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Coastal Suspense #2
Death Match
Carrabelle is full of secrets, and some refuse to die. After a beautiful woman with ties to a local matchmaking service falls to her death on Valentines Day, Franklin County demands answers. So when Captain Joe Davenport assigns the investigation to Detective Skylar Reid and Harvey Baker, it’s only a matter of time before trouble ensues. And when Harvey discovers the unscrupulous Callum Jackson may be behind it, nothing will stop him until he proves it, even if his witch hunt could cost him his marriage, his sanity, and his badge. As for Skylar? She’s just along for the ride, or maybe, she’s the one in the driver's seat?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2018
373 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 11, 2018
Some good, some not so much.
A decent read and sufficiently entertaining to probably read the next book in the series, if there is one. However, there are some stylistic quirks that are irritating enough that I found my immersion in the story rudely interrupted.
The author uses pronouns all too often when using a proper name would make things much clearer. For example, if there are two or more people interacting or in conversation, the author all too often uses pronouns such as "he" or "him" rather than proper names. Proper names are not required, of course, all the time; however, if it is difficult to understand who is been being referred to as "he" or "him" then clarity is lost. The reader often finds him/herself wondering which of the characters is the "he" and which the "him". A re-read of the sentence or paragraph usually sorts things out, but that's an unnecessary task and slows the flow.
Bringing up the names of characters that have been introduced briefly 10 chapters past also is confusing. I found myself, on a couple of occasions, asking "who the devil is that".
The picking? Perhaps; but, anything that obstructs the reader's ability to be involved and immersed in the story is in unnecessary distraction. Such distractions are a disservice to the story.
One more thing. I read the Kindle edition of this book. I have no idea how long this book was because there were no page numbers. I do know, however, that I felt like I had barely started the book only to discover that I was already 63% through it.The latest trend in book publishing is to reduce the number of pages to around 300 to 350 and still call it a book. I well remember when a normal novel was anywhere from 400 to 600 pages and I am finding even my favorite authors who wrote many books that length are today writing books of 300 to 350 pages. A rip off, I think.
A decent read and sufficiently entertaining to probably read the next book in the series, if there is one. However, there are some stylistic quirks that are irritating enough that I found my immersion in the story rudely interrupted.
The author uses pronouns all too often when using a proper name would make things much clearer. For example, if there are two or more people interacting or in conversation, the author all too often uses pronouns such as "he" or "him" rather than proper names. Proper names are not required, of course, all the time; however, if it is difficult to understand who is been being referred to as "he" or "him" then clarity is lost. The reader often finds him/herself wondering which of the characters is the "he" and which the "him". A re-read of the sentence or paragraph usually sorts things out, but that's an unnecessary task and slows the flow.
Bringing up the names of characters that have been introduced briefly 10 chapters past also is confusing. I found myself, on a couple of occasions, asking "who the devil is that".
The picking? Perhaps; but, anything that obstructs the reader's ability to be involved and immersed in the story is in unnecessary distraction. Such distractions are a disservice to the story.
One more thing. I read the Kindle edition of this book. I have no idea how long this book was because there were no page numbers. I do know, however, that I felt like I had barely started the book only to discover that I was already 63% through it.The latest trend in book publishing is to reduce the number of pages to around 300 to 350 and still call it a book. I well remember when a normal novel was anywhere from 400 to 600 pages and I am finding even my favorite authors who wrote many books that length are today writing books of 300 to 350 pages. A rip off, I think.
August 8, 2018
( Format : audiobook )
"Let's see what Willy Wonka has behind these doors."
A disgruntled police officer out to get a business man he believes was responsible for his sister's death.
An Elite match making business.
Two young women dead, both from the same model agency and a third showing similar whip marks on her back.
A fiesty, somewhat maverick officer new to small town policing with little regard to following orders
An OK small town murder mystery which simply didn't ring true, mostly because of the attitudes of the two main protagonists, both of whom seem determined to bring about a result they want rather than following procedures. This reader found both of them unsympathetic, which definitely affected judgement of the book. Occasional attempts at humour fell flat, as much by bad timing of the narrator as well as the writing itself.
