Code for Murder

by Eliot Parker

An overzealous decision by Cleveland Police Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt leads to a botched undercover investigation, leading to Stacy being attacked and her unconscious body dumped into the frigid Cuyahoga River. Six months later, Stacy’s first case back from medical leave involves the murder of Cleveland Browns football player Devon Baker. With little forensic evidence connecting anyone to the crime, Stacy sets out to find the killer. As Stacy comes very close to unraveling the tangled threads of the case, the killer wants her, and those close to her, to suffer for another impulsive decision she made in the line of duty. The killer just may be more familiar to Stacy than she realizes.

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2017

Reviews

[Denise]

Cleveland Police Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt investigates the murder of a Browns football player, Devon Baker. Clues and forensic evidence are mostly absent and progress is slow as she and her partner, Sergeant Austin Cerrera, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Gavin Knox, and others question his known friends and associates. Then another player is killed. Stacy and her team try to put separate pieces together to catch a killer.

Lots of description and detail, plenty of action, and a romance. Despite those ingredients, I found it rather slow moving and really did not like the character of Stacy at all. She happens to also have a somewhat severe case of thoracic outlet syndrome that really should have incapacitated her more, but she is all over the place, never sleeps or eats, etc. Of course she doesn't follow orders or rules of police procedure and is allowed to continue working the case. There were few surprises in the convoluted, complicated case and the connection of the murder victims. And, worst of all, a little tease at the end -- assume this is the first in a new series. I doubt I'll continue, however.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this e-book ARC.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of a rough ride. Did an earlier version go to print instead of the finished manuscript? Gotta admit I'd originally abandoned this launch of a Cleveland, Ohio, detective series at Chapt. 1 due to the lack of content edits and my disbelief in the main character's reasoning skills. Giving it another whirl, I found the first half exciting, well-researched and meticulously well-plotted, but beginning midway, the increasingly pervasive, aforementioned problems compounded by the innumerable errors in each chapter sent things off the rails. The fact this author teaches writing and somehow maintained the construct of his most significant plot points gives hope that this work isn't representative of his capabilities. All aside, I'm now psyched to visit my mom's hometown of Cleveland for the very first time next week!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code for Murder, A Stacy Tavitt Mystery by author Eliot Parker is continuous action and suspense! The police crime thriller is well written and the characters are believable. The story opens as Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt while on a stake out impulsively takes a chance to prevent a boat leaving the dock before her backup arrives. She has cuffed one of the men unloading boxes of a white powdery substance and is seeking to find her missing informant, Jamal Harris. She is attacked and thrown overboard the boat into the cold Cuyahoga River.
Now we forward to six months later and Stacy is learning to live with a damaged body but determined to resume her duties with the Cleveland Robbery and Homicide unit. Stacy has thoracic outlet syndrome which is the result of nerve and blood vessels being compressed and leaving permanent damage in her lungs. This happened during the severe blow to the side of her head before she was thrown onto the river. Stacy has allowed her brother Chance to live with her since his divorce although there is some tension between them.
I won’t post spoilers for the story, but once Stacy goes out on a call to investigate the murder of Devon Baker, a NFL strong safety for the Cleveland Browns, the action speeds up. Threads of what has happened to Stacy in the past trauma become woven within the current case. There are many scenes which may have you speed reading because you must know what is going to happen next. An example is the attack of Stacy and Austin at Cole’s Market. And the cliffhanger at the ending…??? I am anxious to read the next book in the Stacy Tavitt series! (**Language)

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: CODE FOR MURDER by Eliot Parker

Since her near-death in the Cuyahoga River, caused by a pair of criminals with few brain cells, Detective (now Lieutenant) Stacy Tavitt of the Cleveland Police Department has become a cold-hearted individual, a strong investigator but with difficulty in interpersonal encounters. When the corpse of a professional football player is discovered outdoors, the wounds clearly indicating a crime of passion, Stacy finds herself floundering in an unknown milieu, her investigative talents and her health stretched to the fullest.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fellow detective story readers, here is the next Stacy Tavit Thriller Series book.

