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No Second Chances

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Falling from a life of wealth and substance, to inside one of America’s most notorious prisons, prominent orthopedic surgeon Phil Sawyer is incarcerated for the voluntary manslaughter of his wife. While confined, he finds himself on the trail of a serial killer that infiltrates the walls of San Quentin. After finding himself in the infirmary for getting involved in an incident that didn’t concern him, Phil struggles with the decision to stick his neck out. But he can’t ignore the rise in suspicious deaths among the African American inmates. With the aid of an empathetic nurse and help from the outside, he tries to identify the unexplained cause of their cardiac arrests. He finds himself out on early release and heads to Solomon Cove, a peaceful town in Maine. But, could the tranquil town all be a façade, or has the serial killer made their way across the country to seek revenge?From wealthy Los Angeles, to the justice in San Quentin, and the serene landscapes of Maine, you will applaud the friendships and hear the cry as you ride the roller coaster of emotions this story will bring.

484 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2006

8 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Kim Carter

21 books93 followers
Kim Carter is an American award-winning author and critically acclaimed writer of gripping suspense, chilling thrillers, and haunting historical mysteries.

Ms. Carter is widely known for her vibrant characters in her Clara and Iris Mystery series, a couple of overly curious widows who turn into private investigators. These funny women were inspired by Kim's mother and her mom's best friend. Book one of this series, Murder Among The Tombstones, was chosen Finalist for the 2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a recipient of the 2017 TCK Publishers' Readers' Choice Award.

Ms. Carter's Mysteries and literary works include; Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle, When Dawn Never Comes, Deadly Odds (chosen Editor's Pick in Books Shelf Magazine in 2022), No Second Chances, 'And The Forecast Called For Rain,' and her newest mystery Dark Secrets of the Bayou. "Bayou" has been awarded a Reader's Favorite Editorial 5-Star Review, also chosen #1 Finalist for Best Historical Mystery from Reader's Favorite 2021 book awards, and was awarded a 2021 Killer Nashville Finalist for The Silver Falchion Awards. In 2022 "Bayou" was chosen by The Author Shout book awards as a Recommended Reads.

All of Kim's novels can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM, and Indie Bound. Kim's writing career started after she suffered an illness that made her housebound for a couple of years. An avid reader of mystery novels herself, she embarked on writing to fill her time. Kim's health struggles and successes have been chronicled on Lifetime Television in early 2000, and in The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women's Day Magazine, and Guidepost.

Now, with seven acclaimed mystery titles to her credit, Kim worked in many different capacities in county government. Still, it was ultimately her job as a correctional officer that offered her opportunities to talk and interact with a diverse group of people. Her experiences run the gamete from inspiring success stories to tragic endings as she writes within her mysteries.

Kim began networking and made connections with numerous homicide detectives, medical examiners, and prison officials. Her research has taken her to many places, including morgues, death row, and the occasional midnight visit to cemeteries to gain material for her novels.

Kim is a college graduate of Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is an avid reader, loves gardening, and has raised four successful grown children; she currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia.

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5 stars
32 (74%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for G Street/Urban Universal Books.
68 reviews61 followers
June 9, 2015
This author writes like James Patterson so you know she has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This is a MUST READ!!
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2018
WHAT A FABULOUS AND INCREDIBLE WRITTEN BOOK!!

No Second Chances by Kim Carter. 5 Stars*****

OMG!!!, WHAT A FABULOUS AND INCREDIBLE WRITTEN BOOK!!!! FREAKING LOVED THIS!!!!

Fyi: This is a long review, I just couldnt stop, lol.

The story may been about a murder and follows the man that did it... But.....
Its so much more than that, so much more.
It's about how you choose to live when granted a second chance. It's about how money and power can't equal whats free in life and friendships that are so remarkable and real.
I don't exactly know how to explain it, You'll feel like your living it, you'll find a character you can relate to, Or find you picturing your own friends in it. It's truely a book that draws you in to it. You can feel the plot thicken as you read it. Awesome!

This author writes in such a fascinating way, describing in detail what all the characters thought and felt but doing it in such a way it's not overbearing but so smootly described it was fullfilling and made the story so realistic.

Come read about a murder and the murderer, his journey from riches to prison to back in society. Meet Phil, this is his journey., then there's Charlie and Janet, Arthur, Lara, Lilly, Pops, Jenny, Ruthanne, Joesph a litte town and so much more.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book by it's auhor. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
628 reviews29 followers
October 14, 2021
Why I think I can figure out the culprit when I read anything by Kim Carter is the real mystery. No way did I see this one coming. That sounds like an echo to me. I wondered if Phil would even LIVE through his experiences. Loved the ending so much, never saw the shotgun-toting couple even in my imagination! Way to go Kim.
19 reviews
September 5, 2019
Wow

Once again never saw who the killer was until the very moment it was revealed. Loved the story line just wish it was about 10 pages longer. Kinda ended with some loose ends. Waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for Wesley Thomas.
Author 18 books52 followers
February 9, 2016
Another reader-pleaser. An utterly tense-filled mystery that’ll have you gasping, sweating and trembling.