Having said that, Sandra Murphy's narration was clear, well moderated and her character voices were individually articulated, breathing life into the protagonists. Unfortunately, the interactive dialogue was shallow and frequently not really believable. Plus how can two already hard drinking protagonists get laid low with massive hangovers after just three cans of beer and half a bottle of wine? Still, it is an interesting cozy romp to fill a dull afternoon.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Death Match, via Audiobook Boom. Although the second in the Coastal Suspense Series, it works well as a standalone with just occasional references to things that have gone before. Worth a read if Cosies are your preferred genre
"Let's see what Willy Wonka has behind these doors."
A disgruntled police officer out to get a business man he believes was responsible for his sister's death.
An Elite match making business.
Two young women dead, both from the same model agency and a third showing similar whip marks on her back.
A fiesty, somewhat maverick officer new to small town policing with little regard to following orders
An OK small town murder mystery which simply didn't ring true, mostly because of the attitudes of the two main protagonists, both of whom seem determined to bring about a result they want rather than following procedures. This reader found both of them unsympathetic, which definitely affected judgement of the book. Occasional attempts at humour fell flat, as much by bad timing of the narrator as well as the writing itself.
Having said that, Sandra Murphy's narration was clear, well moderated and her character voices were individually articulated, breathing life into the protagonists. Unfortunately, the interactive dialogue was shallow and frequently not really believable. Plus how can two already hard drinking protagonists get laid low with massive hangovers after just three cans of beer and half a bottle of wine? Still, it is an interesting cozy romp to fill a dull afternoon.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Death Match, via Audiobook Boom. Although the second in the Coastal Suspense Series, it works well as a standalone with just occasional references to things that have gone before. Worth a read if Cosies are your preferred genre
September 16, 2018
I'm new to this series, this is the first audiobook in the series I've listened to. I am, however, familiar with the narrator, Sandra Murphy, and LOVE her work! :)
It's a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller about small-town murder. Skylar Reid is a bit of a hardass/badass, love it! But, sometimes, things can be taken too far, and bad things happen. Who will come out alive?!? I really enjoyed the pace, of the book, and thought it was well-written and well-narrated. Would love to listen to more in the series :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller about small-town murder. Skylar Reid is a bit of a hardass/badass, love it! But, sometimes, things can be taken too far, and bad things happen. Who will come out alive?!? I really enjoyed the pace, of the book, and thought it was well-written and well-narrated. Would love to listen to more in the series :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 27, 2018
Good plot
When I was in high school I had excellent English teachers. There are some sentences in this book & the first one where a word is left out or switched around in the sentence, and I find these instances extremely annoying. Is it the authors fault, the editor's, or when it's sent to Kindle. Whatever the reason that's why I only gave this book a 4 star rating.
Death Match has a good plot & builds up a full head of steam towards the ending. Looking forward to the 3 rd book to see what kind of trouble Skylar gets into and how she & Harvey find a solution.
When I was in high school I had excellent English teachers. There are some sentences in this book & the first one where a word is left out or switched around in the sentence, and I find these instances extremely annoying. Is it the authors fault, the editor's, or when it's sent to Kindle. Whatever the reason that's why I only gave this book a 4 star rating.
Death Match has a good plot & builds up a full head of steam towards the ending. Looking forward to the 3 rd book to see what kind of trouble Skylar gets into and how she & Harvey find a solution.
February 10, 2018
Good police detective book
2nd book in the series of a US Marshall moving to work in a rural coastal county in the Florida panhandle. The interaction between her and her partner is humorous at times. Her character reminds me of Sandra Bullock in “Miss Congeniality”. The author is providing more descriptions of environment and characters. I would like more descriptive narrative. Looking forward to additional books.
2nd book in the series of a US Marshall moving to work in a rural coastal county in the Florida panhandle. The interaction between her and her partner is humorous at times. Her character reminds me of Sandra Bullock in “Miss Congeniality”. The author is providing more descriptions of environment and characters. I would like more descriptive narrative. Looking forward to additional books.
