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Washburn County Deputy Amber Monroe is following in the footsteps of her sister, Jade. She devours everything she can during her detective training in hopes of being promoted soon.
Living in small-town USA has its advantages, like a sense of security, and disadvantages, like being close to Milwaukee and its crime. Washburn County has become the dumping ground of murder victims, courtesy of its neighboring county to the south.
When two men are discovered on the outskirts of North Bend, each with a bullet to the head, Amber’s team, led by Lieutenant Jack Steele, hits the highway in search of a killer.
Assisted by the Milwaukee PD, they go deep into Brew City’s underbelly, which reveals far more than anyone ever expected. Crimes involving murder and counterfeiting keep the team running in every direction, but it’s Amber’s attraction to a new man in North Bend that puts her front and center on the killer’s short list.
She doesn’t get far before the entire case turns upside down.
Note: All Amber Monroe books are standalone stories but since characters carry over, they are best read in chronological order.
Series One - Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Series
#1 Greed
#2 Avenged
The Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Series follows on the heels of the conclusion of Malice, Book 5 in the Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller Series.
Living in small-town USA has its advantages, like a sense of security, and disadvantages, like being close to Milwaukee and its crime. Washburn County has become the dumping ground of murder victims, courtesy of its neighboring county to the south.
When two men are discovered on the outskirts of North Bend, each with a bullet to the head, Amber’s team, led by Lieutenant Jack Steele, hits the highway in search of a killer.
Assisted by the Milwaukee PD, they go deep into Brew City’s underbelly, which reveals far more than anyone ever expected. Crimes involving murder and counterfeiting keep the team running in every direction, but it’s Amber’s attraction to a new man in North Bend that puts her front and center on the killer’s short list.
She doesn’t get far before the entire case turns upside down.
Note: All Amber Monroe books are standalone stories but since characters carry over, they are best read in chronological order.
Series One - Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Series
#1 Greed
#2 Avenged
The Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Series follows on the heels of the conclusion of Malice, Book 5 in the Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller Series.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2018
5751 people are currently reading
2907 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Sutter
51 books287 followersC.M. Sutter was born in San Jose, California and split time between the sunny California coast and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a senior in high school, she chose Wisconsin as her permanent address. After many years in the Badger State, she decided on a warmer year-round climate to call home and moved south.
Years of progression took her from working in large companies, to twelve years as a massage therapist, and finally, owning a corporation. She has been self-employed for over twenty years.
Ms. Sutter has been writing and self-publishing since 2014 with eleven titles published in a different genre. Because of her deep interest in crime and thriller novels, she took up writing in the police procedural/crime thriller genre in 2016.
Years of progression took her from working in large companies, to twelve years as a massage therapist, and finally, owning a corporation. She has been self-employed for over twenty years.
Ms. Sutter has been writing and self-publishing since 2014 with eleven titles published in a different genre. Because of her deep interest in crime and thriller novels, she took up writing in the police procedural/crime thriller genre in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
May 5, 2018
Sorry but I found the book to have unreal amateurish conversations between characters. Why would 5 or 6 detectives go on the simplest of assignments? Too much repetition. The detective at the end is shot full of heroin and is back to normal almost instantly? The whole story is just plain boring.
June 11, 2018
A solid, exciting, police procedural thriller with a strong female MC!
I'm a huge lover of police procedural crime fiction, I feel it's like reading a TV show, following the cops work in trying to find a killer. Here the point of view switches between the bad guys and the cops, which is a great way to create suspense, letting the reader know more than the cops. In Greed we move straight into the action of the bad guys, and it's non stop action from there on, which I really liked.
I also liked that the MC was a female cop, a noobie trying to become a detective she wants to prove herself to her boss and her colleagues, and she sure does! Amber is smart, strong and confident and a great role model. There are more books about her, The Amber Monroe Series, so I guess I will have to read them to get to know her better.
The only down side of this book was the lack of background story of the MC and the other cops. I would have loved to have known more about Amber and her co-workers, especially her boss Jack who leads the investigation, we don't get to know anything about him. There is also some lack of credability, having so many detectives working on ONE case.
All in all, a free action-packed cat and mouse thriller that I really recommend! Will certainly read more of this author.
I'm a huge lover of police procedural crime fiction, I feel it's like reading a TV show, following the cops work in trying to find a killer. Here the point of view switches between the bad guys and the cops, which is a great way to create suspense, letting the reader know more than the cops. In Greed we move straight into the action of the bad guys, and it's non stop action from there on, which I really liked.
