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Leah Nash Mysteries #2
Dangerous Mistakes
Murder or suicide? Journalist Leah Nash chases down clues in the death of a local physician and discovers a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Breaking through to the truth, Leah puts herself in harm’s way in this fast-paced mystery with an unexpected twist.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2015
4050 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hunter
29 books193 followersSusan Hunter is a happy introvert who lives with her husband Gary, an extreme extrovert, in rural Michigan.
She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.
In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com
She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.
In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 22, 2020
There’s so much to like about the Leah Nash Mysteries that I’ve read so far. Leah, being the star of the show and the narrator of all the action, confides in the reader as she systematically breaks down a suspicious death, one assumed to be a suicide.
Right away, Leah’s instincts tell her it just doesn’t walk right. Doing what she can’t help herself from doing, she begins asking questions, following up leads and hunches, pulling one loose thread and unraveling this complex death while new threads keep appearing. But instead of listening to her convictions, her boss, local law enforcement, and even close friends and family tell her to give it up.
It is a testament to the writer that Leah has such strong principles and an incredibly sound mind, which continually sifts through every detail she comes across—whether she’s cognizant of it or not—always reordering the facts until the Rubik’s cube finally matches up all the pieces. I saw some real growth in Leah from the first book in the series, and I can tell the author has really hit her stride with this indelible character. She springs right off the page—alive, vibrant, funny and very smart. I can’t wait to see what she takes on in the next book!
Right away, Leah’s instincts tell her it just doesn’t walk right. Doing what she can’t help herself from doing, she begins asking questions, following up leads and hunches, pulling one loose thread and unraveling this complex death while new threads keep appearing. But instead of listening to her convictions, her boss, local law enforcement, and even close friends and family tell her to give it up.
It is a testament to the writer that Leah has such strong principles and an incredibly sound mind, which continually sifts through every detail she comes across—whether she’s cognizant of it or not—always reordering the facts until the Rubik’s cube finally matches up all the pieces. I saw some real growth in Leah from the first book in the series, and I can tell the author has really hit her stride with this indelible character. She springs right off the page—alive, vibrant, funny and very smart. I can’t wait to see what she takes on in the next book!
May 11, 2018
I am thoroughly enjoying these Leah Nash mysteries. It's because Leah is a character that Hunter has crafted well. Leah is so strong willed, she spurns warnings and gets herself in danger. She is not satisfied with the quick investigation by the authorities in this novel. She is determined to find the truth and I so like that about her. Leah is quick tempered but she is also pretty quick to offer an apology. She is a feisty investigative reporter and a good, if flawed, heroine.
I like that the novel has Leah's point of view. We find out information as Leah does. I like that Hunter provides hints and clues within the plot, as well as a red herring or two. I like the good balance between the narrative of Leah's private life and the ongoing investigation into the murder.
This is the second book in this series I've read. This novel builds a little on the first one but it would be a fine read on its own.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a well crafted character driven mystery. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like that the novel has Leah's point of view. We find out information as Leah does. I like that Hunter provides hints and clues within the plot, as well as a red herring or two. I like the good balance between the narrative of Leah's private life and the ongoing investigation into the murder.
This is the second book in this series I've read. This novel builds a little on the first one but it would be a fine read on its own.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a well crafted character driven mystery. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 14, 2018
Review: DANGEROUS MISTAKES by Susan Hunter
(Leah Nash Mysteries Book 2)
DANGEROUS MISTAKES is the second in an intriguing series set in small-town Wisconsin on the declining edge of a failing economy, starring a smart, dedicated, obstinate, sarcastic, protagonist with whom I readily identified. Leah Nash is a journalist in her early 30's, a native of Himmel, Wisconsin, with a university degree, who has worked at print journalism in Grand Rapids and Miami. Probably still would be, except she does not suffer fools gladly (not at all) and refused to let a neurotic boss unjustly accuse her of a potentially criminal act. So Leah finds herself back home in a shrinking community, covering small-town events. The six months she allotted herself for a stay in her home town has extended to more than a year, and metaphorically, a ton of water has passed under the bridge. Seems like nearly the entire town has been upended; folks have died, others moved away, secrets and horrifying crimes were revealed. Some things, though, never change: the Sheriff's Deputy and the chauvinistic police officer with whom Leah constantly butts heads, and her lifelong friendship with police Lieutenant Coop, suddenly increasingly unavailable. Fellow reporter Miguel is still trying to fix Leah up...and suddenly there's an unexpected and intrusive blast from the past.
Leah is writing a True Crime account of her youngest sister Lacey' s life and untimely death, and is suddenly presented with a new investigation, one which once again will place her at odds with the local municipal police department and Sheriff's Department as she determines to find the truth about a supposed suicide. Before she can succeed, Leah will repeatedly go "where angels fear to tread," finding herself in multiple dangerous situations and facing sociopaths with criminal connections and a remarkably clever killer who just can't resist taunting Leah as she uncovers more and more of the truth despite the killer's continued misdirections.
I found this mystery totally compelling, as I did the first in the series, DANGEROUS HABITS, and the third, DANGEROUS PLACES. If you're looking for convoluted, emotionally involving, and psychologically compelling, Susan Hunter' s Leah Nash Mysteries is a superb choice.
(Leah Nash Mysteries Book 2)
DANGEROUS MISTAKES is the second in an intriguing series set in small-town Wisconsin on the declining edge of a failing economy, starring a smart, dedicated, obstinate, sarcastic, protagonist with whom I readily identified. Leah Nash is a journalist in her early 30's, a native of Himmel, Wisconsin, with a university degree, who has worked at print journalism in Grand Rapids and Miami. Probably still would be, except she does not suffer fools gladly (not at all) and refused to let a neurotic boss unjustly accuse her of a potentially criminal act. So Leah finds herself back home in a shrinking community, covering small-town events. The six months she allotted herself for a stay in her home town has extended to more than a year, and metaphorically, a ton of water has passed under the bridge. Seems like nearly the entire town has been upended; folks have died, others moved away, secrets and horrifying crimes were revealed. Some things, though, never change: the Sheriff's Deputy and the chauvinistic police officer with whom Leah constantly butts heads, and her lifelong friendship with police Lieutenant Coop, suddenly increasingly unavailable. Fellow reporter Miguel is still trying to fix Leah up...and suddenly there's an unexpected and intrusive blast from the past.
Leah is writing a True Crime account of her youngest sister Lacey' s life and untimely death, and is suddenly presented with a new investigation, one which once again will place her at odds with the local municipal police department and Sheriff's Department as she determines to find the truth about a supposed suicide. Before she can succeed, Leah will repeatedly go "where angels fear to tread," finding herself in multiple dangerous situations and facing sociopaths with criminal connections and a remarkably clever killer who just can't resist taunting Leah as she uncovers more and more of the truth despite the killer's continued misdirections.
I found this mystery totally compelling, as I did the first in the series, DANGEROUS HABITS, and the third, DANGEROUS PLACES. If you're looking for convoluted, emotionally involving, and psychologically compelling, Susan Hunter' s Leah Nash Mysteries is a superb choice.
May 14, 2018
This book and the series reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, in that we have a cast of colorful characters and family drama to offset the murder and misery. Throughout the story, there are fun, comedic exchanges, along with heartfelt moments with emotional depth.
Leah is a tenacious investigative journalist, which is sadly lacking now in most real-life news sources. The author’s own experience in this field lends authenticity to the story, so that it feels like the events could all play out exactly as written. I love that we get to investigate along with Leah, putting the pieces together as the case grows in complexity.
Pacing builds as the story moves along. We readers, along with Leah, are kept slightly off balance throughout. Just when you think you’ve figured out the whodunit, a new tidbit is tossed into the mix and you begin to question everything all over again.
This is the second Leah Nash Mystery, but it does work well as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of weaving in enough backstory from the first book for new readers to understand the history, while also not overloading us with so much detail that we feel like we’re rereading the first book. As with most series, though, I do think it’s always better to start at the beginning if possible. That way you get all the subtleties of relationships and personalities. Plus, Dangerous Habits, book 1, is really good!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Leah is a tenacious investigative journalist, which is sadly lacking now in most real-life news sources. The author’s own experience in this field lends authenticity to the story, so that it feels like the events could all play out exactly as written. I love that we get to investigate along with Leah, putting the pieces together as the case grows in complexity.
Pacing builds as the story moves along. We readers, along with Leah, are kept slightly off balance throughout. Just when you think you’ve figured out the whodunit, a new tidbit is tossed into the mix and you begin to question everything all over again.
This is the second Leah Nash Mystery, but it does work well as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of weaving in enough backstory from the first book for new readers to understand the history, while also not overloading us with so much detail that we feel like we’re rereading the first book. As with most series, though, I do think it’s always better to start at the beginning if possible. That way you get all the subtleties of relationships and personalities. Plus, Dangerous Habits, book 1, is really good!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
February 8, 2019
The clean, pithy style of this contemporary crime series drew me in from the beginning, so when I finished this one in the space of a few days, I bought the whole series. Leah Nash is a reporter who refuses to let anyone's opinion, or the evidence get in the way of her instinct something isn't right about a death. She's tenacious and brave, but also admits she's headstrong, impulsive and doesn't know when to give up. But then we wouldn't want her to or Susan Hunter's stories wouldn't be so engaging. I'm onto the second in the series and intend to work through them all.
September 24, 2021
I enjoyed book 1 but...
Leah's hard headed attitude started getting on my nerves. And I figured out the murderer about halfway through...
The best part of the book was the backstory to how her sister died, and Leah's friendship with the priest. I liked Miguel in book 1 but even he started grating on my nerves in this one.
Leah's hard headed attitude started getting on my nerves. And I figured out the murderer about halfway through...
The best part of the book was the backstory to how her sister died, and Leah's friendship with the priest. I liked Miguel in book 1 but even he started grating on my nerves in this one.
January 6, 2016
What a great mystery. Ms. Hunter is able to weave a complex mystery in a very interesting and easy to understand way. There will be surprises along the way. This is the second book in the series but is a stand alone story. Leah Nash is working for the local paper when she is contacted by the daughter of a surgeon whose death was attributed to suicide by the police. Isabel wants Leah to investigate and prove her father did not commit suicide but that it was murder. What she uncovers is an amazing plot that spans different areas and people. I highly recommend reading this book if you like interesting mysteries with great characters. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2016
Dangerous Mistakes
This is the second book in the Leah Nash mystery series. I really have enjoyed this series. The next book in the series will not be available till fall of 16. I can't wait . I recommend this series.
This is the second book in the Leah Nash mystery series. I really have enjoyed this series. The next book in the series will not be available till fall of 16. I can't wait . I recommend this series.
December 5, 2015
Amazing
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was full of twists and turns. I am still surprised at the ending.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was full of twists and turns. I am still surprised at the ending.
November 6, 2016
Surprised
I really had the bad guy wrong. Totally surprised me. Guess that makes it for good reading. Totally recommend it.
I really had the bad guy wrong. Totally surprised me. Guess that makes it for good reading. Totally recommend it.
November 7, 2016
Great book
Loved this book. Can't wait for book #3. @This book was interesting from th beginning to the end. Great story.
Loved this book. Can't wait for book #3. @This book was interesting from th beginning to the end. Great story.
June 24, 2023
Newspaper reporter, Leah Nash has had a busy year after finding her sister's killer. With a new boss, a new boyfriend and a new book deal, she's been swamped - but when she meets Isabel Whiting, her plea to prove her father didn't commit suicide sparks a need to help.
The second book in the Leah Nash series is a decent read. In some ways this was much better than the first one. In other ways I hated it. Mostly it was the romance. Somehow the first book failed to mention that Leah is divorced. Like seriously? I feel that was kind of relevant in the whole getting to know you part but sure. There was no romance in the first book and frankly that was how I liked it. I don't know what the hell the whole Leah/Coop thing is but I'd rather they stick with that than whatever the hell Nick (the ex husband) is. He just irritated me.
As far as the plot goes it was good. The mystery was complex and the characters were interesting. I felt this was a bit more rounded out than the first book. Leah is a hard character to like. She can be judgey and pushy and full on. Once she gets an idea in her head she refuses to consider other options. Which would be fine if she's always right - but she's really not. That said, I felt this one struck a better balance with admitting she was wrong and accepting the consequences of her actions.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I also adored how Leah outsmarted Pure genius that bit was.
I was loving the whole Leah/Ross bonding thing going on at the end. That was funny. I was amused at them both admitting wrong doing. And how much it hurt them both. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure why they do hate each other so much. It would be a stronger story if they had a school rivalry or something. I could get behind them having a relationship. It certainly couldn't be worse than her weird thing with Nick.
Overall a much better mystery than the first book even if the main character is still a bit unlikeable. 3.5 stars.
The second book in the Leah Nash series is a decent read. In some ways this was much better than the first one. In other ways I hated it. Mostly it was the romance. Somehow the first book failed to mention that Leah is divorced. Like seriously? I feel that was kind of relevant in the whole getting to know you part but sure. There was no romance in the first book and frankly that was how I liked it. I don't know what the hell the whole Leah/Coop thing is but I'd rather they stick with that than whatever the hell Nick (the ex husband) is. He just irritated me.
As far as the plot goes it was good. The mystery was complex and the characters were interesting. I felt this was a bit more rounded out than the first book. Leah is a hard character to like. She can be judgey and pushy and full on. Once she gets an idea in her head she refuses to consider other options. Which would be fine if she's always right - but she's really not. That said, I felt this one struck a better balance with admitting she was wrong and accepting the consequences of her actions.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I also adored how Leah outsmarted Pure genius that bit was.
I was loving the whole Leah/Ross bonding thing going on at the end. That was funny. I was amused at them both admitting wrong doing. And how much it hurt them both. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure why they do hate each other so much. It would be a stronger story if they had a school rivalry or something. I could get behind them having a relationship. It certainly couldn't be worse than her weird thing with Nick.
Overall a much better mystery than the first book even if the main character is still a bit unlikeable. 3.5 stars.
September 19, 2020
Susan Hunter writes another well-crafted crime thriller, the second offering in the Leah Nash series. This one is every bit as good as the first as Leah, a small-town Wisconsin newspaper reporter, takes right up where she left off, getting into more trouble with her strong, independent and unbridled personality. A doctor, Garrett Whiting, dies of an apparent suicide but his daughter, Isabel, believes it was murder and enlists Leah to help prove it. As she often does, Leah goes against the police and steps on many toes with her own private investigation. Picking and probing, she doesn't know when to stop, even when the danger builds. Leah is joined by many of the same cast of deep, likable and believable characters as appeared in the first novel. Among the favorites are fellow-reporter Miguel, old friend and cop Coop, ditzy secretary Courtnee, mother Carol, ex-husband Nick and priest Father Lindstrom, Leah's new boss, Rebecca, adds tension and friction in unexpected ways. These characters are so real and well-done you may feel like you're in the same room with them listening to them talk or joining them for a meal. Leah is a very strong main character and once again carries the book on her shoulders. She is a smart ass who also happens to be smart. She has many flaws and vulnerabilities, which make you root for her. She often irritates people and even aggravates her friends but they love and protect her. The suspense and danger builds as the plot races to its conclusion. As usual, plenty of twists, turns and surprises keep you guessing.
April 23, 2018
Dangerous Mistakes - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Leah Nash is an investigative journalist with the small-town Himmel Times Weekly. The only other journalist is Miguel Santos who acts as Leah's confidant and photographer when not covering his own stories, in this unusual multi-faceted murder-mystery with many, many twists, turns and lies, by Susan Hunter, #2 in the Leah Nash Mysteries.
When well-to-do Doctor Garrett Whiting is found dead, with a seemingly self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the police are quick to close the case. However Leah is later surprised to be called in to investigate the background into her father's death, by his adopted daughter Isabel, who's convinced it was definitely murder.
What will Leah uncover once she starts probing into the matter and whose toes will she tread on as she does so? Also in the frame are Isabel's brother Jamie, a former drug addict and Dr Whiting's crooked partner at the practice, found to have been selling off prescriptions and samples of drugs under the counter. After being viciously attacked by a hooded stranger and warned to keep clear by her Coop, her policeman ex-lover, (now dating Leah's obnoxious new boss, Rebecca) Leah must decide where her priorities lie - or face the consequences!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Leah Nash is an investigative journalist with the small-town Himmel Times Weekly. The only other journalist is Miguel Santos who acts as Leah's confidant and photographer when not covering his own stories, in this unusual multi-faceted murder-mystery with many, many twists, turns and lies, by Susan Hunter, #2 in the Leah Nash Mysteries.
When well-to-do Doctor Garrett Whiting is found dead, with a seemingly self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the police are quick to close the case. However Leah is later surprised to be called in to investigate the background into her father's death, by his adopted daughter Isabel, who's convinced it was definitely murder.
What will Leah uncover once she starts probing into the matter and whose toes will she tread on as she does so? Also in the frame are Isabel's brother Jamie, a former drug addict and Dr Whiting's crooked partner at the practice, found to have been selling off prescriptions and samples of drugs under the counter. After being viciously attacked by a hooded stranger and warned to keep clear by her Coop, her policeman ex-lover, (now dating Leah's obnoxious new boss, Rebecca) Leah must decide where her priorities lie - or face the consequences!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 9, 2019
Isabel, daughter of recently deceased Garret, approaches reporter Leah Nash, convinced that her Dad did not commit suicide but was murdered. When Leah reluctantly at first agrees to investigate, she cannot foresee the rollercoaster of events being set in motion, among them slowly losing her best friend Coop to her bitch of a boss Rebecca.
After a slow, very slow start, the events picked up a bit, and the story got more interesting. What confused me a bit was that characters who apparently were part of the first book in this series, were not properly introduced to the reader in this book, which left me guessing sometimes as to the relationship of them towards Leah, or their professions and role/standing in her hometown.
The protagonists were initially a bit unrealistic, but like the plot development, this changed during the course of the story.
In the end, the story had every a good mystery needs, suspicious characters, red herrings, plot twists and turns (which to be honest, made me think Leah was very gullible sometimes), and quite good storytelling to put it all in a nice package, although it never showed nail-biting suspense to me.
A spelling check would not do any harm, though.
After a slow, very slow start, the events picked up a bit, and the story got more interesting. What confused me a bit was that characters who apparently were part of the first book in this series, were not properly introduced to the reader in this book, which left me guessing sometimes as to the relationship of them towards Leah, or their professions and role/standing in her hometown.
The protagonists were initially a bit unrealistic, but like the plot development, this changed during the course of the story.
In the end, the story had every a good mystery needs, suspicious characters, red herrings, plot twists and turns (which to be honest, made me think Leah was very gullible sometimes), and quite good storytelling to put it all in a nice package, although it never showed nail-biting suspense to me.
A spelling check would not do any harm, though.
August 11, 2022
OK this book was better than the first. Although there are still a lot of plot holes at least this one felt more like she was actually the reporter that she was supposed to be in book one.
She actually list out who the suspects are why and goes at them the proper way I think at least. It just felt more structured. Instead of her just going off half cocked thinking that she knows everything and she’s gonna accuse everybody and screw whatever the evidence says. Or she believes this person completely isn’t that person and then she switches her mind two seconds later. This one at least she has a facts, and something to backup the facts (sometimes) before she went off and accuse people. Did she get it wrong most of the time? Yes, but she was at least more structured in the way she investigated.
I am unsure if I like the relationship triangle even though she swears Cooper isn’t a romantic relationship it’s only friends. It seems awfully suspect and that she’s very jealous of Cooper’s new lady and I get it there’s animosity. But it just feels more like jealousy. And I kind of feel like she’s stringing along the Ex.
Again the narration is OK more like she’s reading to you then performing an audiobook maybe I’ll get better in book 3.
She actually list out who the suspects are why and goes at them the proper way I think at least. It just felt more structured. Instead of her just going off half cocked thinking that she knows everything and she’s gonna accuse everybody and screw whatever the evidence says. Or she believes this person completely isn’t that person and then she switches her mind two seconds later. This one at least she has a facts, and something to backup the facts (sometimes) before she went off and accuse people. Did she get it wrong most of the time? Yes, but she was at least more structured in the way she investigated.
I am unsure if I like the relationship triangle even though she swears Cooper isn’t a romantic relationship it’s only friends. It seems awfully suspect and that she’s very jealous of Cooper’s new lady and I get it there’s animosity. But it just feels more like jealousy. And I kind of feel like she’s stringing along the Ex.
Again the narration is OK more like she’s reading to you then performing an audiobook maybe I’ll get better in book 3.
January 13, 2019
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.0 Stars
I bought this book when it was a Bookbub freebie, and loved it so much I went out and bought books one and three long before I finished reading it (this is book two in the series, although each book can be read as a standalone).
Having now completed reading all five books in the series, all I can say is...wow. Each one is a powerful, well-written story, and I have to figuratively tip my hat to the author, Susan Hunter.
I don't want to get into the specifics of DANGEROUS MISTAKES' storyline, and I definitely don't want to disclose any spoilers. Suffice it to say that the ending will knock your socks off even if you see it coming (which I did and didn't). The twists and turns of the plot and the heroine's thought processes are compelling, which kept me reading long past my bedtime. Leah Nash is a snarky, far-from-perfect heroine, but I couldn't help thinking I could be friends with her.
DANGEROUS MISTAKES is a classic whodunit, and even though I now know the ending, I can easily see myself re-reading it the way I re-read Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, and Dorothy L. Sayers. It's that good.
I bought this book when it was a Bookbub freebie, and loved it so much I went out and bought books one and three long before I finished reading it (this is book two in the series, although each book can be read as a standalone).
Having now completed reading all five books in the series, all I can say is...wow. Each one is a powerful, well-written story, and I have to figuratively tip my hat to the author, Susan Hunter.
I don't want to get into the specifics of DANGEROUS MISTAKES' storyline, and I definitely don't want to disclose any spoilers. Suffice it to say that the ending will knock your socks off even if you see it coming (which I did and didn't). The twists and turns of the plot and the heroine's thought processes are compelling, which kept me reading long past my bedtime. Leah Nash is a snarky, far-from-perfect heroine, but I couldn't help thinking I could be friends with her.
DANGEROUS MISTAKES is a classic whodunit, and even though I now know the ending, I can easily see myself re-reading it the way I re-read Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, and Dorothy L. Sayers. It's that good.
January 14, 2019
Dangerous Mistakes (Leah Nash Mysteries, #2) by Susan Hunter. Kindle edition.
Got this as a free e-book on amazon.com Have not read Book 1, but there is enough background information for this to be a standalone book.
I enjoyed the overall story arc. I like a main character who is strong willed and assertive, but Leah has an attitude that is not very appealing. Nice read if you can put up with an annoying opinionated know it all, who has a total disregard for other people's feelings and opinions. Despite the fact that she is portrayed as a experienced journalist she throws out wild accusations without any solid evidence, is completely self absorbed and has little pity parties when things do not go her way and/or people are not at her beck and call. She is like a 30 year old toddler throwing tantrums.
Based on the 4+ stars the books in this series rated, I kept on reading hoping that by the end of this book , I would like her a bit better. No, at the end of the book she is still smug and self absorbed. I will not be reading any more books in this series. 3 stars.
Got this as a free e-book on amazon.com Have not read Book 1, but there is enough background information for this to be a standalone book.
I enjoyed the overall story arc. I like a main character who is strong willed and assertive, but Leah has an attitude that is not very appealing. Nice read if you can put up with an annoying opinionated know it all, who has a total disregard for other people's feelings and opinions. Despite the fact that she is portrayed as a experienced journalist she throws out wild accusations without any solid evidence, is completely self absorbed and has little pity parties when things do not go her way and/or people are not at her beck and call. She is like a 30 year old toddler throwing tantrums.
Based on the 4+ stars the books in this series rated, I kept on reading hoping that by the end of this book , I would like her a bit better. No, at the end of the book she is still smug and self absorbed. I will not be reading any more books in this series. 3 stars.
June 9, 2018
Dangerous Mistakes by Susan Hunter is the second book in the Leah Nash Mysteries series. This installment finds Leah following leads on a suicide that doesn’t seem like just a suicide. This compelling mystery had me totally sucked in within the first chapter. Leah is solidly one of my favorite mystery characters. The author has written a book with incredible characters that feel like people you would know in your day-to-day life. They’re easy to relate to, and the mystery just sweeps you up. Dangerous Mistakes is one of those books you won’t want to put down.
While I have read the first book, you could read this one without having read Dangerous Habits. However, I thoroughly enjoyed that mystery and think that you will enjoy Dangerous Mistakes even more if you read it after reading Dangerous Habits. Dangerous Habits is free on Amazon.
4.5 Stars
I received this book for free and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
While I have read the first book, you could read this one without having read Dangerous Habits. However, I thoroughly enjoyed that mystery and think that you will enjoy Dangerous Mistakes even more if you read it after reading Dangerous Habits. Dangerous Habits is free on Amazon.
4.5 Stars
I received this book for free and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
February 8, 2019
Worked for me... The story was definitely enjoyable and I found it somewhat low-key and cozy. It's a first-person narrative from the point of view of Leah, a small-town newspaper reporter who isn't very happy with her job, or rather with her new boss who's sort of an ice queen. The reader gets to know the protagonist pretty well; following her thought processes and her sleuthing around to figure out whether a supposed suicide is actually murder.
When I read the first of the series, there were a few copy-editing issues, but this second book was much more polished editorially. There is a short section early on that gives some background info which could fill in for readers who haven't read the first volume. I'll probably go on to read the next book at some point.
Oh, one thing I forgot... I obtained this book free on one of those 'Zon promotion days, but would certainly have paid full retail price for it. This is the second free book I've enjoyed by this author, so at this point I'm setting aside a fiver to buy her a fancy coffee drink next time she rolls through town.
When I read the first of the series, there were a few copy-editing issues, but this second book was much more polished editorially. There is a short section early on that gives some background info which could fill in for readers who haven't read the first volume. I'll probably go on to read the next book at some point.
Oh, one thing I forgot... I obtained this book free on one of those 'Zon promotion days, but would certainly have paid full retail price for it. This is the second free book I've enjoyed by this author, so at this point I'm setting aside a fiver to buy her a fancy coffee drink next time she rolls through town.
April 16, 2020
Great title and great story
Ms. Hunter provides great descriptions of an all American town, - Himmel. I can imagine a woman such as Leah. I liked her, sometimes thought perhaps somewhat stubborn, (then again I am stubborn too) her mom sounds like a good carefree mom, and I think I already know what has her so upset - towards the end of the book readers are told she is booger by something ...but I would not call that observation a spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with this crime. I began to think I knew who the killer was but couldn’t figure it out. As Ms. Hunter started pulling it all in and firming it up I had a ah ha moment. Ms Hunter was telling the reader in such subtle ways but I didn’t catch it right away. Like an Agatha Christie twist and turn, well played.
Ms. Hunter provides great descriptions of an all American town, - Himmel. I can imagine a woman such as Leah. I liked her, sometimes thought perhaps somewhat stubborn, (then again I am stubborn too) her mom sounds like a good carefree mom, and I think I already know what has her so upset - towards the end of the book readers are told she is booger by something ...but I would not call that observation a spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with this crime. I began to think I knew who the killer was but couldn’t figure it out. As Ms. Hunter started pulling it all in and firming it up I had a ah ha moment. Ms Hunter was telling the reader in such subtle ways but I didn’t catch it right away. Like an Agatha Christie twist and turn, well played.
July 8, 2019
Enjoyable read, even if the main character was wearing a giant set of blinders for most of the book. She is also still repetitively, needlessly, and thoughtlessly putting herself in blatantly dangerous situations. I think on most of those occasions the plot could have been advanced without having your heroine teeter on the edge of too-stupid-to-live. That said, I did enjoy the read and look forward to the next one. Frustrating though the main character is, the mysteries are intriguing and well plotted. The supporting cast is (mostly) likable, believable, and often experiencing more character growth and development than the main character. 3.5 for the main character, rounded up to 4 for everything else.
August 15, 2022
Book 2 Awesomely Written starting with a renowned surgeon committing suicide, or did he? Was it murder? Who?
Leah Nash begins her investigations with full series of twists and turns with ups/downs galore! She is really wanting and needing to run things by and talk things through with her best friend Coop but he isn't answering his cell and every time she goes by the PD he's never there! At least 1 friend answers but this time she's basically been on her own! Especially after she gets loses her job! A lot of action, sometimes edge of your seat, it's really hard to figure out who did it because then he ends up dead too, so who now? And the DEA is also included! YOU JUST GOTTA READ THIS! GREAT READ!
Leah Nash begins her investigations with full series of twists and turns with ups/downs galore! She is really wanting and needing to run things by and talk things through with her best friend Coop but he isn't answering his cell and every time she goes by the PD he's never there! At least 1 friend answers but this time she's basically been on her own! Especially after she gets loses her job! A lot of action, sometimes edge of your seat, it's really hard to figure out who did it because then he ends up dead too, so who now? And the DEA is also included! YOU JUST GOTTA READ THIS! GREAT READ!
April 15, 2018
Leah Nash is a journalist. She get involved in suicide and murders while trying to help Isabel prove that her father Garrett did not commit suicide. Tho many thought he was murdered. Lots of people involved in the whole situation till Leah tries to find things out on her own without the police.Its a lot more to the murders then originally thought. Lots more . . Leahs little sister died in a fire in their home years ago. She always felt like it was her fault she couldn't save her sister. Other fires through out the story she feels the same , like it was her fault she couldn't save those in the fires either. But none of them was she at fault.
May 6, 2018
I struggled to find that connection with the characters. This led to me connecting with the story as well. In fact, I thought the first third of the story moved slowly. It did pick up some about midway. Although, I still couldn't keep my focus on the story. A few times I had to re-read passages. Yet, Leah did have some charm about her that I liked. I would like to get to know her better.
Don't get me wrong about this book. It is a nice one. For me it just didn't grab me and keep my attention as I wanted. Although, if all of the other elements I had commented on previously had all come together for me, I would have been into this book so much more.
Don't get me wrong about this book. It is a nice one. For me it just didn't grab me and keep my attention as I wanted. Although, if all of the other elements I had commented on previously had all come together for me, I would have been into this book so much more.
July 8, 2020
The Book Is Basically Good...Author Likes Formula
At my age I have read really great, great, ok, bad, and really bad and really really bad. Susan Hunter makes me sad. It is obvious from the beginning she decides on the crime, sets those characters in your face and then writes the story around the crime.....the crime is not built out of intrigue and guile. Each time it is formulated and you know who did it...you read out of curiousity as to what shebis going to throw in the soup pot once the meat is in there. I am curious how the next one will be....I do like Miguel. I know the town is small.
At my age I have read really great, great, ok, bad, and really bad and really really bad. Susan Hunter makes me sad. It is obvious from the beginning she decides on the crime, sets those characters in your face and then writes the story around the crime.....the crime is not built out of intrigue and guile. Each time it is formulated and you know who did it...you read out of curiousity as to what shebis going to throw in the soup pot once the meat is in there. I am curious how the next one will be....I do like Miguel. I know the town is small.
April 6, 2019
Author shows good technique to keep reader engaged with text. Leah with history as investigative reporter and personality that lets no investigation stop until every possible suspect has been proven innocent. Her bull-headed determination to investigate what she wants and how she wants gets old. Daughter of a man who killed himself asks Leah to find out who murdered her father. The daughter manufactures evidence so that Leah chases a suspect who is murdered. Eventually Leah uncovers a serial killer and turns the evidence over to the police.
April 16, 2019
Good story, but . . .
Very intriguing set of crimes, but there's no real ending as the.murderer gets released. Perhaps the murderer will show up again in a later book in the series, but in this book, justice is not done. The story feels incomplete. I had also forgotten how much I disliked the main character, who only seems to learn life lessons for about five minutes. I'd like know what happens in the lives of the secondary characters (who are very appealing) but not enough to continue with the series.
Very intriguing set of crimes, but there's no real ending as the.murderer gets released. Perhaps the murderer will show up again in a later book in the series, but in this book, justice is not done. The story feels incomplete. I had also forgotten how much I disliked the main character, who only seems to learn life lessons for about five minutes. I'd like know what happens in the lives of the secondary characters (who are very appealing) but not enough to continue with the series.
March 8, 2021
Back in Himmel, Wisconsin for the second instalment of the series based around impetuous journalist Leah Nash. A doctor has apparently committed suicide, the police see nothing to suggest otherwise, but the doctor's daughter thinks otherwise and asks Leah to investigate. Her decision has repercussions for her friendships and her job, but soon she has found other suspicious deaths that are seemingly linked. As a whodunit I'm afraid this fails miserably, I worked out the murderer very early, although the motivation was less obvious. The story ends with Leah facing an interesting moral dilemma that will split opinion pretty much down the middle.
May 25, 2025
Leah is definitely a very determined woman. Even when there is no personal motivation, she pushes the boundaries of anyone and everyone just to get to the truth. It is admirable and also annoying. I really hate that the people around her do not have faith in her instinct and her talent. Especially the not-so-good-friend Coop. She calls him her best friend, but I think he is to best friend like a nightmare is to a good night sleep. He needs to have more faith in her and act like a friend would, specially when it comes to talking about her with people she clearly dislike. Miguel is a way better friend. Although it is noticeable that he growed up in the US because his spanish slang needs a little work. This time, she was a little right and a little wrong. Nonetheless, she owned up to her mistakes and did they right thing. Good for her.
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