August 23, 2018
Disappointed
At a time where public outcry demands cops obey the laws they enforce, it is disheartening to see so many authors writing renagade cops as heros. As someone who feels the cops need to keep paying until the stop covering up for each other books like this astound me. Trying to make it ok because somehow your readers love the main characters is not ok. Criminals get off, bad cops get off just who do make pay for their crimes?
At a time where public outcry demands cops obey the laws they enforce, it is disheartening to see so many authors writing renagade cops as heros. As someone who feels the cops need to keep paying until the stop covering up for each other books like this astound me. Trying to make it ok because somehow your readers love the main characters is not ok. Criminals get off, bad cops get off just who do make pay for their crimes?
May 28, 2020
The Death Match title leads you to imagine what the story will be about. Maybe a duel to the death at some point. The title however does not reflect on the story in any way shape or form.
The story was interesting and kept my attention. I started to imagine how it would end. When the story ended and the details came out I was disappointed in the ending and how the crimes were revealed and then solved. I was expecting more. I felt a bit let down in the end.
The story was interesting and kept my attention. I started to imagine how it would end. When the story ended and the details came out I was disappointed in the ending and how the crimes were revealed and then solved. I was expecting more. I felt a bit let down in the end.
December 9, 2018
Great story!
I love Florida based stories, especially ones that take place in small towns. This book fits the bill, and then some! The main character is believable, and kind of annoying. The story was interesting and kept my attention. I can't wait to start the 3rd book in the series!
I love Florida based stories, especially ones that take place in small towns. This book fits the bill, and then some! The main character is believable, and kind of annoying. The story was interesting and kept my attention. I can't wait to start the 3rd book in the series!
June 5, 2019
Another great entry into the series!
The first book drew you into life and crime in and around the Florida coast. The odd marriage of the former U.S. Marshal and the small time detective is still working. Sharp dialogue and a couple of unusual cases make this partnership one to keep your eye on. I am anxious to read Book 3. Thank you Emma for such an entertaining book!
The first book drew you into life and crime in and around the Florida coast. The odd marriage of the former U.S. Marshal and the small time detective is still working. Sharp dialogue and a couple of unusual cases make this partnership one to keep your eye on. I am anxious to read Book 3. Thank you Emma for such an entertaining book!
August 19, 2021
Good series, fast paced Florida BA female detective
Skylar Reid used to be with the US Marshall’s but after her boyfriend was killed she left for the slower small town Florida gulf coast. She is not a rule follower but gets things done! Harvey her partner is always nervous and is waiting for retirement. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Skylar Reid used to be with the US Marshall’s but after her boyfriend was killed she left for the slower small town Florida gulf coast. She is not a rule follower but gets things done! Harvey her partner is always nervous and is waiting for retirement. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 4, 2018
Great read
Both the first and second books were great. I immediately read the second the day I finished the first. Can't wait for the next one! Intriguing plots, good characters and always love when they take place on the Florida coast.
Both the first and second books were great. I immediately read the second the day I finished the first. Can't wait for the next one! Intriguing plots, good characters and always love when they take place on the Florida coast.
March 13, 2018
Lots of action
Good story, Skylar is a kick, all cop and heart. Editing is a bit sketchy, but story line keeps moving. Lots of action. Second. In the series, you will need to read book one to get complete info on the cast of characters. ,
Good story, Skylar is a kick, all cop and heart. Editing is a bit sketchy, but story line keeps moving. Lots of action. Second. In the series, you will need to read book one to get complete info on the cast of characters. ,
March 19, 2018
Entertaining storyline but I was constantly distracted by the poor editing and typos. I plan to read the next one with the hope of improvement. Interesting characters. Would like to see them fleshed out with a little more depth.
May 5, 2018
Another action packed story
I love this author, she has great characters, good action packed mystery and is quite funny at times. A fun by the pool read. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I love this author, she has great characters, good action packed mystery and is quite funny at times. A fun by the pool read. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 29, 2018
I enjoyed this one and the first one very much. Fast action. I never heard of the location in the book until reading it - and now they were the center of attention recently in a tropical storm! So who sent the valentine?