So, on to the plot. We have Phil Sawyer, a successful orthopedic surgeon who is incarcerated for the voluntary manslaughter of his wife. He falls from a rich life to one of poverty, relocating to the slums of San Quentin. During his downfall, Phil meets a great man who teaches him what life is really about. What really matters. This somehow leads them on the trail of a dangerous individual! Truly a thrilling mystery with tonnes of breathlessness and suspense. There is particularly great character work in this one! We grow to love the protagonist.

‘No Second Chances’ takes you on a ride of emotions. After an unfortunate event, Phil finds himself in a difficult position. You really feel for Phil. I hear you thinking, why would we feel for him? But when you read the book and understand the complexities of the story, you will be siding with him. He falls from the very top to the gutters of the bottom, having to bring himself back up. That in itself shows character and determination. We can all put ourselves in that position as most of us have experienced stress and loss in our lives, and had to pick ourselves up.

Just when things start to go well for Phil, something very odd starts to happen in his new town of residence. Using his contacts, Phil delves deeper into a mystery he wishes he had never uncovered. Then, when someone he cares about is at risk, Phil decides he has no choice but to get involved.

If you are craving a book that you just can’t put down, this is it! As the plot thickens and mystery envelopes, the tale only becomes more addicting. From the very first page you’ll struggle to stop reading, but as the story goes on, you won’t be able to stop. A little tip? Make sure you don’t have too many projects, because you won’t want to do anything in your free-time except read this. It will consume your thoughts; you will crave it like a drug addict craves cocaine.

I have to be honest, this is the third book I have read of Kim’s, and each is incredible and explores different themes and issues. She delves into various careers, plots, sub-plots and locations. The only running theme is mystery, suspense, and of course remarkable writing; they come as standard. So do yourself a favour, and treat yourself to ‘No Second Chances’.
63 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2015
Another great book by Kim Carter!

No Second Chances takes you on a ride of emotions. After a fight gone wrong with his gold digger of a wife, Phil finds himself serving time behind bars. Once a highly respected doctor he must start at the bottom of the food chain while at San Quentin.

As the years go by, Phil finds himself bonded to his cellmate--they make a pact to start a business in the beautiful state of Maine after their time has been served.

A string of suspicious deaths start to occur, Phil has some friends on the outside do some digging for him. But, being an inmate who questions things isn't a position you want to find yourself in.

Before they know it, Phil, his cell mate and a pretty nurse from the jail all find their lives in danger. Not everyone will make it out alive.

If you have read When Dawn Never Come, look out for some familiar faces!! Be prepared to laugh, cry and some shock factors! I give this 4 stars!
Profile Image for Pamela Youngblood.
4 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2016
I read and reread this book several times. The characters were all well written. It'll keep you reading well into the night. Phil Sawyer learns a lesson in prison that he never would have thought he needed to learn. Wells Manning is a man of his word spending his entire life in prison he teaches Phil what he never was taught at the most prominent schools. Life lessons that will touch your heart. The twist at the end is worth the read. I would give this book a higher rating than 5 star! Absolutely my favorite book by Kim Carter.
Profile Image for Susan Porter.
47 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2016
Another unique read. !!

When will Ms Carter run out of these very interesting and unique story lines? Not fora very long time, I hope! Such a good book! The only criticism I have regarding this book is that heroes shouldn't "vomit" this profusely! That got old. But a great read anyway. Can't wait to read another book by this author. Oh, one more thing. I don't appreciate the potty mouth! Way too much swearing!
166 reviews
June 8, 2010
I bought this self-published book at the Decatur Book Festival from the author. It's badly written! A doctor goes to San Quentin for killing his trophy wife (but he's really a nice guy!) Solves a mystery at the prison, sets up a new life in Maine. Great gaps, he just arrived at the prison at the end of one chapter and been there five years at the beginning of the next.
Profile Image for Terry Kinder.
5 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2016
Loved this book!!!
Suspenseful, and full of surprises, "No Second Chances" holds the reader captive until the last page. The book illustrates that nothing is black and white...there are infinite shades of grey. Intriguing characters draw you into their lives, and you find yourself cheering for or chastising them. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Kim has outdone herself again.
Profile Image for Patricia Gligor.
Author 9 books71 followers
December 20, 2015
"No Second Chances" by Kim Carter is a fantastic read! The author introduces us to Phil Sawyer, a complex and compassionate man, who has, in a moment of rage, murdered his wife. What happens after that is an incredible story, one you won't want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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