A POLICE SERGEANT, THE WOMAN WHO DUMPED HIM, AND THEIR SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE. While on a stakeout to catch the cretin who's stalking a client, Private Investigator Candice Shane finds a house on fire--at midnight. A pink tricycle in the yard prompts her hasty decision to break in, saving a sleeping woman and her three children. Her ex-boyfriend, Sergeant Alex Delaney, thinks she's insane to take on the woman as a client. But with the husband out of town during the incident, he's the prime suspect, and Candice has a gut feeling he didn't do it. Who would want a woman and three children dead? As clue after clue leads Candice and Alex down a dangerous road, her heart is also on a treacherous path--one of falling for Alex again. Sure, Candice can dodge bullets and interrogate witnesses, but she can't she resist Alex's wit, charm, and good looks. In the end, if she and Alex can't find who set the fire, her heart might not be the only thing she loses.
Debra Erfert lives in the southwest desert city of Yuma, Arizona with her husband, a retired police lieutenant, where the average summer temperatures are well above 100 degrees--truly hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. After raising two Eagle Scout sons, she now spends her time writing and shooing her polydactyl cat away from her keyboard. She's an award-winning artist who discovered she could use words to create pictures instead of just oils.
January 21st The Royals of Monterra: IT TAKES A SLEUTH, a mystery NOVELLA was released by Kindle Worlds. Her romantic mystery, CHANGES OF THE HEART is available for pre-order until February 2nd, 2016. She has a full-length novel, the first book in a trilogy WINDOW OF TIME, released in January 2016. RELATIVE EVIL, a romantic suspense, was published by Xchyler Publishing. Her short story, THE MEASURE OF LOVE, came out the winter of 2014 in Michael Young’s ADVENT ANTHOLOGY III. She also had a short story included in the VALUE STORIES FOR A YOUNG WOMAN anthology, published by Walnut Springs Press. Her short story, SCARED STIFF, was published in TOTALLY CLICHÉ.
I've read a couple of other books by Erfert, so I knew I'd enjoy this. Candice and Alex were fun romantic interests. Their history went back a few years before they split up (because of Candice's fears). It's interesting as the story unfolds. I learned a lot about how fire investigation works.
What's a PI to do when a Fire-loving 'Fagin' encourages innocent kids to get involved in his deadly 'games'? That's the question feisty sleuth Candace Everett must answer, before her life's in as much danger as that of the Everitt family, whom she rescued from an arson attack, while chasing a stalker from her BFF Joslyn's door at midnight. Persistent, despite being shot at in her own home, clearly someone thinks Candace is getting too close to the truth - will her home be the firestarters' next target? And will she survive long enough to be rescued in time for an HEA reunion by/with her ex, Alex? Buy your copy of Book 1 in this fantastic new A Shane Investigation series soon - you're sure to love it!
The story was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance between Candice and Alex was believable, and their escapades intense. The kissing scenes were a bit on the steamy side for my tastes though.
The voice performance sounded extremely monotone. I am not sure if that was the objective by the author, but that was the impression I received.
Joslyn Smith (Candice’s CPA, BFF) was being stalked by Devin Metz (25, ex-BF). He was leaving hand-written death threats under her doormat, & disgusting pictures of dead bodies on her FB. Cameras were installed & sure enough he showed up at her doorstep. PI Candice Shane (Shane Investigations, U of Arizona; CJ, Suma Cum Laude, Pima Fire Academy; Fire Science/Arson Investigation) was not quite ready to have him arrested. Sergeant Alexander “Alex” Delaney (Phoenix PD supervisor, Candice’s ex-BF, U of Arizona), & PI Shane were driving by a house & it was ingulfed in flames. Mrs. Leavitt (mother) yelled her 3 children were upstairs. The EMT’s rushed everyone to St. Joseph’s hospital ER. Fireman Antonio Barbariz (Phoenix FD Arson Investigator) had arrived on the scene. Sergeant Delaney, & PI Shane had returned.
Holiday Inn Express. Fireman Barbariz, Sergeant Delaney, & PI Shane went to visit Mr. Kyle Leavitt (husband/stepfather), & Mrs. Meagan Leavitt & the 3 children. Joshu Leavitt (son/step/brother) gave PI Shane his books of matches. Detective Patrick Donovan (Phoenix PD) was assigned the arson case. Sergeant Delaney, & PI Shane back at the crime scene that he had been shot at. Meagan called Candice to let her know Joshua ran away. An Amber alert had been issued. Liz Guerrero (Candace’s college student intern), & Candace were scouring the town also.
Will the arsonist(s) be caught & brought to justice? Is there a romance in the air for Candace?
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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written PI 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 great PI thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Stone House Press LLC.; BookFunnel; Author; PDF, Word book Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
Fire Setters: A Shane Investigations Book 1 by Debra Erfert introduces us to PI Candace Shane. I really like her character which is very independent, but she also has a bit of childlike charm. In Fire Setters, Candace is on a stake-out watching for a stalker who has been leaving letters at the door of her clients home. After she loses the stalker in a chase, she is apprehended by Seargent Alex Delaney, her ex-boyfriend. This makes for an awkward encounter which is soon forgotten when Candace notices smoke coming from the house next door. This is the beginning of the next case for Candace. I won't post spoilers, but this is an interesting story of the psychological tendencies of fire setters and how they can innocently become pawns in a larger criminal plan! I appreciate Debra Erfert's mysteries. The characters are always interesting and the plots are well written without objectionable language and content. I can recommend them to all of my friends!
This was a fantastic read and had me hooked from the get go, I liked how Candice was smart, confident (to a point) and probably has the worst luck after running into Alex the guy she loved but let go not just due to his job but her past. There is a great mix of mystery, shyness, really bad luck, a few lol and damn some twists you do not see coming. I can not wait to read more in this series and do hope we get to know the outer characters like Liz, Edward and others along with more about Candice's past.
This was an awesome book! I was hooked from the first chapter and loved the perfect balance between suspense, mystery, and romance. It was a fascinating topic and the characters were relatable, even though the circumstances they were in were far different than mine. It was interesting to consider kids fascinated by fires and setting fires. This was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG, maybe PG-13, for violence that was key to the progression of the story and not graphic.
Fire Setters is excellent romantic suspense. I didn’t figure out who the bad guy was even though there had been clues. The book is a page-turner. I enjoyed the writing style. Here’s one humorous line: In fact, if she wore any more lavender-scented body spray, the bees would be building a hive in her overly teased blonde hair.” Debra Erfert not only paints a picture for you to see, but also lets you enter the scene. I recommend this book and will definitely read more of Debra Erfert’s work.
A good romantic suspense book that grabs your attention on the first page.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It was well written although,a little wordy in places. The characters were very lifelike ,even though, Candice seemed to find trouble without even trying. I have read two books in this series and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys reading Romantic Suspense .
Very good mystery and unlike a lot of books you don’t figure out the ending half way through. Plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of five is because it’s not a stand alone. I just don’t really get into books that are a series about the same person. Guess I like a variety of characters.
I liked the concept and the idea behind the storyline but it was just a bit too much and a bit too far-fetched for me. I mean, the heroine gets hurt over and over again and she just gets right back to work. After a while it just became silly.
A PI that is kick ass joins up with a childhood friend Her aim.....to find out who and why children are being used as firebugs! A suspense filled story line with a happy ever after Well written
• This is a second chance romance between a PI and a police officer. This novel kept my interest from the beginning until the end. • The romance between Candice and Alex was one that the reader wanted to be successful. They were such interesting characters. • Candice is hired to investigate a criminal fire and Alex is helping her with it. It is hard for Candice to keep an emotional distance from Alex as they work together. Candice does not want to get involved with a police officer. You'll need to read this book to find out why. • There was lots of action and suspense in this story's plot. Many twists and turns made this story unpredictable, and kept the reader guessing what would come next. • The writer's words painted clear pictures that helped me to visualize the scenes and the emotions of the characters. The author's writing style was concise vivid, clear, and a pleasure to read.
If you like romantic suspense, you will like this novel. I can't wait to read book two.
Fantastic! Candice is a firecracker and Alex is her kryptonite. The story takes off at a running pace and does not slow down. Candice is on the tail of an arsonist and you will be surprised to find out who the true villain is. Alex tríes his best to watch out for her, but all he can do is love her. This is a fast paced and sometimes hilarious story that will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
I loved it. A private investigator story with a touch of romance. Candace Shane is a private investigator who can't seem to stay out of trouble. She sees her ex-boyfriend,Alex, whom she left 5 years before. She is chasing firebugs and trying to keep from falling back in live with Alex. Can she stop the firebug before it's too late for her?
Quite a fast pace moving story. Hardly a moment to breathe with the action. It was interesting the way it played out and sad. Yet the love story was enjoyable. Thank you Debra, great work! I'm heading onto the next.
5 stars. This novel was really something. I was caught up in the plot so completely that two nights I stayed awake almost the whole night reading. And, I'd do it again! Super!!!