Eliot Parker's "Code for Murder" is a riveting addition to the series, offering readers a blend of suspense, drama, and intricate police work. The novel follows Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt, a dedicated Cleveland homicide detective whose tenacity and instincts are as sharp as they are necessary for navigating the treacherous waters of crime and justice. The story begins with a high-stakes operation that goes awry, leaving Tavitt physically injured and emotionally scarred. Her resilience is tested further when she's thrust into the investigation of a high-profile murder case. The victim, a local football hero, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Tavitt must unravel the layers of deceit that surround the case. Parker's portrayal of the protagonist is both authentic and compelling, capturing the essence of a detective who, despite personal setbacks, remains unwavering in her pursuit of the truth.

Parker excels in creating a narrative that is as complex as it is engaging. The plot weaves through a labyrinth of clues and suspects, with Tavitt's every move shadowed by the consequences of her past decisions. The author's attention to detail and deep understanding of police procedures add a layer of realism to the story, immersing the reader in the world of criminal investigation. The pacing is tight, with each chapter propelling the story forward and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
"Code for Murder" is not just a tale of crime and its resolution; it's a story about redemption, courage, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Parker's skillful storytelling ensures that the reader is not just an observer but a participant in the unfolding drama. The novel has garnered positive reviews for its intricate plotting and well-developed characters, making it a standout in the genre. For those who enjoy a good thriller with a strong female lead, "Code for Murder" is a must-read that promises to engage and entertain from the first page to the last, so pick up your copy today.

• ASIN: B0D3QPM68Z
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 6/11/2024
• File Size: 3352 KB
• Print Length: 315 pages
• Genre: Women's Action & Adventure Fiction - Women's Detective Fiction - Women's Crime Fiction

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Code for Murder
Author: Eliot Parker
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 7-26-2017
Pages: 350
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Police Procedurals; Crime; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781612969039
ASIN: B074B52BFL
Reviewed For NetGalley and Black Rose Writing
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars


Cleveland Police Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt is nearly killed when an undercover assignment falls apart. She is left for dead after being attacked and thrown into the freezing waters of the Cayahoga River. After a long recuperation she is finally back from medically leave a lands the case of the murder of Devon Baker Defensive Back for the Cleveland Browns. Baker died hard and is found in Wendy parked bludgeoned and stabbed, clothed in only his underwear.


As Stacy investigates what little the forensic evidence reveals and the few leads she has she finds danger to not only her, but to those close to her. Will she find Devon Baker's killer before the killer exterminates Cleveland's determined Homicide Detective.


With strong well developed characters and a thought out plot. The story moves quickly and smoothly as readers fall into the action. Once you start you will not want to stop. Plan to be reading into the night.


My rating of "Code for Murder" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.


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[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like a good murder, and the vicious stabbing of a handsome, popular US football player heralded a promising start. The novel is packed with familiar themes; the anti-social female detective with a complicated private life and severe health issues, the seemingly popular victim who has dark secrets, a drugs deal that goes horribly wrong, and a handsome, out-of-reach-because-he’s-married colleague. This is good thing when it provides anchorage for a plot that becomes quite involved.

This book illustrates how hard it is to write a strong female character who is also sympathetic. The essential element, whether male or female, is that one thing which makes you care about them. With strong females especially, they have to work twice as hard to prove their worth.

I sense the author wanted to show us how Stacy’s behavior and decisions came about because she was trying to “prove herself” and/or close the case at all costs. I just wish that her motivation was more sharp-focussed. With peripheral characters, the book seemed to pick up on the current US television trend for “love-to-hate” shows (eg., House of Cards) which are full of people with dubious qualities and ideals. The plot was nicely convoluted though, and held some genuine surprises.

This would have been a much tighter, more compelling read with a bit of judicious pruning by the editors. Some of the descriptions of place were unnecessary, and forced my concentration away from the action. For example, I didn’t need to know the interior design of a supermarket, because it wasn’t relevant to the story. These chunks of prose, as well as some clunky dialogue, got in the way of what was shaping up to be a tensely-plotted whodunnit.

