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an honest review.
I love this series by Diane Capri. I had never heard of an heir hunter before I read the first book. And this one is just as good as the first, if not better. Michael Flint is hired by Veronica Beaumont to find the father of her son, who is in need of a bone marrow transplant. The only problem is that he disappeared 6 years before when the plane he piloted crashed. Two bodies were recovered, neither were him. Is the trail impossible? Will Flint fail in his hunt? These questions and many others are answered in this twisty, suspenseful great read.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining thriller that poses some ethical questions as well. I did not read the first book but that wasn't a problem because I was able to immediately grasp that Michael Flint is the man you want if you are looking for someone that doesn't want to be found. His search for Josh, who is on the run not only from the mother of his child (who needs his bone marrow) but also from some creeps, leads to question about his personal history. Flint has to make some tough decisions; you might not agree with everything he does but you'll understand. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is a plot driven page turner that would be perfect for travel.

[Cecelia Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Flint is an heir hunter. He promises to find whatever the people need and he is better than the other hunters. He is drawn into a hunt for a friend at the request of her seven year old daughter Maddy. Scarlett is unaware that Maddy is asking Michael for help. This hunt looks all but impossible but that does not stop Michael.

Every book I read by Diane Capri is excellent. She has fast-moving action. The characters are well developed and people you can believe in and cheer for. The book holds your interest and you don't want to put it down. You just have to keep reading to find out what happened!

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Wow! From Page 1 I was hooked and I found it hard to put this book down.

Michael Flint is hired to find Josh Hallman, a man who purposely disappeared six years ago. Now he needs to be found to determine if Josh can donate bone marrow to save the life of a son he never knew existed. Complicating matters is the fact that Josh witnessed a murder and the bad guys are still looking for him.

Well done. I want to read the first book in the series ... I'm hooked!

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific new book in the Heir Hunter series. I am very intrigued with the character of Michael Flynn, who has his own past that he is still investigating. In this book he is hired by a billionaire CEO who is looking for the father of her young child that is presumed dead. Her little boy is very ill and needs a bone marrow transplant. Finding the boy’s father is her only hope. Michael is really against the clock on this one and every moment counts. I couldn’t put it down!

[Michael Mardel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace evidence by Capri. This is a most readable book, full of suspense and drama. Flint has a wealth of people at his fingertips to help him find a little boy's father. Along the way he finds a few murdered people for which no one has been brought to justice. Will Flint find the main antagonist? He has a great help with his pilot, Drake, who can fly anything, anywhere. Definitely a page turner plus some personal enquiries on Flint's part.

[Treva Parkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense and captivating page turner

I really enjoyed the Heir Hunter series and am hoping for more real soon. Michael Flint is a true adventure hero every bit as good as Indiana Jones with a dose of Jack Reacher thrown in for good measure. He's highly principled, while somewhat flawed, but very loyal with a vulnerable side he'd rather keep hidden. Please Diane Capri......more, more, more!

[Rebecca Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the writing. How Diane managed to develop the search for the missing party and steps taken to do such. Not only was the main character searching for him, but he himself was facing an unusual situation and how Diane blended the two was great. Looking forward to finding other books in this series to read.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Flint will do anything for his niece Maddy. And what Maddy wants is for Michael to find the missing dad of her friend Jamie who is dying and needs a bone marrow transplant. One of the main issues is the father vanished six years ago without a trace what so ever. And time is running out for Jamie. Plus, nothing is ever an easy case for Michael Flint.

[Jeanne Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read by Diane

Unbelievable circumstances make for an interesting story of law abiding men looking for a week of fishing and end up meeting with gangsters, killers, who spoil all plans

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Evidence is the second exciting book in the Heir Hunter series about forensic genealogist Michael Flint written by author Diane Capri. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advance copy.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual an amazing story by a superb author. A child desperate for a bone marrow and almost impossible to find the father for a possible match. There is one who can. A totally wild ride to the end. Received an ARC and loved reviewing.

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC.1

Absolutely an excellent read . Diane did an excellent job with the second book in this series. I can't tell what a grand story teller. I'm avid reader of her Jack Teacher series and this one. Keep up the great work!!!!!! Carl Clause

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Heir Hunter series as Michael Flint searches to find a missing heir. This story has many twists and turns and you won't be disappointed reading this novel. I look forward to the next in this series as Diane only gets better and better....

[Ana Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doggone she did it again!

Trace Evidence is like 💃Step by quick step you are on another Flint mystery. Unlike Flint s slowly bringing character so you can get to know them. Diane hit the pages running! Enjoy

[Della · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I would rate book one and two 5 stars. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the series. The characters were great and the story line different than others that I have read. I will wait impatiently for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.