Murder strikes close to home for criminal investigator Larry Macklin when his girlfriend, Cara Laursen, finds a body at the veterinary clinic where she works.
There are no signs of forced entry, making it clear that someone at the clinic must be involved in the murder. But before Larry and his partner, Darlene Marks, can make much headway in the investigation, another body is discovered and the clinic’s office manager, Sandra Strom, disappears.
Is Sandra a murderer or just another victim? Frustrated and increasingly concerned for Cara’s safety, Larry follows a trail of evidence that leads across state lines and deep into the world of a major drug operation. In over his head, Larry is forced to seek help from his old nemesis Matt Greene, now working for the DEA. Will they be able to find Sandra before it’s too late?
A. 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.
Larry's girlfriend, Cara, works at the local vets office where she just happens to stumble across a dead man. No one there seems to know him, there's a large syringe next to him and a bag full of blood underneath him.
Then another dead body pops up a few days later ... this time in the parking lot. The office manager, Sandra, is also missing, assumed kidnapped. Her purse and other personal items are found under the shrubs.
Since there was no sign of forced entry with the first death, Larry and his partner, Darlene, suspect that someone working at the clinic let him in. With Sandra missing, she becomes the obvious suspect.
Larry and Darlene are lead across state lines and find that there are leads to a major drug dealer. But Sandra is still out there, unless she's dead. Is she a suspect or is she a victim?
Although 7th in the series, this one does well as a stand-alone. I've been fortunate to read them all from the beginning and this one did not disappoint. Larry is a great character.. he's grown up a lot since the first book. He's dedicated to his job and working for the Sheriff -- his father -- isn't so bad. And he has a wonderful sense of humor. Now that Cara has committed to the relationship, he's a much happier, content man.
There's lot of action and a lot of personal intrusion. Cara's mom and dad show up and pitch a tent in the front yard. They are both more like hippies than anything else, but they are good-hearted people. Mauser is a 6 foot tall Great Dane who loves his ice cream.
5 Stars For The Book -- 5 Stars For the Book
Many thanks to the author who so graciously has shared his books with me. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I'm all caught up on the series now. I hate having to wait for the next book. If you haven't read the Larry Macklin series you've missed out. Small town, good mystery, likeable characters, and excellent plots, make these books highly enjoyable. Every time I start a new one I know I won't be disappointed in the outcome and it seems like each one has something unusual going for it that you don't find in similar books of this caliber. I wish I could mention the one in this book but I can't without giving everything away.
Larry Macklin is a sheriff's deputy, working for his father, the sheriff. He's presently dating girlfriend, Cara, who works for the local veterinarian. Things are beginning to get serious between them although Larry's kind of dragging his feet a bit. Cara's parents, Henry and Anna, are occasionally involved in the stories which makes for added appeal because they are bonifide hippies. In this book they set up a yurt in Larry's front yard in order to stick close to their daughter. Cara found a dead body at the veterinary clinic when opening up one morning. The victim was unknown to anyone associated with the clinic but had a somewhat shady background.
Larry begins digging into the investigation with help from his partner, Darlene. Before they get very far along, another body turns up at the clinic, this time in the parking lot. Now there's cause for concern. Especially when Larry uncovers the man's ties to a powerful drug cartel. There's also strong evidence that the clinic's receptionist has been abducted when they find her purse not far from the scene. Larry has to pull out all the stops in order to get to the bottom of things and once he's on the right track he's not sure it's a path he wants to follow since its leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him.
This was fast paced as are all these books. I can breeze through them in a couple of hours and always hate to see them end. And I always hate saying goodbye to Mauser, the two ton Great Dane belonging to Larry's dad. The dog is his father's baby, spoiled rotten, and guess who gets to babysit when dad is indisposed? Yep, it's Larry! Makes for some light hearted humor whenever the dog is around. If you haven't read these I'd recommend starting at the first one and working your way through the series although each book could be read as a standalone. There are no cliffhangers but by reading the books in order you get a feel for the characters and what's going on.
I’m trying to recall if there’s been a Larry Macklin story where the crime doesn’t have some personal connection to Larry. This time it’s girlfriend Cara’s turn, you can read the plot for more details.
Overall I like the stories, there clean, no overuse of vulgarity, in fact I can’t recall one instance. There was one line where someone said ‘eff you’ which a highlight. The story is a good pace and okay dialogue. My only negative is that there is a personal connection to the main plot. Yes, it may make it more nail biting that someone you care about is in a perilous situation, but every story, it gets old. It be nice to have a story where no family or friend is connected to the murder.
It's been a while for me to get hooked up with Larry again. I quite enjoyed our first escapades but this one seemed a little off. Maybe it's all the new circumstances but Larry seemed to be whining more than I remembered.
I was greatly enjoying this series…..until this book! I struggled to finish it. Very disappointed. What happened to the humor I love so much from this author? And what has happened to Larry? He’s become a very weak man since his relationship with Clingy Cara has gotten serious. He can never tell that annoying woman no - and that’s what set me off and made me crazy! Larry has to go out of state to interview witnesses - Clingy, needy Cara insists on going with him - and he allows it!!! Come on!! Never would law enforcement allow a civilian to tag along on an investigation!! She not only sits in on the interviews (COME ON!!!), but she inserts herself into the interview!! And he not only allows it, he praises her for it!!! This whole book was just plain stupid because of her involvement! It would never happen! I want the old Larry back who had bal…..um, guts and wasn’t so weak. I’ll try one more book, but it’s hard to enjoy a read when there is such an annoying character and the storyline is stupid!
This is a good twisting addition to the Larry Macklin series that starts off with an odd death at a local vets that slowly spirals into a far more complicated case that involves secret identities, past lives, and powerful crime families, not to mention some inventive private residential developments. On top of that the in-laws come to visit and set up camp on Macklin's front lawn...literally. While it was a really good story, I didn't quite enjoy it quite as much as some of the others in the series, not entirely sure why as some bits were really gripping but others seemed a bit forced. Despite this, it is still a good read.
Larry Macklin finds himself the lead detective in a murder mystery that eventually crosses state lines and leads to additional bodies. The first victim is found in the veterinary office where his girlfriend Cara works. It’s a fast-paced story that doesn’t disappoint. A.E. Howe has created characters that I enjoy watching evolve including Mauser the Great Dane. While this book is the 7th in the Larry Macklin Mystery series it can be read without having read the first 6 but I highly recommend the others. I enjoyed this one as much as the first 6.
AEH. has. penned the seventh mystery novel in the LMMB. series, which contains a murder in a Vet Hospital. The investigation leads to a supposedly honest business man, but looks can be deceiving. As our Deputy searches for answers his girlfriend comes up with the answer. She had heard about drugs being shipped in animal blood. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
I have to admit I really like this series more and more with each book. A solid good guy protagonist who isn't a do everything under the sun like some comic book hero. Solid girlfriend relationship who works in a vet's office. The big goofy dog, solid supporting characters and a believable plot to boot. I read this yarn in two reads less than 24 hrs. after I started. A must read in a must read series. check it out.
The story is pretty slow moving until the end when there's suddenly a lot of action. The detective makes some stupid decisions, such as calling his girlfriend instead of the police. There are some outdated references to women and gender that are offensive. The characters have an over reliance on guns for protection. I didn't like any of the characters, they were flat and annoying. An easier, mainly dull read.
This one starts out with a break in at the vets business with a murderer burglar left behind. The clues are non existent. The murdered burglar turns out to be associated with drugs , but not clear how. The clues keep coming and more drug associates getting murdered. One leads to another until they are conducted. Another surprise ending. Thanks for all the entertainment.
This a great series for anyone. It's a quick read. Not too deep but the characters are very real and very believable. Mauser is quite a star. I'd love to see more interaction with Dad, the sheriff. All in all, you will not be disappointed with these. I also applaud the titles. That's what got me started on the series!
Well darn it- I've finished it already. The trouble with reading good stories from favourite authors is too quickly the story is over, and we have to wait for the next one. As always the Larry Macklin series by A.E. Howe was an engrossing read, with a bit of light humour and of course the pony-sized Great Dane, Mauser stealing the scenes. We highly recommend the series. Cheers Lynda
It was another great story but all thru this book they are searching for Sandra and to me it was like the author was told the book could only contain so many pages so he stuffed the whole ending in a few sentences. I felt short changed at the end on STORY. Details were given but it didn't flow as a story.
I love this Larry Macklin series. It has everything you need in a good mystery. Murder, drugs, secrets, twists to keep your interest. Not to mention very well written. There's a little romance, quirky characters and a bit of laugh out loud phrases. I'm glad there's more books in this series, can't wait to see what happens with Larry ,Cara, Darlene, Mauser and all the rest. Very enjoyable read.
Found the story entertaining as while as suspenseful. The main character not only has a difficult case to solve but a very unusual in-law family to Handel, with some light moment’s. Would recommend this book for a great read. Good job Mr. Howe.
Overall, a good story. This little town in northern Florida just keeps racking up the bodies! First body in the vet clinic, next body in it's parking lot. Could it possibly be someone working af the clinic? Clues build up... A few puzzling references that make no sense.
The author obviously knows nort florida, the best part of what remains of "old Florida," a magical place of sand, piney woods and fish camps- and alligators. The stories (i've now read the first seven.) are filled with believable characters, twisting plots, and interesting side stories. Moving onto number 8!! Kudos, and thanks to the author!
The author hit his stride with this new book in the series. Detective Macklin uses his brain and muscles to solve this mystery of multiple murders and disappearing witness/suspect. Really good!
This was an amazing series. I wish there was a next book in the series but it day's the next one Will not be out till fall of 2017. I can't wait . I highly recommend this series.
This book is fast moving, and holds your interest. I should know, I've actually read it twice, which I often do to pick up little nuances I miss the first time.
I have enjoyed every Larry Macklin book and wish the author could keep up with my desire to see his next adventure sooner rather than later. Have to admit this guy runs into more danger than most rural sheriff's deputies, but I like the character and the find the plots intriguing.
What a mess! Such a complicated plot with so many moving pieces, all wrapped up nicely by the end, except who actually ripped off the distant bad guys?
When the vet clinic where Cara works is the sight of a murder, her husband, Det Larry Macklin, is on the case . Her disappearing friend leads them to a nest of drug dealers, bitten and trouble.
Reminds me of a wave on the beach, it started off slow and was a little laggy in the middle; however, the story picked up as it moved to the surprises at the end. Very interesting and creative elements as it moved to the ending.
Nice story and good detective work, who is Sara/Kate and why is the vet's getting so much attention and three killings. Larry and Darlene helped by others to solve the case, Cara's parents coming to visit in a yurt, all entertaining stuff.