Stacy had a tough perspective for me to get into, but in the end, the book is a solid crime drama, with a female character that doesn’t make excuses for how she is. I wouldn’t put other readers off getting to know Stacy, as long as they know what they’re going to get.

[Eliot Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
Stacy Tavitt is hot on the trail of Jamal Harris, making this a combination of personal/professional investigation. Not only does she feel responsible for informant Yolanda’s young child, but finding Jamal might bring her closer to solving the mystery behind the murders happening among the Cleveland Browns' football players. Not really a football enthusiast, Lieutenant Tavitt juggles her handicap of sports knowledge with the facts that are spread out before her. Add this to her live-in brother’s inconsistencies and hidden agenda; a crippling respiratory system, compliments of a prior investigation; and a hidden romance, and Stacy has a full plate. But she is a cop above all other aspects of her life, and that is where her focus lies. As Stacy and her partner, injured Austin Cerrer, combine their efforts with the Cleveland Division of Police Narcotics Unit and the professional football franchise of the Cleveland Browns, she realizes the harsh realities of her physical handicap while refusing to allow her personal needs to overcome her professional responsibilities.

Code for Murder: A Stacy Tavitt Mystery by Eliot Parker is an example of one of West Virginia’s best kept secrets. Author Eliot Parker paints a believable story of intrigue and mystery with unusual excellence, getting into the mind of a main character of the opposite gender. Surprising plot twists fill any gaps in this well-rounded tale that is the perfect anytime read. Set not far from the author’s home stomping grounds, this murder mystery ranks up there with Baldacci and Martini in narrative clarity and character banter.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great, complex plot revolving around the mysterious death of a Cleveland Browns player and the ensuing police investigation, led by Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt. The story is full of twists and turns, including a connection to a prior case of Lieutenant Tavitt's, which the reader learns about in the beginning of the book. The characters are interesting and fairly well-developed. The author is good at setting a scene and providing details to help the reader feel like they part of the action. The book proceeds at a steady pace.

However, for me, the overall reading experience was greatly diminished by the poor proofreading. I am pretty sure that I agreed to provide a review after the book's July 2017 publication date and therefore the Kindle version I received should be what was actually published. If so, I feel for anyone who actually spent money on the book. There are numerous occasions where characters are referred to by the wrong name. The spelling of a minor character's name changes in the chapter in which he is introduced and in a later chapter there is a third spelling for this character's name. There are multiple spots where the author seemed unable to chose between two words and left both words in, which results in the sentence reading awkwardly. Other types of grammatical errors could be highlighted. The occasional spelling or grammar error in a book is not surprising, but the quantity of errors in this book was too great, reflecting poorly on both the author and the publisher.

This would easily be a four star book without the numerous mistakes.

I received a copy of the Kindle version from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[David Freas · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only positive thing I can say about this book is it was free.

The writing here is very basic, as if geared to a pre-teen. In many places, it’s stiff, reading as if it was generated by a computer instead of created by a real person.

Some sentences made no sense. I read A burst of hallow hair coursed around her as she entered. a dozen times and still have no idea what it means.

There are also continuity errors galore:
1/ In the first 7 chapters, Parker mentions 4 times the story is set in September. Then in Chapter 8, he rewinds time to early summer, but has the Browns playing a game on Sunday. A few chapters later we’re back to fall.
2/ In one chapter, Stacy is led into a locker room then a few paragraphs later walks into the same locker room.
3/ People suddenly appear 3 pages into a scene and just as quickly disappear. Austin, Stacy’s partner, does this several times.
4/ Stacy is discharged from the hospital early in the morning but a page later she talks about the late-night sky and a paragraph after that about street lights going off as the morning brightens.
5/ So many more that listing them all would take 20 pages.

This book is loaded with production errors – wrong words and punctuation goofs – as well.

There are no excuses for this many easily avoided and corrected errors. Didn’t anybody proofread or copyedit this book? Having read what Mr. Parker does for a living (teaching writing and literature at the college level), these mistakes are even more outrageous.

This story had the potential to be really good with a topical crime and interesting characters. But the slovenly writing killed it.

[Elena J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code for Murder by Eliot Parker is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that plunges readers into the dark underbelly of Cleveland and the fragile psyche of a detective haunted by her own choices.

Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt is the kind of protagonist readers crave: flawed, fearless, and relentlessly human. After surviving a brutal attack and returning from medical leave, Stacy is thrust into the murder investigation of a beloved Cleveland Browns player a case that tests not only her instincts but her very identity as a cop and survivor.

Parker’s writing is razor-sharp and cinematic, blending police procedural precision with the psychological depth of a redemption story. Every page hums with tension, as Stacy unravels threads of guilt, justice, and revenge all while confronting a killer who might be closer than she thinks.

What makes Code for Murder stand out isn’t just its suspense, but its emotional authenticity. Parker captures the trauma and resilience of law enforcement life with rare sensitivity. The result is a story that grips the heart as tightly as it grips the imagination.

A must-read for fans of strong female leads, moral complexity, and thrillers that dig beneath the badge to find the truth that costs the most Code for Murder is not just a mystery. It’s a reckoning.

[R. Gene Turchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliot Parker has constructed a page turner murder mystery novel set in Cleveland. He does a superb job of writing from the point of view of a female detective in the city of Cleveland. The reader gets a genuine feel for the city, which I think, is in itself a character in this novel and the thought processes of a female detective. His protagonist is Lt. Stacy Tavitt who has suffered a traumatic life altering encounter with one of the cities underbelly characters. Her life is further complicated by caring for a brother who is in the adult autism spectrum. Couple the murder of a Cleveland Browns football star and you have the makings of a novel with conflicting pulls and jerks. It is a definite good read.
My only complaint is the ending. I wish he had done something more with the last paragraph. It left me unsatisfied though, I think, it was for the purpose of a sequel.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code for murder by Eliot Parker.
An overzealous decision by Cleveland Police Lieutenant Stacy Tavitt leads to a botched undercover investigation, leading to Stacy being attacked and her unconscious body dumped into the frigid Cuyahoga River. Six months later, Stacy’s first case back from medical leave involves the murder of Cleveland Browns football player Devon Baker. With little forensic evidence connecting anyone to the crime, Stacy sets out to find the killer. As Stacy comes very close to unraveling the tangled threads of the case, the killer wants her, and those close to her, to suffer for another impulsive decision she made in the line of duty. The killer just may be more familiar to Stacy than she realizes.
An absolutely fantastic read with likeable characters. Stacy and Austin were my favourite characters.  Didn't like Jamal at all.  5*.

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley the publishing house and most of all, the author, for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest opinion.

I have to say, I thought this was going to be a good book. I was wrong. This book had a good storyline, but the problems with editing and spelling ruined it for me. I am not in law enforcement, but even I knew that some things seemed implausible or wrong, perhaps these things could have been picked up by editing.

I didn't find the main character, Stacy, was that well written, I found it was like the author changed their mind about Stacy's motives during the writing process. I must say though, it really had good plot line, and there were some good twists and turns and lots of action.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the story might have merit as a police procedural / mystery, the editing was horrendous. There were continuity issues, character names changed or were spelled various ways. This was NOT an ARC but the final publication. The editor and copy-editor were sleeping when they did or rather didn't do their work.

The main character, Lt. Stacy Tavitt, was the driving force of the police investigation into drugs and murder. But following the rules was never in her "play book."

With luck, Eliot Parker will find a new agent and editor and will write a better mystery next time.

Thanks to Ohioana Library Association http://www.ohioana.org for a copy to read and review.

[Laurie Beemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written police procedural with a determined female detective, her partner Austin and Gavin the new Assistant County Prosecutor. They are the trail of a murderer and the trail leads them through many twists and turns of suspense and intrigue. What starts as one murder becomes something else entirely and the way that this story plays out leaves the reader wanting the next book. Thank you NetGalley and Eliot Parker for allowing me to read and give an honest review of this book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This was a new to me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This story is rock solid. It takes so many twists and turns. This was one of the few stories that I honestly didn't know how the end was going to happen or who was committing the murders. I couldn't stop reading until the last page. I can't wait to read the next one. This is a solid five-star page turner the likes of which you haven't seen lately. I have been looking for a good suspense and this definitely fit the bill.

[Teresa Stump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was good, plot and characters were interesting, and had plenty of action and suspense. Didn’t figure out who killer was until author revealed who. Which is good, that doesn’t usually happen for me.
Stacy and Austin were detectives, who were looking into who killed a NFL player for the Cleveland Browns, Devon Baker. There is a few other murders that happen, until the big reveal. Overall a very good book, and no problem recommending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily review book, and this is only my opinion.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

CODE FOR MURDER
If you love suspenseful police procedurals and crime mysteries this is a book you will want to read. The main character, Stacy Tavitt is a gung-ho detective who gets herself into hot water while investigating the murder of a NFL football player. Mr. Parker does not disappoint with his fast-paced story telling. I will gladly give CODE FOR MURDER 5 stars for excellent writing and a suspenseful story.

[Joyce · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

“Stacy pressed her lips tightly against her face.” Huh? Seriously? Oh, Stacy, Stacy, Stacy. It seemed every other sentence started with “Stacy…” Too much of this book is more than a little boring and very slow moving. I’m sorry, but there are far too many books to read to spend time on one like this.

I want to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for forwarding to me a copy of this book to try out.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I was given a copy of this book through Booksprout and mistakenly thought it was prepub. When I went to review, I was quite surprised to discover it had been released 8 months ago. Why has no one edited this! The mistakes were very distracting. I kinda enjoyed the mystery but really didn't care for the heroine at all. She seemed too impetuous to be a convincing police detective, especially to be considered one of the best.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book but the errors throughout this book made it impossible for me to enjoy it. A lot of the descriptions throughout the book were unnecessary which made the book a little dull. The description of the book is what truly drew me in but it didn't "flow" enough for me to keep my interest. Like I stated, it has the potential to be a great read but it needs a bit of work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammie Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy from Booksprout. This is my honest review.
This is an action packed and suspenseful read. It keeps you guessing. The main character is a very strong female in a leader position. I love it shows females can be strong leaders.
I hope there is a second book coming. It ended with a cliff hanger.
I only gave it four stars because of the lack of editing. There are a lot of errors.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which ran parallel stories each compelling. The first was the professional life of a police lieutenant and the second her personal life dealing with a life changing medical condition caused by her work. I would have given it a 4 1/2 Star rating but there was some very poor proofing done. I had to keep checking to see what I had read was correct or try to figure out what the author meant to say.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review .

[Rhonda White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written except for some of the language. I guess that's to be expected in some books. It is fast paced and held my interest. I didn't expect the villain to be who he was. But the ending...what happened to her brother? I like books to answer all of my questions. So, I guess I'll have to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read one of Mr. Parker's books until this one and I must say I am impressed.

The story line was interesting, the characters believable, and the setting perfect. Plus Mr. Parker is a wonderful writer from my home state of West Virginia, and I liked this book so much I intend on reading some of his others.

Highly recommended!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

an exciting read with edge of your seat thriller and psychological drama!

awesome powerful female Captain and Lieutenant.

Add some family drama to the crime and politics - can't wait to see what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty Goan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting, entertaining mystery. Although it didn't have very many characters it still had you in suspense trying to solve. It left you hanging at the end not knowing what happened to the brother but the rest of the ending had a good twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

she had been over confident on an undercover job which left her suffering. she is finally back but life could be repeating itself when she get another case. will the past catch up with her? can she fully recover this time? see where this will go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and Stacy Tavitt as a lead character. Will certainly read additional books in the series as they become available. I'm not familiar with Black Rose Writing as a press. I agree with others' comments that the editorial errors (typos and some continuity issues) become distracting. Black Rose needs to step it up!