I also liked that the MC was a female cop, a noobie trying to become a detective she wants to prove herself to her boss and her colleagues, and she sure does! Amber is smart, strong and confident and a great role model. There are more books about her, The Amber Monroe Series, so I guess I will have to read them to get to know her better.
The only down side of this book was the lack of background story of the MC and the other cops. I would have loved to have known more about Amber and her co-workers, especially her boss Jack who leads the investigation, we don't get to know anything about him. There is also some lack of credability, having so many detectives working on ONE case.
All in all, a free action-packed cat and mouse thriller that I really recommend! Will certainly read more of this author.
March 12, 2018
"The voices in my head didn't fit"
Didn't quite hit the high spots that others have recorded. There was something in the dialogue that jarred with me. I kept asking myself would that character really have said that? No matter how nasty a piece of work a character may have been, his dialogue sounded too cultured. By the time I got halfway through everyone sounded like a school mistress, and I couldn't shake it.
Didn't quite hit the high spots that others have recorded. There was something in the dialogue that jarred with me. I kept asking myself would that character really have said that? No matter how nasty a piece of work a character may have been, his dialogue sounded too cultured. By the time I got halfway through everyone sounded like a school mistress, and I couldn't shake it.
June 4, 2024
4 Stars. Very good start to the Amber Monroe series. Sutter’s stuff is reliable and always good, relaxing fun. While relatively simple, the stories keep your attention throughout. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
October 17, 2018
Eh...pretty good plot, but really bad writing. Dialog was so stiff and rehearsed it was painful and sometimes comical. ..characters were flat..Weird relationship between
the females...glad I downloaded this for free...
the females...glad I downloaded this for free...
August 5, 2018
If you’re looking for a book with bland characters and boring dialogue, this one’s for you.
March 18, 2018
Excellent writing, I felt like I was watching a movie. The characters were described so well and kept me interested enough that I read the book in one sitting!
August 28, 2018
Bad dialogue
The book had a good premise behind it but in a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted and too contrived
The book had a good premise behind it but in a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted and too contrived
July 9, 2018
Where to begin, quite possibly the worst book I've ever read.
From the stupidity of the supposed crime kingpin who has managed to keep under the radar of the authorities for over 30 years to the bad dialogue and chumminess between the lead character who is a deputy and her superiors, this book fails at every turn.
The constant references to the leads sister , who is a "hot shot" former cop at the department and now seems to work for the FBI's BAU, and her relationship with the leads colleagues is nauseating. A little research confirmed that there are several books about said sister, so her continual presence came across as a not so subtle hint to check out the authors other "work", although based on this novel she should look for another profession, especially as the lead in this novel is almost a carbon copy of her older sister, according to the lame cast of characters in the police department anyway.
There is nothing original here and if the authors other work is anything like this it should be avoided like the plague, however, if you like shallow characters with no development and thin plot lines that conveniently work out for the lead then this muck is for you.
From the stupidity of the supposed crime kingpin who has managed to keep under the radar of the authorities for over 30 years to the bad dialogue and chumminess between the lead character who is a deputy and her superiors, this book fails at every turn.
The constant references to the leads sister , who is a "hot shot" former cop at the department and now seems to work for the FBI's BAU, and her relationship with the leads colleagues is nauseating. A little research confirmed that there are several books about said sister, so her continual presence came across as a not so subtle hint to check out the authors other "work", although based on this novel she should look for another profession, especially as the lead in this novel is almost a carbon copy of her older sister, according to the lame cast of characters in the police department anyway.
There is nothing original here and if the authors other work is anything like this it should be avoided like the plague, however, if you like shallow characters with no development and thin plot lines that conveniently work out for the lead then this muck is for you.
March 27, 2019
The Washburn County Sheriff's Office finds itself with two dead bodies on its hands, apparently dumped out of nearby Milwaukee. Identifying the dead men puts Deputy Amber Monroe and her colleagues on the trail of a counterfeiting operation which soon bestows another murder victim on them.
I haven't read either of the related series featuring Amber's sister Jade as protagonist, but this series opener stands well enough on its own. A quick and entertaining read, though I could have done without the psychic thing.
I haven't read either of the related series featuring Amber's sister Jade as protagonist, but this series opener stands well enough on its own. A quick and entertaining read, though I could have done without the psychic thing.
January 31, 2019
Nice
Great characters with expensive cars. A fast paced story that bust up a ring and brings the bad guys to justice.
Great characters with expensive cars. A fast paced story that bust up a ring and brings the bad guys to justice.
December 19, 2023
I read to 22%, waste of time. The writing is so bad and the plot and characters weren't compensating for that.
December 29, 2024
Greed is not a thriller, nor is it a believable crime story. The story is weak, the characters are flat, and the detectives and deputies are naive. Repetition continues throughout the book with the complete story being rehashed to any new character encountered. The addition of a psychic earned a big eye roll from me. I will not be reading the other books in the series and highly recommend skipping this one.
April 10, 2018
4.5 stars
October 13, 2018
Thrilling
This promises to be a good series. It has all the ingredients of a great suspense. A thrilling ride. I liked Jade and now Amber is rivaling her. Two thumbs up.
This promises to be a good series. It has all the ingredients of a great suspense. A thrilling ride. I liked Jade and now Amber is rivaling her. Two thumbs up.
March 3, 2019
Unfinished. Gore and psychic ability (chapter 23). NMG
July 24, 2021
Greed
This was a pretty good mystery. It had a good story line which was easy to follow. It was filled with some suspense, kept you guessing til the end. I look forward to the next book in the series!
This was a pretty good mystery. It had a good story line which was easy to follow. It was filled with some suspense, kept you guessing til the end. I look forward to the next book in the series!
October 4, 2021
Wasn't super impressed didn't really keep my interest and I gave up on reading the rest shame but just my opinion .
July 3, 2024
Bar, counterfeit, family
March 22, 2018
Another winner by C.M. Sutter. Greed: An Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Book 1. Like all of Sutter's thrillers this story is nonstop action from the very first chapter, moving towards the final denouement at a machine gun pace. This is a book that is almost impossible to put down once you begin reading. I said almost impossible because at time a reader may be forced to put it down because of his or her real life responsibilities, just as I was.
Unlike many of the authors and books that I've read over the years, I can recommend any book written by C.M. Sutter without even the slightest reservation. Sutter is a wonderful author who writes great books, a true master of the thriller genre.
August 23, 2024
Ehh, this was a solid crime thriller that kept me intrigued, even if it didn’t totally blow me away. Jade Monroe is a tough, badass detective who dives headfirst into some seriously dark and twisted cases. The suspense and action are there, and the story moves at a good pace. However, some parts felt a bit predictable, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. If you’re into crime thrillers with a strong female lead and some intense detective work, it’s worth a read. It’s not my favorite, but it’s still a decent pick for thriller fans.
April 28, 2019
Good reading
Enthralling storyline, a little over descriptive in both situation and dialogue but generally entertaining and enjoyable. Should really go back and start reading the Jade Munroe series.
Enthralling storyline, a little over descriptive in both situation and dialogue but generally entertaining and enjoyable. Should really go back and start reading the Jade Munroe series.
March 19, 2018
Good Mystery
Well-written and easy to follow storyline. Lots of dialogue which moves the story along quickly. Good story and an entertaining read.
Well-written and easy to follow storyline. Lots of dialogue which moves the story along quickly. Good story and an entertaining read.
Want to read
April 6, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/6/2018)!💝
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August 8, 2023Fussy Librarian
January 2, 2019
Milwaukee, WI. Mr. McKinley Moore (father, boss) told Joe to take Royce with him.
Juan brought Charlie Dupree (Joe’s cousin) in to see Mr. Moore.
It did not go well for Joe or Charlie.
There are 2 dead bodies lying in the ditch on Paradise Drive (South Oak Rd.).
Lieutenant Jack Steele was sending Detective Billings, Detective Clayton, Deputy Sheriff Kate Pierce (Washburn County), Deputy Sheriff Amber Monroe (narrator, Washburn County), the ME, & Forensics to the crime scene.
Deputy Silver was there to greet the bunch.
Ken Lettley (husband), & Elise Lettley (wife) had found the bodies.
Lena Wayfair (ME), Jason McMillian (Lena’s asst.), Kyle Miller (forensic), Dan Brent (forensic),
Jerry Gundrum (asst.), & Jeff Peterson (asst.) were scouring the area for evidence.
Frank Moore (eldest son), & Grant Moore (younger son), also helped with the counterfeit money-making operation.
Juan Martinez (quality control Inspector), & Derek (quality control Inspector) were called into Mr. Moore’s office.
Marco (shipping/receiving, delivery) was called into Mr. Moore’s office.
Good news for him he was promoted to HR.
Grant Moore (twin, aka Lowe) Shooters bartender was closing for the night.
Donny, Drake, Bonnie, Trish were helping cleanup also.
What did Marco’s do to Juan Martinez.
What did Marco call Mr. Moore (boss) about?
What was Royce Denning being interrogated about?
Will the murder crimes be solved & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another crime thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Juan brought Charlie Dupree (Joe’s cousin) in to see Mr. Moore.
It did not go well for Joe or Charlie.
There are 2 dead bodies lying in the ditch on Paradise Drive (South Oak Rd.).
Lieutenant Jack Steele was sending Detective Billings, Detective Clayton, Deputy Sheriff Kate Pierce (Washburn County), Deputy Sheriff Amber Monroe (narrator, Washburn County), the ME, & Forensics to the crime scene.
Deputy Silver was there to greet the bunch.
Ken Lettley (husband), & Elise Lettley (wife) had found the bodies.
Lena Wayfair (ME), Jason McMillian (Lena’s asst.), Kyle Miller (forensic), Dan Brent (forensic),
Jerry Gundrum (asst.), & Jeff Peterson (asst.) were scouring the area for evidence.
Frank Moore (eldest son), & Grant Moore (younger son), also helped with the counterfeit money-making operation.
Juan Martinez (quality control Inspector), & Derek (quality control Inspector) were called into Mr. Moore’s office.
Marco (shipping/receiving, delivery) was called into Mr. Moore’s office.
Good news for him he was promoted to HR.
Grant Moore (twin, aka Lowe) Shooters bartender was closing for the night.
Donny, Drake, Bonnie, Trish were helping cleanup also.
What did Marco’s do to Juan Martinez.
What did Marco call Mr. Moore (boss) about?
What was Royce Denning being interrogated about?
Will the murder crimes be solved & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another crime thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 6, 2018
Amber Monroe is a young, apparently attractive, deputy with the Washburn County PD. Amber is ambitious and hopes to make detective as soon as possible. When two dead bodies show up on the side of a highway, Amber and the rest of the team quickly discover a powerful and ruthless counterfeiting ring in nearby Milwaukee, thus giving Amber the opportunity she needs to advance her law enforcement career.
This book started off a bit confusing for me. This is supposed to be Book 1 in a series, but I felt that there was little to no introduction to Amber’s or anyone else’s character. The book begins with an interaction between the “bad guys” and the next chapter with an unknown POV that took me a few minutes to figure out whose story this was.
I also found there to be too many asides that had no bearing on the story – Amber’s dental visit went on for paragraphs. I didn’t understand why the author added so many inconsequential details that did little to advance the story.
The book is well-edited, however, in that there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes – always something I appreciate in a book and something that seems to be lacking in so many works by independent authors. Other than that, I thought some of the unnecessary details could have been cut, dialogue might have been fine tuned and characters could have been better developed. Even having said this, I’d still be willing to give this author and perhaps the series another try.
3 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, https://ebookreviewgal.com
This book started off a bit confusing for me. This is supposed to be Book 1 in a series, but I felt that there was little to no introduction to Amber’s or anyone else’s character. The book begins with an interaction between the “bad guys” and the next chapter with an unknown POV that took me a few minutes to figure out whose story this was.
I also found there to be too many asides that had no bearing on the story – Amber’s dental visit went on for paragraphs. I didn’t understand why the author added so many inconsequential details that did little to advance the story.
The book is well-edited, however, in that there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes – always something I appreciate in a book and something that seems to be lacking in so many works by independent authors. Other than that, I thought some of the unnecessary details could have been cut, dialogue might have been fine tuned and characters could have been better developed. Even having said this, I’d still be willing to give this author and perhaps the series another try.
3 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, https://ebookreviewgal.com
February 8, 2019
Greed (Amber Monroe Crime Thriller #1) by C.M. Stutter is a fantastic crime novel with excellent characters and plot. The book features a very strong female protagonist and offers an interesting dialogue. The book has several different genres, including but not limited to, crime, mystery, thriller, action, and adventure. Readers that love crime solving novels would have great feelings for this book.
The book is about a woman, Amber Monroe, who investigates a crime involving two dead bodies in Washburn County. She and her team immediately begin investigating into what turns out to be an enormous counterfeiting operation. The counterfeiters are not amateurs, and they pose an extreme danger to Amber and her team.
My personal favorite part of this book is Amber being forcefully injected with a deadly dose of heroin. This was probably the most stressful moment for me because I did not know if she was going to make it or not. One thing I can say that I absolutely loved about this book was the sense of dramatic irony. Every so often, the book cuts into the antagonist's point of view, allowing the reader to know things the protagonists doesn't.
If you like crime solving books, mystery books, adventure books, or action books, I highly recommend this book. If you like books such as 39 Clues then you will especially love this book because the two stories have the same elements of mystery.
The book is about a woman, Amber Monroe, who investigates a crime involving two dead bodies in Washburn County. She and her team immediately begin investigating into what turns out to be an enormous counterfeiting operation. The counterfeiters are not amateurs, and they pose an extreme danger to Amber and her team.
My personal favorite part of this book is Amber being forcefully injected with a deadly dose of heroin. This was probably the most stressful moment for me because I did not know if she was going to make it or not. One thing I can say that I absolutely loved about this book was the sense of dramatic irony. Every so often, the book cuts into the antagonist's point of view, allowing the reader to know things the protagonists doesn't.
If you like crime solving books, mystery books, adventure books, or action books, I highly recommend this book. If you like books such as 39 Clues then you will especially love this book because the two stories have the same elements of mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2019
Jerome Greed book review.
Washbush County Department is looking for a new interim for investigation. This leaves Amber Monore to be the runner up for the job. There is one thing she has to account for. That is the loss of her brother that was head chief of this Deputy Department. He gave her all of the advice she would need to be an investigator. On the first day of the job, everything goes as planned she envisages her first crime but realizes something. On the scene, there were two people that had bullet wounds in each of their heads. There was also a note on the ground next to them. This not said, " You better watch yourself Amber, or else you're going to wind up like your brother." This left Amber shocked she dropped the note and realized that her brother was murdered. This left a big search for the suspect in Washbush. Through all of these events Amber well be the main investigator for this search for the murder of her brother.
If you like thrillers I would recommend this book to you. My favorite part of the book is when Amber finds something that leads to her suspicions of multiple suspects.
Washbush County Department is looking for a new interim for investigation. This leaves Amber Monore to be the runner up for the job. There is one thing she has to account for. That is the loss of her brother that was head chief of this Deputy Department. He gave her all of the advice she would need to be an investigator. On the first day of the job, everything goes as planned she envisages her first crime but realizes something. On the scene, there were two people that had bullet wounds in each of their heads. There was also a note on the ground next to them. This not said, " You better watch yourself Amber, or else you're going to wind up like your brother." This left Amber shocked she dropped the note and realized that her brother was murdered. This left a big search for the suspect in Washbush. Through all of these events Amber well be the main investigator for this search for the murder of her brother.
If you like thrillers I would recommend this book to you. My favorite part of the book is when Amber finds something that leads to her suspicions of multiple suspects.
October 9, 2023
Washburn County, Wisconsin, Deputy Amber Monroe is following in the footsteps of her sister, Jade, an FBI agent. She devours everything she can during her detective training in hopes of being promoted soon, and maybe working with her sister. This first book in the series follows Amber and her team, lead by Lt. Jack Steele, as they track down a group of counterfeiters, lead by a shadowy crime figure. Soon people are getting dead, and Amber’s relationship with a new guy in town puts her firmly in the killer’s sights
I went back and forth on this one. The writing was decent, but some of the characters and plot points felt one-dimensional. I did like Amber, though, particularly her dogged desire to do the right thing and bring the bad guys to justice. Overall, this was a quick and easy, entertaining read, and the story held my interest all the way through. Good treadmill book. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to find this series, I would read successive novels when I come across them.
The author also writes the Detective Jade Monroe Crime Thriller Series and the Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller Series, both of which are entertaining.
I went back and forth on this one. The writing was decent, but some of the characters and plot points felt one-dimensional. I did like Amber, though, particularly her dogged desire to do the right thing and bring the bad guys to justice. Overall, this was a quick and easy, entertaining read, and the story held my interest all the way through. Good treadmill book. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to find this series, I would read successive novels when I come across them.
The author also writes the Detective Jade Monroe Crime Thriller Series and the Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller Series, both of which are entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews