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Fatal #14
Fatal Reckoning
When tragedy strikes, a cold case suddenly turns hot—and deadly
A peaceful morning is shattered when Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland’s beloved father succumbs to injuries from an unsolved shooting while on duty four years ago. As the community rallies around Sam and her family, one thing becomes crystal her father’s death has turned the unsolved case into a homicide—and it’s on her to bring her father’s killer to justice.
But the case has been cold for years…until an anonymous tip that’s too shocking to believe leads Sam down a dark and dangerous path. Her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano, knows if she can’t solve this case, it will haunt her for the rest of her life. She’ll need the strength of their bond to pull her out of the darkness before it’s too late, because as the missing pieces rapidly fall into place, Sam realizes the truth might just break her all the same—and that her father’s killer isn’t done yet…
A peaceful morning is shattered when Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland’s beloved father succumbs to injuries from an unsolved shooting while on duty four years ago. As the community rallies around Sam and her family, one thing becomes crystal her father’s death has turned the unsolved case into a homicide—and it’s on her to bring her father’s killer to justice.
But the case has been cold for years…until an anonymous tip that’s too shocking to believe leads Sam down a dark and dangerous path. Her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano, knows if she can’t solve this case, it will haunt her for the rest of her life. She’ll need the strength of their bond to pull her out of the darkness before it’s too late, because as the missing pieces rapidly fall into place, Sam realizes the truth might just break her all the same—and that her father’s killer isn’t done yet…
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
1792 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
209 books8,428 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
January 27, 2025
the setup…
Lieutenant and Homicide Detective Samantha (Sam) Holland gets the call in the pre-dawn morning hours that everyone hopes to never get. It’s her stepmother, Celia, letting her know that her father, Skip Holland, is in medical crisis, forcing Sam to make one of the most painful decisions of her life. However, with his death comes a resurgence of attention to his shooting four years ago that almost killed him and left him a quadriplegic.
the heart of the story…
I’ve dreaded this story since the start of the series as Skip’s death was inevitable (not a spoiler as it’s in the synopsis and happens in the beginning of the story). His determination to live a full life despite his physical circumstances was uplifting and I loved how his character was crafted. However, after the initial depressing turn, the story shifted to re-examining his cold case and finding the shooter as it’s now a murder investigation, bringing Skip back to life as he was in his magnificent heyday.
the narration…
Eva Kaminsky had her work cut out for her as so many of the series characters have substantive roles and she managed them expertly. I’m still thrilled about my decision to switch to the audio format at #3 because she brings an already lively story to new heights.
the bottom line…
Force handled Skip’s passing with her typical insight and sensitivity. I loved everything about this story, which evoked so many emotions...sadness and despair, joy and humor, tension and excitement, and outrage tempered by justice as the investigation evolved to its surprising conclusion. This was an absolutely fitting story to celebrate Skip Holland as he makes his final appearance.
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Lieutenant and Homicide Detective Samantha (Sam) Holland gets the call in the pre-dawn morning hours that everyone hopes to never get. It’s her stepmother, Celia, letting her know that her father, Skip Holland, is in medical crisis, forcing Sam to make one of the most painful decisions of her life. However, with his death comes a resurgence of attention to his shooting four years ago that almost killed him and left him a quadriplegic.
the heart of the story…
I’ve dreaded this story since the start of the series as Skip’s death was inevitable (not a spoiler as it’s in the synopsis and happens in the beginning of the story). His determination to live a full life despite his physical circumstances was uplifting and I loved how his character was crafted. However, after the initial depressing turn, the story shifted to re-examining his cold case and finding the shooter as it’s now a murder investigation, bringing Skip back to life as he was in his magnificent heyday.
the narration…
Eva Kaminsky had her work cut out for her as so many of the series characters have substantive roles and she managed them expertly. I’m still thrilled about my decision to switch to the audio format at #3 because she brings an already lively story to new heights.
the bottom line…
Force handled Skip’s passing with her typical insight and sensitivity. I loved everything about this story, which evoked so many emotions...sadness and despair, joy and humor, tension and excitement, and outrage tempered by justice as the investigation evolved to its surprising conclusion. This was an absolutely fitting story to celebrate Skip Holland as he makes his final appearance.
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 6, 2023
4.5 stars
Just by reading the blurb I knew this book would be a heart-breaker. And I’m not kidding when I say that I had tears in my eyes for the first few chapters.
The author doesn’t hide it (BLURB) that there will be a death in this book that will shake the entire Fatal family, from blood family to friends and colleges. The outpouring of love, and support was staggering and confirmed how much Sam’s Dad was beloved and how much the Fatal family sticks together – in good times and bad times.
I’m just coming out and admit that this book was not an easy book for me to read.
Fatal Reckoning was tragic, heart wrenchingly sad, and I hate that this was the end of Skip Holland. He was such a wonderful character that added to the overall epicness of this series. It also makes me wonder what’s coming next for Sam and her colleagues in blue. The professional repercussions could very well change Sam’s future as a police Lieutenant. And that’s something I’m not looking forward to. The things I enjoy the most about this series are the relationships between Sam and her colleagues as well as her superiors. They are this big family that supports, believes and dies for each other if necessary. And I’m a little worried about he future – but we’ll just have to wait and see what the author has in store for us.
As always, as soon as the book hit my kindle I was engrossed. I didn’t want to go to work and any interruption had me scowling. I love this series from the bottom of my heart, it’s actually become one of my favorite romantic suspense series besides the IN DEATH series by JD ROBB. Both are very similar and just work for me in all their glory.
So, if you love romantic supense, an aweseom power couple that still has the hots for each other – you NEED to read Fatal Affair!!!
Just by reading the blurb I knew this book would be a heart-breaker. And I’m not kidding when I say that I had tears in my eyes for the first few chapters.
The author doesn’t hide it (BLURB) that there will be a death in this book that will shake the entire Fatal family, from blood family to friends and colleges. The outpouring of love, and support was staggering and confirmed how much Sam’s Dad was beloved and how much the Fatal family sticks together – in good times and bad times.
I’m just coming out and admit that this book was not an easy book for me to read.
Fatal Reckoning was tragic, heart wrenchingly sad, and I hate that this was the end of Skip Holland. He was such a wonderful character that added to the overall epicness of this series. It also makes me wonder what’s coming next for Sam and her colleagues in blue. The professional repercussions could very well change Sam’s future as a police Lieutenant. And that’s something I’m not looking forward to. The things I enjoy the most about this series are the relationships between Sam and her colleagues as well as her superiors. They are this big family that supports, believes and dies for each other if necessary. And I’m a little worried about he future – but we’ll just have to wait and see what the author has in store for us.
As always, as soon as the book hit my kindle I was engrossed. I didn’t want to go to work and any interruption had me scowling. I love this series from the bottom of my heart, it’s actually become one of my favorite romantic suspense series besides the IN DEATH series by JD ROBB. Both are very similar and just work for me in all their glory.
So, if you love romantic supense, an aweseom power couple that still has the hots for each other – you NEED to read Fatal Affair!!!
April 11, 2019
This was a tough one. Eventhough I knew what was going to happen (I didn't want to know, as I HATE SPOILERS but it was on FB and seemingly the author had announced that it would happen on social media some time ago, but I must have missed it).
Sam had a sinking feeling that things were going to get worse before they got better ...
"Fuck you, you son of a bitch. You motherfucking rat bastard."
I love Sam and Nick. I especially love Sam. She is tough, loyal, a bit headstrong.
Was she allowed to tell the defense attorney to fuck off? Probably not ...
We got some closure on something that has been a constant in all the books. In one way, I hope the author doesn't drag the series out too much. I am still enjoying all the books and most have been four and five stars for me but I sometimes think if it goes on too long, things get a little repetitive! Just sayin'
March 30, 2019
4.5 stars
With love and loss right at the very heart of the story, Fatal Reckoning will put any fan of the Holland/Cappuano family through the ringer a little. But for all the moments that shred your heart, there are those which uplift as Sam and her team work on closing the case which has left a lasting impact on every single character we’ve grown to love: who shot Skip Holland.
To a degree, it feels like the end of an era and the dynamic of this series is bound to shift with the loss of such a central and beloved character. But as one door closes another opens and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Sam, Nick and their nearest and dearest.
Thank you for sharing your father with us.”
With love and loss right at the very heart of the story, Fatal Reckoning will put any fan of the Holland/Cappuano family through the ringer a little. But for all the moments that shred your heart, there are those which uplift as Sam and her team work on closing the case which has left a lasting impact on every single character we’ve grown to love: who shot Skip Holland.
To a degree, it feels like the end of an era and the dynamic of this series is bound to shift with the loss of such a central and beloved character. But as one door closes another opens and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Sam, Nick and their nearest and dearest.
Thank you for sharing your father with us.”
April 16, 2019
In this book Sam finally solves the shooting that rendered her father an invalid and that brought him to death.
I think that this book is too much repetitive. I understand that the death of her father is a catastrophic event for her since during the previous books we could see how much they loved each other, but the constant stressing of how much they were near to each other, how much she's hurting, all the condolences she receives by everybody every two pages, how much everybody loved and respected her father... All that was just too much!
Also her relashionship with Nick has become too gushing. We know that they love each other! There's no need to make it too perfect to believe!
And not only their relationship is that way, but also all the other's couples too! everybody has find the perfect partner and they're all madly in love with each other! There's just no conflict whatsoever like in a real life! It's like they all do and say just the perfect thing, like they can read each other's mind! It's just unbelievable!
I was all that already in the last book, but here it was over the top.
The investigation was overrun by all that! And it could be much more interesting! I always suspected that somebody inside was involved with the shooting and my suspicion proved right.
It was solved in the rushed way.
I'm sorry, I don't know if I'll continue with this series...
I think that this book is too much repetitive. I understand that the death of her father is a catastrophic event for her since during the previous books we could see how much they loved each other, but the constant stressing of how much they were near to each other, how much she's hurting, all the condolences she receives by everybody every two pages, how much everybody loved and respected her father... All that was just too much!
Also her relashionship with Nick has become too gushing. We know that they love each other! There's no need to make it too perfect to believe!
And not only their relationship is that way, but also all the other's couples too! everybody has find the perfect partner and they're all madly in love with each other! There's just no conflict whatsoever like in a real life! It's like they all do and say just the perfect thing, like they can read each other's mind! It's just unbelievable!
I was all that already in the last book, but here it was over the top.
The investigation was overrun by all that! And it could be much more interesting! I always suspected that somebody inside was involved with the shooting and my suspicion proved right.
It was solved in the rushed way.
I'm sorry, I don't know if I'll continue with this series...
January 20, 2025
Lt. Samantha Holland receives a frantic early morning phone call from her stepmother Celia. She tells Sam to come quickly. Her father, Skip Holland, is unresponsive. Skip was shot in the line of duty four years ago and has been a quadriplegic since that time. Now he has succumbed to his injuries. This means his shooting is now classified as a homicide. It also makes the police department decide to take another look at Skip's case.
I'm sorry to see this character die, but it wasn't a surprise. Skip was a caring father who sometimes had to keep Sam from wrecking her career. He helped Sam and her team with some of their cases and was often the voice of reason. I loved that he didn't let his life revolve around a wheelchair; but lived it to the fullest.
The first part of this story was about Sam and her family dealing with their grief. The rest of the book was taking another look at the cold case to see if anything was missed. I was surprised by some of the things that were uncovered, and I thought it brought this story arc to a nice conclusion. My rating: 4 Stars.
I'm sorry to see this character die, but it wasn't a surprise. Skip was a caring father who sometimes had to keep Sam from wrecking her career. He helped Sam and her team with some of their cases and was often the voice of reason. I loved that he didn't let his life revolve around a wheelchair; but lived it to the fullest.
The first part of this story was about Sam and her family dealing with their grief. The rest of the book was taking another look at the cold case to see if anything was missed. I was surprised by some of the things that were uncovered, and I thought it brought this story arc to a nice conclusion. My rating: 4 Stars.
October 28, 2023
OMG - what an emotional ride this book is! Marie you hit this one right out of the park - thank you! This book was written during a very difficult time for Marie, so I commend her on a job well done during such a heart wrenching time. A caution to readers - have your tissues ready.
From the blurb: When tragedy strikes, a cold case suddenly turns hot—and deadly
A peaceful morning is shattered when Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland’s beloved father succumbs to injuries from an unsolved shooting while on duty four years ago. As the community rallies around Sam and her family, one thing becomes crystal clear: her father’s death has turned the unsolved case into a homicide—and it’s on her to bring her father’s killer to justice.
But the case has been cold for years…until an anonymous tip that’s too shocking to believe leads Sam down a dark and dangerous path. Her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano, knows if she can’t solve this case, it will haunt her for the rest of her life. She’ll need the strength of their bond to pull her out of the darkness before it’s too late, because as the missing pieces rapidly fall into place, Sam realizes the truth might just break her all the same—and that her father’s killer isn’t done yet…
From the blurb: When tragedy strikes, a cold case suddenly turns hot—and deadly
A peaceful morning is shattered when Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland’s beloved father succumbs to injuries from an unsolved shooting while on duty four years ago. As the community rallies around Sam and her family, one thing becomes crystal clear: her father’s death has turned the unsolved case into a homicide—and it’s on her to bring her father’s killer to justice.
But the case has been cold for years…until an anonymous tip that’s too shocking to believe leads Sam down a dark and dangerous path. Her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano, knows if she can’t solve this case, it will haunt her for the rest of her life. She’ll need the strength of their bond to pull her out of the darkness before it’s too late, because as the missing pieces rapidly fall into place, Sam realizes the truth might just break her all the same—and that her father’s killer isn’t done yet…
January 18, 2025
I really liked Sam's dad, Skip, and how he kept her grounded. Even though his passing was inevitable, he will be missed as a voice of reason in this series. I have mixed feelings about this series, but the mystery plots in the previous books have all been excellent. This book was more a stroll down memory lane than a new mystery plot. About 90% of the book was rehashing everything that had happened in the previous 13 books. The search for Skip's killer, and the motive, got almost no play at all. That is a real disappointment and a missed opportunity for Force, but she tends to focus on the emotions rather than the mystery in her books anyway. I could have done without the replay and would have rather seen more effort to solve the mystery that has overarched this series from the beginning. Lots of plot lines are laid to rest, but some remain unresolved. Eva Kaminsky is an awesome narrator and does a wonderful job with this one.
3-Stars
3-Stars
April 18, 2021
Wow, so many bombs and nothing to say that wouldn't include spoilers, except another great addition to my favorite Marie Force series. <3
March 28, 2019
4.5 stars. Very emotional beginning and a truly sad loss for this series. Sam's eulogy was a tissue grabbing tear jerker. Once the suspense part of the story gears up, it's off and running like a freight train. Talk about a surprise page turner! Sam and this series's faithful readers get some "OMG, holy shit, are you freaking serious ?!?" final closure on several fronts.
Kept wondering if this would be the book that concluded Sam's law enforcement career in favor of time spent actually being with her family instead of them playing only minor roles. Guess not. Still bad guys to put behind bars and Sergeant Ramsey to heckle. (Sorry Nick!)
Will be anxiously awaiting the next books release.
Kept wondering if this would be the book that concluded Sam's law enforcement career in favor of time spent actually being with her family instead of them playing only minor roles. Guess not. Still bad guys to put behind bars and Sergeant Ramsey to heckle. (Sorry Nick!)
Will be anxiously awaiting the next books release.
July 15, 2019
Probably the most emotional of the series thus far! You'll need the tissues.
June 5, 2020
Another great read from Marie Force. I have to confess this is my favourite series from the author. The characters are so well developed and the storylines seem to flow seemlessly from one book to the next. I confess to a few tears with this book as Sam's dad, Skip, passes from the injuries he sustained whilst on the job. This was a tough one, even though I knew it was going to happen. Marie didn't hide it, you knew there would be a death in the book. Still very emotional and his death is a very sad loss to the series, but you just know his memory will still live on in everyone left behind.
September 24, 2020
This is a good series if you like romantic suspense. I do think that you need to read the books in order.
March 27, 2019
OMG! Grab your kleenex and be prepared to breakdown into a sobbing mess at various points in this book.
March 30, 2019
Absolutely love this book. Each of her books in this series is better then the one before. Marie Force always keeps you wanting more.
March 28, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Fatal series is one of the best in the romantic suspense genre, with the same couple throughout all the books. There is significant story around their friends and family. The point of view is primarily Sam's, who is a homicide lieutenant in Washington DC. Her father used to be Chief Deputy but was shot four years ago.
Fatal Reckoning is the book I have been waiting to read. Finally, we get the answers on who shot Skip. The investigation is explosive and mind-boggling. There are peeks at Cruz's honeymoon and Gonzo's rehab treatment. We are always in Sam's mind but especially now. I feel slight disconnection to Nick as we rarely get his thoughts, more his dialogue.
There is progress with the "littles." Nick and Sam have more fun and sexy times, even with the crazy revelations and all the media hullabaloo. Our favorite supporting cast is all on hand, mostly in brief mentions. Sam also comes up with an amazing project to champion. She is more realistic and somehow, more mature now.
I loved this story. The pace was quick and the facts kept hitting me. I'm guessing Sam and Nick will have more career and family decisions in the future. I'll be there.
Narration:
I've listened to Eva Kaminsky on the last few books in this series. I enjoyed her on Fatal Invasion. Now her male voices were odd to me, almost softer or higher than the females. She is Sam for me. Each character has a distinct tone. I was able to listen at 1.5x speed which has recently become standard for me.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Fatal series is one of the best in the romantic suspense genre, with the same couple throughout all the books. There is significant story around their friends and family. The point of view is primarily Sam's, who is a homicide lieutenant in Washington DC. Her father used to be Chief Deputy but was shot four years ago.
Fatal Reckoning is the book I have been waiting to read. Finally, we get the answers on who shot Skip. The investigation is explosive and mind-boggling. There are peeks at Cruz's honeymoon and Gonzo's rehab treatment. We are always in Sam's mind but especially now. I feel slight disconnection to Nick as we rarely get his thoughts, more his dialogue.
There is progress with the "littles." Nick and Sam have more fun and sexy times, even with the crazy revelations and all the media hullabaloo. Our favorite supporting cast is all on hand, mostly in brief mentions. Sam also comes up with an amazing project to champion. She is more realistic and somehow, more mature now.
I loved this story. The pace was quick and the facts kept hitting me. I'm guessing Sam and Nick will have more career and family decisions in the future. I'll be there.
Narration:
I've listened to Eva Kaminsky on the last few books in this series. I enjoyed her on Fatal Invasion. Now her male voices were odd to me, almost softer or higher than the females. She is Sam for me. Each character has a distinct tone. I was able to listen at 1.5x speed which has recently become standard for me.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
March 26, 2019
I wish there was a five plus star rating because this story deserves it. Hands down one of the best stories I will read this year. Sam and Nick are two of my favorites characters and Marie does not disappoint with this story. Between ugly cries and gasps of disbelief I could not put this book down. It’s a must read and in my opinion her best book to date. You will feel everything while reading so I recommend a box of tissues and a glass of wine.
May 31, 2021
This was the best book in the series hands down which is saying something since I love everything about this series. It will make you cry and laugh at the same time.
Going to miss skip being a big part of this series but understand it was time all the same.
Going to miss skip being a big part of this series but understand it was time all the same.
December 27, 2021
Heart-wrenchingly superb, had a box of tissues ready and boy did I need them. But what a way to say goodbye to a much loved character. Would highly recommend, as this series just gets better and better!!
April 3, 2019
The first book I've read and finished in almost a month! #adulting
March 28, 2019
Chapter one grabs your heart!!
Chapter one grabs your heart and squeezes it till the epilogue. I had to put the book down so I could wipe my tears and blow my nose. I had to stop reading just to remind myself to breath. I, too, have lost my dad and sixteen years later I still cry. What an amazing emotional roller coaster ride. They’re really aren’t too many book characters out there like Sam and Nick.
Chapter one grabs your heart and squeezes it till the epilogue. I had to put the book down so I could wipe my tears and blow my nose. I had to stop reading just to remind myself to breath. I, too, have lost my dad and sixteen years later I still cry. What an amazing emotional roller coaster ride. They’re really aren’t too many book characters out there like Sam and Nick.
March 28, 2019
Another wonderful addition to the series.
May 31, 2019
Fatal Reckoning
By Marie Force
Fatal Reckoning is the 14th book in Marie Force's Fatal Series. Currently, 97% of over 400 reviewers on Amazon have awarded the book five stars. I found this book to be a huge disappointment, and could not understand how my analysis could be so wildly different from the 97% of her readers who awarded five stars.
Briefly, without any spoilers, here is the simple plot: Police detective lieutenant Samantha (Sam) Holland Capputano's father, Skip Holland, dies from wounds he received on police duty four years earlier when he was Deputy Chief of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Force. His death makes his murder a cold case, and his daughter sets out to find the killer. This is dubious to start with because the police brass are unlikely to allow her to have a role in the investigation.
Suspension of disbelief is what fiction, detective genre or otherwise, is supposed to be about, isn't it? The book is filled with an assortment of things I couldn't suspend my disbelief about. In other words, they threw me out of the story.
Starting with the plot, I found two major and one minor flaw that prevented me from believing the story. First, after Skip Holland's funeral, the prime witness to the murder calls in to a police tip line, and that's where Sam finds her first lead on the case. Fine, right? Well, not exactly. We learn the witness has been calling the Metro Police once a year on the anniversary of Skip's murder for the past four years to ask what progress has been made in solving the case. He has never called the tip line before. This is just the author's convenient way to begin her character's pursuit of the killer. It's not credible. Not a big deal, you say? Let's move on.
Skip Holland always carried a messenger bag with him to and from the police station. Everybody on the Metro squad knew that and talked of it among themselves, as did his friends and family. But as Sam's investigation begins, we learn the messenger bag has been missing since the murder, and apparently no one has looked for it. When Sam interviews the tip line caller the importance of the messenger suddenly comes front and center. Then, after four years missing and not being missed, it is easily found in the police evidence room, having sat there the whole time.
A minor but aggravating issue in the plot is the gratuitous use of sex scenes. They graphically involve three couples that are all minor characters. The scenes do nothing to advance the plot.
As already mentioned, the setting for the story is Washington, D. C., the Nation's Capitol. We learn that Sam is married to the Vice President of the United States, but Sam continues to work as a detective on the dangerous streets of D.C. and rejects special precautions. She refuses to have Secret Service protection even when she's at home. This is simply not believable in the 21 century! In fact, it calls the entire story premise into question. And hubby being VP doesn't advance the plot any way I could see.
There is a superabundance of repetitious dialog throughout this story. In fact, it isn't dialog its only conversation because it doesn't advance the plot. It is mostly many of the characters singing the same praises of the murdered Deputy Chief Skip Holland. Over and over the same praise is repeated from different mouths and acts to slow the story.
And finally, the book is filled with references to previous novels the author has written that don't enlighten us or advance the current plot. Perhaps that's excusable, so I let it go, but when the author has Sam, her intelligent detective, say her husband was "promoted" to Vice President of the United States--Promoted? I struggled to keep reading.
Maria Force is fortunate to have readers who give her a 97% 5-star rating. Another police novel with a strong female detective that genuinely merits a five-star rating is Tanya French's The Trespasser. I highly recommend it.
By Marie Force
Fatal Reckoning is the 14th book in Marie Force's Fatal Series. Currently, 97% of over 400 reviewers on Amazon have awarded the book five stars. I found this book to be a huge disappointment, and could not understand how my analysis could be so wildly different from the 97% of her readers who awarded five stars.
Briefly, without any spoilers, here is the simple plot: Police detective lieutenant Samantha (Sam) Holland Capputano's father, Skip Holland, dies from wounds he received on police duty four years earlier when he was Deputy Chief of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Force. His death makes his murder a cold case, and his daughter sets out to find the killer. This is dubious to start with because the police brass are unlikely to allow her to have a role in the investigation.
Suspension of disbelief is what fiction, detective genre or otherwise, is supposed to be about, isn't it? The book is filled with an assortment of things I couldn't suspend my disbelief about. In other words, they threw me out of the story.
Starting with the plot, I found two major and one minor flaw that prevented me from believing the story. First, after Skip Holland's funeral, the prime witness to the murder calls in to a police tip line, and that's where Sam finds her first lead on the case. Fine, right? Well, not exactly. We learn the witness has been calling the Metro Police once a year on the anniversary of Skip's murder for the past four years to ask what progress has been made in solving the case. He has never called the tip line before. This is just the author's convenient way to begin her character's pursuit of the killer. It's not credible. Not a big deal, you say? Let's move on.
Skip Holland always carried a messenger bag with him to and from the police station. Everybody on the Metro squad knew that and talked of it among themselves, as did his friends and family. But as Sam's investigation begins, we learn the messenger bag has been missing since the murder, and apparently no one has looked for it. When Sam interviews the tip line caller the importance of the messenger suddenly comes front and center. Then, after four years missing and not being missed, it is easily found in the police evidence room, having sat there the whole time.
A minor but aggravating issue in the plot is the gratuitous use of sex scenes. They graphically involve three couples that are all minor characters. The scenes do nothing to advance the plot.
As already mentioned, the setting for the story is Washington, D. C., the Nation's Capitol. We learn that Sam is married to the Vice President of the United States, but Sam continues to work as a detective on the dangerous streets of D.C. and rejects special precautions. She refuses to have Secret Service protection even when she's at home. This is simply not believable in the 21 century! In fact, it calls the entire story premise into question. And hubby being VP doesn't advance the plot any way I could see.
There is a superabundance of repetitious dialog throughout this story. In fact, it isn't dialog its only conversation because it doesn't advance the plot. It is mostly many of the characters singing the same praises of the murdered Deputy Chief Skip Holland. Over and over the same praise is repeated from different mouths and acts to slow the story.
And finally, the book is filled with references to previous novels the author has written that don't enlighten us or advance the current plot. Perhaps that's excusable, so I let it go, but when the author has Sam, her intelligent detective, say her husband was "promoted" to Vice President of the United States--Promoted? I struggled to keep reading.
Maria Force is fortunate to have readers who give her a 97% 5-star rating. Another police novel with a strong female detective that genuinely merits a five-star rating is Tanya French's The Trespasser. I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2019
Sam is awakened by a frantic, early morning phone call from her stepmother. Sam's father, Skip, who has suffered the trials and tribulations of being a quadriplegic ever since he was gunned down four years ago, has passed away in his sleep. Sam not only feels grief over the loss of her father, but she is more determined than ever to once again pursue the cold case of her father's shooting now that it has been classified as a homicide. When she begins to once again trace leads in her father's case, she discovers new evidence that may be as hard to accept as her father's death.
In the first third of this book, the description of the grief suffered by those closest to Sam's father is spot on, leaving the reader feeling those emotions right along with Sam, her family, and her friends. The last two thirds of the book, detailing the investigation leading to the apprehension of Skip's killer is less absorbing, but still a very good mystery, which steers the reader in very unexpected directions. Overall, this is one of the best books so far in this series.
In the first third of this book, the description of the grief suffered by those closest to Sam's father is spot on, leaving the reader feeling those emotions right along with Sam, her family, and her friends. The last two thirds of the book, detailing the investigation leading to the apprehension of Skip's killer is less absorbing, but still a very good mystery, which steers the reader in very unexpected directions. Overall, this is one of the best books so far in this series.
April 7, 2019
Overall, I love the Fatal Series, but I was a disappointed in this book.
IMO, there was too much time spent on the death and funeral of Skip Holland. It was a lot of repetitious dialog and action. We heard over and over and over again how he loved Sam, how he was a great cop, it was terrible what happened to him, how is Sam holding up.
His death definitely had an impact on our protagonist, but it was so repetitious. It didn't add to the story to keep repeating the same condolences time and time again.
Once the funeral was over and we got into the meat of the story, then it was back to the same great storytelling that we're used to with this series.
I found out after reading the book that the author's father had also died while she was writing this, so I know that impacted the first part of the story.
IMO, there was too much time spent on the death and funeral of Skip Holland. It was a lot of repetitious dialog and action. We heard over and over and over again how he loved Sam, how he was a great cop, it was terrible what happened to him, how is Sam holding up.
His death definitely had an impact on our protagonist, but it was so repetitious. It didn't add to the story to keep repeating the same condolences time and time again.
Once the funeral was over and we got into the meat of the story, then it was back to the same great storytelling that we're used to with this series.
I found out after reading the book that the author's father had also died while she was writing this, so I know that impacted the first part of the story.
March 24, 2020
Awesome
Loved the booked, cried when Sam lost her dad . Was happy sam and her family finally got closer on her father's case
Loved the booked, cried when Sam lost her dad . Was happy sam and her family finally got closer on her father's case
March 29, 2019
5 Star Review of Fatal Reckoning (Fatal # 14) by Marie Force
Since this is book 14 in the series, there is always the concern that the books could get repetitive, nothing could be further than the truth. I do not believe that anyone new to these books would have trouble following the story, however I would encourage you to go back and read the previous books as and when you have time.
This was one of those books I was riveted to from start to finish, I didn't want to put it down as I found myself saying just one more chapter, Nick and Sam are so well suited to each other and their love continues to grow whilst living complicated and at times dangerous lives.
I am not going to sugar coat it, this book had me in tears on numerous occasions and Sam and her family and friends dealt with the death of Skip Holland. This book got me right down to my soul and at times had my stomach in knots.
Ms.Force delivered a story that had me on an emotional roller coaster with twists and turns that left me reeling as Sam faced betrayal and heartache. Not only that but the heat and sizzle between Nick and Sam was scorching.
You will be drawn into this story, you cannot help yourself, such is the skill of Ms.Force you cannot help but become invested in all of the characters. I always love catching up with Sam, Nick, Scotty and their extended family.
Fatal Reckoning nearly broke me with the pain and heartache, but through it all the love and determination shines through, as well as the satisfaction of solving two unsolved cold cases and serving justice. One of my top reads ever, congratulation Marie Force on an excellent story.
Since this is book 14 in the series, there is always the concern that the books could get repetitive, nothing could be further than the truth. I do not believe that anyone new to these books would have trouble following the story, however I would encourage you to go back and read the previous books as and when you have time.
This was one of those books I was riveted to from start to finish, I didn't want to put it down as I found myself saying just one more chapter, Nick and Sam are so well suited to each other and their love continues to grow whilst living complicated and at times dangerous lives.
I am not going to sugar coat it, this book had me in tears on numerous occasions and Sam and her family and friends dealt with the death of Skip Holland. This book got me right down to my soul and at times had my stomach in knots.
Ms.Force delivered a story that had me on an emotional roller coaster with twists and turns that left me reeling as Sam faced betrayal and heartache. Not only that but the heat and sizzle between Nick and Sam was scorching.
You will be drawn into this story, you cannot help yourself, such is the skill of Ms.Force you cannot help but become invested in all of the characters. I always love catching up with Sam, Nick, Scotty and their extended family.
Fatal Reckoning nearly broke me with the pain and heartache, but through it all the love and determination shines through, as well as the satisfaction of solving two unsolved cold cases and serving justice. One of my top reads ever, congratulation Marie Force on an excellent story.
November 19, 2019
In my entire time of reading this series, I've only ever rated a book in it 5 stars one time, the very first novella! Since then, the books have been on a roller coaster of 3 and 4 star reads, until now! This installment has become my favorite in the series! It was extremely poignant, and electrifying all at the same time!
It was interesting to see how Sam handled the events of this book, and how it affected everyone around her. There were some long reaching repercussions for the department in this, and it's really going to shake things up a bit. I love Sam's new idea for marrying her duties as Second Lady to her job that she loves.
I liked the lead in for the next book to the series, and am eager to see where everything goes from here!
It was interesting to see how Sam handled the events of this book, and how it affected everyone around her. There were some long reaching repercussions for the department in this, and it's really going to shake things up a bit. I love Sam's new idea for marrying her duties as Second Lady to her job that she loves.
I liked the lead in for the next book to the series, and am eager to see where everything goes from here!
January 18, 2020
3.5 stars.
When I read this book last year, I think it just hit too close to home. This time around, I think I was able to be a bit more analytical and I have to say, .
Again, I think it's the inter-relationships of the characters in this series that grab me rather than the crimes themselves. Now, I'm off to the latest book!
When I read this book last year, I think it just hit too close to home. This time around, I think I was able to be a bit more analytical and I have to say, .
Again, I think it's the inter-relationships of the characters in this series that grab me rather than the crimes themselves. Now, I'm off to the latest book!
November 6, 2021
Wow! I did not read the precis for this book because it didn't really matter - it was next in the series for me, and I am so glad I didn't! It might have been nice to be prepared, but the impact was greater not knowing what was coming. And then the punches just kept coming!! So many punches...
This series has gotten increasing better with the last few books, but this one - I think this is the best so far!
I listened to the audio of this book narrated by Eva Kaminsky and loved it too!
This series has gotten increasing better with the last few books, but this one - I think this is the best so far!
I listened to the audio of this book narrated by Eva Kaminsky and loved it too!
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