August 10, 2018
Another good story with a twist
The characters are well developed and very believable. I love the Forgotten Coast area and have been to Carrabelle many times. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
The characters are well developed and very believable. I love the Forgotten Coast area and have been to Carrabelle many times. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
January 13, 2019
I love this series!Skylar is a tough U.S. Marshall that’s on a collision course with pain and trouble and her partner Harvey is along for the ride. I love the details of the world they live in. This book is full of danger, fun and heartache too. I highly recommend this book.
January 24, 2019
Very entertaining series
4.5 stars I enjoy reading crime series books and lately Florida seems to be my favorite locale. I like that the characters are portrayed as real people not super hero types. The dialogue between them is witty and contains no profanity.
4.5 stars I enjoy reading crime series books and lately Florida seems to be my favorite locale. I like that the characters are portrayed as real people not super hero types. The dialogue between them is witty and contains no profanity.
April 12, 2019
Good story
If you like Dawn McKinnan Forgotten Coast series, you will love this series. A no nonsense female lead character who knows how to get around the corners of law and gets the bad guys.
If you like Dawn McKinnan Forgotten Coast series, you will love this series. A no nonsense female lead character who knows how to get around the corners of law and gets the bad guys.
April 25, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. This one was not packed with so many things to keep up with. I realize some folks enjoy complicated stories but I read for relaxation and not having to remember tons of names and facts.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. This one was not packed with so many things to keep up with. I realize some folks enjoy complicated stories but I read for relaxation and not having to remember tons of names and facts.
November 9, 2019
Good read
Enjoyable read. The main characters are a hoot. I liked the storyline. Well written. I read book 1 and got hooked. Also 5stars for it too. On to #3. I'll definitely read more from this author.
Enjoyable read. The main characters are a hoot. I liked the storyline. Well written. I read book 1 and got hooked. Also 5stars for it too. On to #3. I'll definitely read more from this author.
March 31, 2020
This was a new author for me and I really like the two books I have read. I just bought #3 in the series. It features Florida’s “forgotten coast” and a strong female detective who likes to bend the rules a bit. I would suggest reading the first book in the series before this. Well worth buying.
November 3, 2023
I will continue reading this series despite the main character gets away with way too much, there are inconsistencies, and the author keeps recto the Gulf of Mexico as “the ocean”.
I don’t know what had me hooked, but I want to see what comes next.
I don’t know what had me hooked, but I want to see what comes next.
February 6, 2018
Awesome
I loved the book and it was the second one I read my Emma’s Coastal suspense series and I will be waiting for her next episode
I loved the book and it was the second one I read my Emma’s Coastal suspense series and I will be waiting for her next episode
February 15, 2018
Things are not, necessarily, as they seem.
Good interaction between characters. The plot offers enough guess work by the reader. All in all, a really good story.
Good interaction between characters. The plot offers enough guess work by the reader. All in all, a really good story.
February 18, 2018
Awesome
Loved the book. Hope there are more in the series. This is very well written. Awesome plot and story. Excellent
Loved the book. Hope there are more in the series. This is very well written. Awesome plot and story. Excellent
February 24, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed both of these books quick reads and full of a great story and plots galore looking forward to the next one
I really enjoyed both of these books quick reads and full of a great story and plots galore looking forward to the next one
February 24, 2018
Good follow up book.
Skyler is back at it again. Poor Harvey. One of these days Cullinan will get what’s coming to him. I wonder who left the Valentine for Skyler!
Skyler is back at it again. Poor Harvey. One of these days Cullinan will get what’s coming to him. I wonder who left the Valentine for Skyler!
March 2, 2018
Death match
Loved the story content. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise who the actual criminal is. Sometimes what looks suspicious is not! Enjoy!
Loved the story content. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise who the actual criminal is. Sometimes what looks suspicious is not! Enjoy!
March 3, 2018
Match maker
This match maker has various rates depending on the service. Sounds like something illegal is going on. Can Harvey and Reid make a case against this business?
This match maker has various rates depending on the service. Sounds like something illegal is going on. Can Harvey and Reid make a case against this business?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews