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Death & Damages
Danger lurks around every corner as these courageous cops, adventurous agents, and daring detectives hunt for the answers to stop the crimes by vicious killers.
But what if the damage is already done?
Inside these pages, you’ll find 25 adventures full of captivating conundrums, hair-raising homicides, and suspenseful secrets from today’s USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning authors.
Become a private investigator yourself when you inspect plots of deadly assasins, cold-blooded killers, and bone-chilling suspense inside the pages of DEATH AND DAMAGES, an enthralling mystery and thriller boxed set.
But what if the damage is already done?
Inside these pages, you’ll find 25 adventures full of captivating conundrums, hair-raising homicides, and suspenseful secrets from today’s USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning authors.
Become a private investigator yourself when you inspect plots of deadly assasins, cold-blooded killers, and bone-chilling suspense inside the pages of DEATH AND DAMAGES, an enthralling mystery and thriller boxed set.
- GenresAnthologies
3856 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
119 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Loofbourrow
29 books407 followersPatricia Loofbourrow was born in southern California and currently lives in Oklahoma. Learning to read at the age of three, she grew up on Heinlein, Bradbury, and Asimov, and found at an early age that she loved science.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona then an MD from Rush University, Dr. Loofbourrow practiced family medicine for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom in 2000. After leaving medicine, Patricia Loofbourrow ran one of the first “ask a doctor” patient education websites from 2000-2004.
Patty wrote her first novel during the 2005 National Novel Writing Month, going on to write eight novels, four novellas, and well over 100 short stories, mostly speculative fiction, before choosing to self-publish. She has been a long-time member of the Forward Motion Forums, and was the founder of Fifty Word Fiction on DeviantArt. She has also worked as a freelance non-fiction writer and editor since 2000, and currently runs an informational website on edible landscaping.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona then an MD from Rush University, Dr. Loofbourrow practiced family medicine for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom in 2000. After leaving medicine, Patricia Loofbourrow ran one of the first “ask a doctor” patient education websites from 2000-2004.
Patty wrote her first novel during the 2005 National Novel Writing Month, going on to write eight novels, four novellas, and well over 100 short stories, mostly speculative fiction, before choosing to self-publish. She has been a long-time member of the Forward Motion Forums, and was the founder of Fifty Word Fiction on DeviantArt. She has also worked as a freelance non-fiction writer and editor since 2000, and currently runs an informational website on edible landscaping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 27, 2018
Jane Blythe has a little something for fans of her Count to Ten series-BURNING SECRETS has ALL of the intensity this author has to give as one family pays the ultimate price after years of lies, secrets and resentments that have built to deadly proportions.
Investigating the Oliver family deaths, Paige Hood finds the similarities between her family and theirs to be a magnet that will lead her to believe that just maybe, however slim the chances, their fate could be hers. What she finds will lead her down a dark and twisted path of horrors and pain that could end in even more deaths.
Not for the faint of heart, this graphic tale is brutally true to the very horrors we hear about in “the real world,” but this time we are there and it is chilling. Flawed humans, flawed minds and the people who are responsible to uncover hidden secrets come to life in one more incredible book from Jane Blythe. Trust me, as usual, she holds nothing back.
I received a complimentary ARC edition of BURNING SECRETS from Jane Blythe!
10/24/2018 - DOUBLE BLIND by Dan Alatorre
In a deadly game of cat and mouse, two detectives are determined to bring down a ruthless and twisted serial killer, while at the same time, the killer is cleverly reeling them in to become his next trophies. How does he know their moves and stay one step ahead of them? Innocents are dying and the M.O. is the same, bloody, brutal and showy, as if he is taunting them. Will they bring him down before he gets to them? The death toll is rising and the clock is ticking…
DOUBLE BLIND by Dan Alatorre is gritty, graphic and true edge-of-your-seat reading as Detectives Carly Sanderson and Sergio Martin race against time to piece together each gruesome clue, knowing they are missing that one vital piece that will lead them to their killer, meanwhile he is closer than they think…
Dan Alatorre’s writing is bold, his descriptions are detailed and from the horrific crime scenes to the frustration levels of the detectives, I could see it and feel it. Not for the faint of heart, this crime thriller is a potent example of the talent of this author to pull his readers into his story and believe. Can’t forget to mention this, WHAT AN ENDING!
I’m definitely going to check out more from Dan Alatorre, his ability to create characters that are human, tension that skyrockets and a sense of urgency throughout is magnetic!
I received a complimentary ARC edition of DOUBLE BLIND from Dan Alatorre!
10/26/2018 THE LAST FILE by Siera London
Their twisted game of cat and mouse has gone on for years, but the monster known as the Birthday Butcher has always remained one step ahead of detective Makenzie Young and it is taking its toll on the woman who never gives up.
Now he’s back, the game is changing and Makenzie is on her last nerve. Burning out, Mac isn’t the only one wondering if she has the mental stability to remain on the case as ghosts from her past and the responsibilities of her present bury her in an avalanche of mental sludge.
How does the monster know her every move? How does he remain one step ahead of her? As she ponders her career and her life, she must wonder, is she losing her edge? He could be closer than she knows, and time is not on her side, but no one, NO ONE messes with what is hers…
Siera London’s THE LAST FILE goes beyond gritty. Mac is on the edge, emotionally overdue for some peace of mind and takes no prisoners with her hardened crust. She is one of those characters who hides it all inside and throughout, I waited for the explosion. Nothing like a character with such raw human flaws to bring life to an already magnetic tale.
Ms. London writes with a crisp clarity that never clouds the action or softens a scene. This is in-your-face suspense!
I received a complimentary ARC edition of THE LAST FILE from Siera London!
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Publisher: Carter & Bradley Publishing
Genre: Mystery \ Thriller
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Investigating the Oliver family deaths, Paige Hood finds the similarities between her family and theirs to be a magnet that will lead her to believe that just maybe, however slim the chances, their fate could be hers. What she finds will lead her down a dark and twisted path of horrors and pain that could end in even more deaths.
Not for the faint of heart, this graphic tale is brutally true to the very horrors we hear about in “the real world,” but this time we are there and it is chilling. Flawed humans, flawed minds and the people who are responsible to uncover hidden secrets come to life in one more incredible book from Jane Blythe. Trust me, as usual, she holds nothing back.
I received a complimentary ARC edition of BURNING SECRETS from Jane Blythe!
10/24/2018 - DOUBLE BLIND by Dan Alatorre
In a deadly game of cat and mouse, two detectives are determined to bring down a ruthless and twisted serial killer, while at the same time, the killer is cleverly reeling them in to become his next trophies. How does he know their moves and stay one step ahead of them? Innocents are dying and the M.O. is the same, bloody, brutal and showy, as if he is taunting them. Will they bring him down before he gets to them? The death toll is rising and the clock is ticking…
DOUBLE BLIND by Dan Alatorre is gritty, graphic and true edge-of-your-seat reading as Detectives Carly Sanderson and Sergio Martin race against time to piece together each gruesome clue, knowing they are missing that one vital piece that will lead them to their killer, meanwhile he is closer than they think…
Dan Alatorre’s writing is bold, his descriptions are detailed and from the horrific crime scenes to the frustration levels of the detectives, I could see it and feel it. Not for the faint of heart, this crime thriller is a potent example of the talent of this author to pull his readers into his story and believe. Can’t forget to mention this, WHAT AN ENDING!
I’m definitely going to check out more from Dan Alatorre, his ability to create characters that are human, tension that skyrockets and a sense of urgency throughout is magnetic!
I received a complimentary ARC edition of DOUBLE BLIND from Dan Alatorre!
10/26/2018 THE LAST FILE by Siera London
Their twisted game of cat and mouse has gone on for years, but the monster known as the Birthday Butcher has always remained one step ahead of detective Makenzie Young and it is taking its toll on the woman who never gives up.
Now he’s back, the game is changing and Makenzie is on her last nerve. Burning out, Mac isn’t the only one wondering if she has the mental stability to remain on the case as ghosts from her past and the responsibilities of her present bury her in an avalanche of mental sludge.
How does the monster know her every move? How does he remain one step ahead of her? As she ponders her career and her life, she must wonder, is she losing her edge? He could be closer than she knows, and time is not on her side, but no one, NO ONE messes with what is hers…
Siera London’s THE LAST FILE goes beyond gritty. Mac is on the edge, emotionally overdue for some peace of mind and takes no prisoners with her hardened crust. She is one of those characters who hides it all inside and throughout, I waited for the explosion. Nothing like a character with such raw human flaws to bring life to an already magnetic tale.
Ms. London writes with a crisp clarity that never clouds the action or softens a scene. This is in-your-face suspense!
I received a complimentary ARC edition of THE LAST FILE from Siera London!
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Publisher: Carter & Bradley Publishing
Genre: Mystery \ Thriller
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 18, 2018
I love thrillers and Burning Secrets is one fabulous read from this collection. I am reviewing the book based on reading this one story.
She’s a risk taker and likes living on the edge, pushing the envelope. Oh yeah, she has my attention. Makes me think of a Criminal Minds episode and I can only imagine how terrified she must be. The suspense, tension and anticipation of finding out what happens to her, makes me want to race through the pages, yet slow down and savor the story.
Paige, she cracks me up. She has two kids and believes in the thirty second rule. If you have children, I am sure you know what that means. She is a detective and her husband, Elias, is a firefighter. That makes for a convoluted schedule, but she adores the girls and would do anything for them.
I’m reading along, thinking I know where Jane Blythe is taking me, but I should know better by now. She is going to put a wickedly evil twist in there and I am off and running, because now….we have two stories.
The more I get to know Paige, the more I love her. She’s had a tough life, made some bad mistakes, been through some tragic experiences, and I am so happy for her to have the family she has always dreamed of, but thought she would never have. She kept the girls close to her, but kept herself from smothering them.
I love that Jane Blythe has recurring characters in her stories. I feel I know them so well. I feel as if they are more than just characters in a book, they are my friends, my family.
AND NOW, we go Criminal Minds dark, creepy, spine tingling horrific for the victims…and ME, the reader. Jane Blythe manages to lull me into a sense of complacency, then wham, bam, thank you maam, she jolts me awake into the next onslaught of evil.
OMG…I actually shuddered when I read that sentence. So dark, so evil, I love it and I am so glad it is only fiction, though as I write this, it brings to mind some of the monsters that walk the earth in real life. Then, I wasn’t lovin’ it so much…but, really, I was. I just can’t help myself. The darker and more evil a novel is, the better I like it. 😈
Jane Blythe puts her characters through hell. I always feel a sense of menace, a sense of tension, a sense of anticipation that makes we wonder what and when is it going to happen. Because I KNOW it will.
WHOA, Jane. This is one sick fuck. I am at a loss to describe this human evil that revels in his victims torture.
Is it possible to be victim and prey? How sick would that make the victim? Got my mind thinking about people, personalities, sickness and evil.
“But life was really death dressed up in disguise.”
“Death always won, but it didn’t mean that you didn’t have to make it work for you.”
Burning Secrets keeps on giving, mystery on top of mystery, murder on top of murder. The happy ever after feels so good…at least, until next time. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Burning Secrets by Jane Blythe.
See more at fundinmental
She’s a risk taker and likes living on the edge, pushing the envelope. Oh yeah, she has my attention. Makes me think of a Criminal Minds episode and I can only imagine how terrified she must be. The suspense, tension and anticipation of finding out what happens to her, makes me want to race through the pages, yet slow down and savor the story.
Paige, she cracks me up. She has two kids and believes in the thirty second rule. If you have children, I am sure you know what that means. She is a detective and her husband, Elias, is a firefighter. That makes for a convoluted schedule, but she adores the girls and would do anything for them.
I’m reading along, thinking I know where Jane Blythe is taking me, but I should know better by now. She is going to put a wickedly evil twist in there and I am off and running, because now….we have two stories.
The more I get to know Paige, the more I love her. She’s had a tough life, made some bad mistakes, been through some tragic experiences, and I am so happy for her to have the family she has always dreamed of, but thought she would never have. She kept the girls close to her, but kept herself from smothering them.
I love that Jane Blythe has recurring characters in her stories. I feel I know them so well. I feel as if they are more than just characters in a book, they are my friends, my family.
AND NOW, we go Criminal Minds dark, creepy, spine tingling horrific for the victims…and ME, the reader. Jane Blythe manages to lull me into a sense of complacency, then wham, bam, thank you maam, she jolts me awake into the next onslaught of evil.
OMG…I actually shuddered when I read that sentence. So dark, so evil, I love it and I am so glad it is only fiction, though as I write this, it brings to mind some of the monsters that walk the earth in real life. Then, I wasn’t lovin’ it so much…but, really, I was. I just can’t help myself. The darker and more evil a novel is, the better I like it. 😈
Jane Blythe puts her characters through hell. I always feel a sense of menace, a sense of tension, a sense of anticipation that makes we wonder what and when is it going to happen. Because I KNOW it will.
WHOA, Jane. This is one sick fuck. I am at a loss to describe this human evil that revels in his victims torture.
Is it possible to be victim and prey? How sick would that make the victim? Got my mind thinking about people, personalities, sickness and evil.
“But life was really death dressed up in disguise.”
“Death always won, but it didn’t mean that you didn’t have to make it work for you.”
Burning Secrets keeps on giving, mystery on top of mystery, murder on top of murder. The happy ever after feels so good…at least, until next time. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Burning Secrets by Jane Blythe.
See more at fundinmental
December 7, 2018
Death & Damages is an extraordinary collection filled with contributions from some of the best in the business. I’ve only read one story so far but based on it alone I know this collection is worth getting. The story I read is Drawing Thin by Patricia Loofbourrow. This is a companion novel to her Red Dog Conspiracy series set in Bridges, the setting of that series as well. Constable Paix Hanger is a good cop in a city ruled by its crime lords. He has s kidnapping to solve and much more - and goes up against some tough forces to try to do it in this grittily realistic tale that, quite frankly, is superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - this collection of tales definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book-set is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
November 27, 2018
Never Again by Angela Sanders:
Terrifyingly terrific thriller. Charlotte is a compelling character. Unpredictable twists and turns.
Sharpe Note by Lisa B. Thomas:
Well written murder mystery. Plenty of clues and red herrings. I enjoyed it and hope that you do as well.
Terrifyingly terrific thriller. Charlotte is a compelling character. Unpredictable twists and turns.
Sharpe Note by Lisa B. Thomas:
Well written murder mystery. Plenty of clues and red herrings. I enjoyed it and hope that you do as well.
December 2, 2018
Really good stories
Death and Damages Boxed Set by Various: I’ve read two stories so far - from authors I’ve read before since I knew I liked their writing. I will keep reading but here is my review for the two stories I have read so far.
***** Drawing Thin by Patricia Loofbourrow: Different - a compelling story
A boy is missing in the poorest, crime riddled quadrant. An honest constable - a rarity within a policing body where everyone takes the easy route - won’t quit. More boys missing, some turning up strangled. A corrupt complicated system with a lot of moving pieces, and the poor with no power, even over their own destiny. This book ends with a red herrings closure so I have to read the next book to continue the story. Can’t find the book “Drawing Thin”.
***** Facing the Past by Alexa Padgett: Very good...
This story developed thread by thread where the little things revealed mattered, adding up into something big - a tragic link/a bad decision, with such a high cost... the suspense was well done and the pace very good. This overall story was good and kept me riveted.
Death and Damages Boxed Set by Various: I’ve read two stories so far - from authors I’ve read before since I knew I liked their writing. I will keep reading but here is my review for the two stories I have read so far.
***** Drawing Thin by Patricia Loofbourrow: Different - a compelling story
A boy is missing in the poorest, crime riddled quadrant. An honest constable - a rarity within a policing body where everyone takes the easy route - won’t quit. More boys missing, some turning up strangled. A corrupt complicated system with a lot of moving pieces, and the poor with no power, even over their own destiny. This book ends with a red herrings closure so I have to read the next book to continue the story. Can’t find the book “Drawing Thin”.
***** Facing the Past by Alexa Padgett: Very good...
This story developed thread by thread where the little things revealed mattered, adding up into something big - a tragic link/a bad decision, with such a high cost... the suspense was well done and the pace very good. This overall story was good and kept me riveted.
November 28, 2018
This is a terrific collection of thrillers and cool stories. I have only read one so far, but I am looking forward to the rest.
Drawing Thin is an intriguing dystopian mystery. The story is involving if a bit depressing. This book is a companion to author's expertly crafted Red Dog series, but if you are looking for answers, you'll find more questions here.
Drawing Thin is an intriguing dystopian mystery. The story is involving if a bit depressing. This book is a companion to author's expertly crafted Red Dog series, but if you are looking for answers, you'll find more questions here.
November 1, 2018
Drawing Thin by Patricia Loofborrouw
It's a companion story to The Series but it gives Great insight into The whole story known from other books.
This Time it's police story and how They are working in Briges with Four Families.
It was interesting story That for sure added something to The Series!
It's a companion story to The Series but it gives Great insight into The whole story known from other books.
This Time it's police story and how They are working in Briges with Four Families.
It was interesting story That for sure added something to The Series!
December 10, 2018
Good story
Wonderful boxset. I enjoyed reading each story and the storylines. I thought each story was well written and a page tuner.
Wonderful boxset. I enjoyed reading each story and the storylines. I thought each story was well written and a page tuner.
November 27, 2018
Drawing Thin by Patricia Loofbourrow is the beginning story of this set and is the best story in the book. This story takes place during the events of the Red Dog Conspiracy series by the same author.
The story reads as a wonderful steampunk rendition of film noir detective adventures. Smoky gritty characters with faults and issues in their lives, trying to survive. The police work in the story is historically accurate for the setting even though it is a work of fiction set in a science fiction world. I am a retired police officer, former private eye and a criminal justice instructor. This story had me gripping and turning pages until it was done. Her books are excellent, well researched and her characters and setting are very rich in realism inside a sci-fi setting. Highly recommend this writer!
The story reads as a wonderful steampunk rendition of film noir detective adventures. Smoky gritty characters with faults and issues in their lives, trying to survive. The police work in the story is historically accurate for the setting even though it is a work of fiction set in a science fiction world. I am a retired police officer, former private eye and a criminal justice instructor. This story had me gripping and turning pages until it was done. Her books are excellent, well researched and her characters and setting are very rich in realism inside a sci-fi setting. Highly recommend this writer!
October 23, 2018
Review for 'Drawing Thin' by Patricia Loofborrouw - a Companion to the Red Dog Conspiracy series
A novella set in Bridges which looks at the investigation into the disappearance of David Bryce from the view of Constable Paix Hanger, who makes an appearance in 'Jacq of Spades'. The book explores the life of Bridges outside the Spadros Family establishment which forms the backdrop to the first three novels in the series. As such it supplements the events in the first book and since it's some time since I read that book (and have since read several more in the series) those events are now in the past. The book may well be best read as a stand-alone...
However I have to add that I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have the others in the sequence, both the main novels and the supplementary novellas, to which this is a more than worthy addition.
A novella set in Bridges which looks at the investigation into the disappearance of David Bryce from the view of Constable Paix Hanger, who makes an appearance in 'Jacq of Spades'. The book explores the life of Bridges outside the Spadros Family establishment which forms the backdrop to the first three novels in the series. As such it supplements the events in the first book and since it's some time since I read that book (and have since read several more in the series) those events are now in the past. The book may well be best read as a stand-alone...
However I have to add that I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have the others in the sequence, both the main novels and the supplementary novellas, to which this is a more than worthy addition.
November 28, 2018
Death & Damages: A Mystery and Thriller Collection
I was able to read a review copy: Double Blind by Dan Alatore from this collection.
Have read the authors other works and loved them.
This one, although a bit out of my regular genre is a mystery but sample chapters sounded interesting and worth a read.
Starts with a trucker being killed and the whole scene is detailed with everything the killer is doing.
Others also end up killed. Found it a bit confusing as there are many scenes with different people and so far nobody is connected.
Like how the investigators are collecting the clues that are left behind to track the killer down.
Things escalate as the cops realize he's after them now... lots of action, adventure, mystery, horror filled scenes as one is being killed.
Enjoyed the read, give it a try yourself.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
I was able to read a review copy: Double Blind by Dan Alatore from this collection.
Have read the authors other works and loved them.
This one, although a bit out of my regular genre is a mystery but sample chapters sounded interesting and worth a read.
Starts with a trucker being killed and the whole scene is detailed with everything the killer is doing.
Others also end up killed. Found it a bit confusing as there are many scenes with different people and so far nobody is connected.
Like how the investigators are collecting the clues that are left behind to track the killer down.
Things escalate as the cops realize he's after them now... lots of action, adventure, mystery, horror filled scenes as one is being killed.
Enjoyed the read, give it a try yourself.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
January 6, 2019
An awesome collection of stories. Loved each and every one. One by Shereen Vedam , Missing You is a delightful romance, mystery. Dariel Raye’s Deaths’ Shadow is also an outstanding story to keep you reading Not to be missed once it’s released
January 1, 2019
Note: I have only read Drawing Thin out of this collection.
I’ve reviewed other books in the Red Dog Conspiracy, but this one ties more closely to the prequels than the actual series in its focus on the commoner, in this case, a policeman. The struggle of those without power or influence in a world defined by those values is a favorite of mine, but often puts character agency at risk. Loofbourrow works around this by giving her characters agency within the limits of their position coupled with frustration at how those limits compromise the characters’ values. Drawing Thin is a strong example of this feat.
This book is true to the “guy on the street” view. It shows us the situation in Bridges isn’t as clear cut as previously believed, but rather, there are multiple parties unhappy with family rule even among officials. It also brings home the contradictions of trying to uphold the law when the ruling families are above it in both their actions and the ability to enforce their own rules brutally.
Paix Hanger is honorable and full of conviction. He is a crusader who has had to learn his crusade is tainted. It has hindered his career in the past and continues to make things difficult. Paix struggles with this when others accept it as life.
He’s a good man. People trust him and want to help him, but his own convictions make that difficult. Those convictions sometimes lead him astray, and even when they don’t, they put others around him at risk. I liked how he didn’t hold to his vision and ignore contrary evidence when presented with it. Instead, he attempted to come to terms with what he learned. While I didn’t always support his choices, I respected him for his approach.
This sounds like the story has only one character, which isn’t true, though Paix is very much the focus as well as the POV. Many others who appear only briefly or are critical throughout are given just enough backstory or personality to bring them to life. You get a real sense of the hierarchy and how even childhood friendship plays a part in who looks out for whom.
The case Paix is working is horrific, involving as it does kidnapping and crimes against children. It puts his convictions to the test as little else could, revealing friends where before he’d thought he had none and showing even those protected by the Spadros Family are not safe. His work forms both the background and the crucial pressure in his struggle, but more than that, the insights he gains affect his perception of his personal choices and brings everything he thought he knew into question. Whether it’s because of Bridger morality or the families’ power, Paix is caught on a precipice where every choice has costs for him and those around him, friend or foe.
This story is constrained by the events in the first book of the Red Dog Conspiracy. I think it did a good job of using those events to get the heart of one honorable police officer in a world where corruption drags even the best officers down.
P.S. I received this copy from the author as a thank you for beta reading an earlier version. I read the final to see what had changed and enjoyed the improvements.
I’ve reviewed other books in the Red Dog Conspiracy, but this one ties more closely to the prequels than the actual series in its focus on the commoner, in this case, a policeman. The struggle of those without power or influence in a world defined by those values is a favorite of mine, but often puts character agency at risk. Loofbourrow works around this by giving her characters agency within the limits of their position coupled with frustration at how those limits compromise the characters’ values. Drawing Thin is a strong example of this feat.
This book is true to the “guy on the street” view. It shows us the situation in Bridges isn’t as clear cut as previously believed, but rather, there are multiple parties unhappy with family rule even among officials. It also brings home the contradictions of trying to uphold the law when the ruling families are above it in both their actions and the ability to enforce their own rules brutally.
Paix Hanger is honorable and full of conviction. He is a crusader who has had to learn his crusade is tainted. It has hindered his career in the past and continues to make things difficult. Paix struggles with this when others accept it as life.
He’s a good man. People trust him and want to help him, but his own convictions make that difficult. Those convictions sometimes lead him astray, and even when they don’t, they put others around him at risk. I liked how he didn’t hold to his vision and ignore contrary evidence when presented with it. Instead, he attempted to come to terms with what he learned. While I didn’t always support his choices, I respected him for his approach.
This sounds like the story has only one character, which isn’t true, though Paix is very much the focus as well as the POV. Many others who appear only briefly or are critical throughout are given just enough backstory or personality to bring them to life. You get a real sense of the hierarchy and how even childhood friendship plays a part in who looks out for whom.
The case Paix is working is horrific, involving as it does kidnapping and crimes against children. It puts his convictions to the test as little else could, revealing friends where before he’d thought he had none and showing even those protected by the Spadros Family are not safe. His work forms both the background and the crucial pressure in his struggle, but more than that, the insights he gains affect his perception of his personal choices and brings everything he thought he knew into question. Whether it’s because of Bridger morality or the families’ power, Paix is caught on a precipice where every choice has costs for him and those around him, friend or foe.
This story is constrained by the events in the first book of the Red Dog Conspiracy. I think it did a good job of using those events to get the heart of one honorable police officer in a world where corruption drags even the best officers down.
P.S. I received this copy from the author as a thank you for beta reading an earlier version. I read the final to see what had changed and enjoyed the improvements.
December 1, 2018
I've only read one story in this collection and it was great.
Judith Lucci’s Beach Traffic is an intricately woven tale with lots of action, suspense, twists, and turns. This author is very talented in creating suspense and tension with her written words, and her descriptive writing makes the reader feel they are participating in the action as events unfold. From the first page, the reader is drawn into a complex page-turner that switches back and forth to provide the reader with the points of view of the good guys as well as the bad ones,
A group of friends who attended Tulane University together are meeting for a reunion on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Liam Cross, a twenty-seven-year-old Casanova, wakes up on the beach with blood on his clothes and body and doesn't remember much about the previous night. He figured the reason was all the tequila shots he’d consumed. He does remember meeting Jenna, a fascinating and beautiful young woman and walking on the beach with her. While struggling to get back to the beach house he and his friends had rented, he finds a bloodstained sweater he thinks might belong to Jenna. Kat Benson had waited months for this weekend and was looking forward to seeing Liam, her college boyfriend, and hoping to figure out if their relationship was the real thing. The group of friends becomes concerned when one of their own turns up missing. FBI agents and CIA operatives join forces with local authorities to try to solve a rash of reports of young adults missing from the area and uncover a history of disappearances the small had chosen to ignore.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Judith Lucci’s Beach Traffic is an intricately woven tale with lots of action, suspense, twists, and turns. This author is very talented in creating suspense and tension with her written words, and her descriptive writing makes the reader feel they are participating in the action as events unfold. From the first page, the reader is drawn into a complex page-turner that switches back and forth to provide the reader with the points of view of the good guys as well as the bad ones,
A group of friends who attended Tulane University together are meeting for a reunion on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Liam Cross, a twenty-seven-year-old Casanova, wakes up on the beach with blood on his clothes and body and doesn't remember much about the previous night. He figured the reason was all the tequila shots he’d consumed. He does remember meeting Jenna, a fascinating and beautiful young woman and walking on the beach with her. While struggling to get back to the beach house he and his friends had rented, he finds a bloodstained sweater he thinks might belong to Jenna. Kat Benson had waited months for this weekend and was looking forward to seeing Liam, her college boyfriend, and hoping to figure out if their relationship was the real thing. The group of friends becomes concerned when one of their own turns up missing. FBI agents and CIA operatives join forces with local authorities to try to solve a rash of reports of young adults missing from the area and uncover a history of disappearances the small had chosen to ignore.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 1, 2018
VENGEANCE BY jJohn Ling
Maya hated walking into a trap, having a muslin head dress on, she continues. Now hearing a harsh Arabic language, anxiety is felt, could she get pass the check point, or detour around. Now a call telling her to go back they are testing her commitment. With heart pounding, as a reader, what does the author have in store for us. Bringing to mind, that others as she was, and the ground soldiers have gotten orders from someone above them. Testing them, and they were easily disposed if worse happened.
VEILED. CONSPIRACY by Ja’Nese Dixon
Nicholas is hoping for a publisher for his next book. To flush the killer of his wife out of hiding. His words were lethal against the group The Dark Spider, which he felt resulted in his wife’s death. Nine months could he do it, he felt he had no choice. A mishap and emails, his files are gone, and condo trashed. Now what was he going to do.
This collection is full of adventure, revenge and wanting justice. Read one or all they will definitely be worth reading. For me a lot of new authors, which gives me an idea of their type of writing. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Maya hated walking into a trap, having a muslin head dress on, she continues. Now hearing a harsh Arabic language, anxiety is felt, could she get pass the check point, or detour around. Now a call telling her to go back they are testing her commitment. With heart pounding, as a reader, what does the author have in store for us. Bringing to mind, that others as she was, and the ground soldiers have gotten orders from someone above them. Testing them, and they were easily disposed if worse happened.
VEILED. CONSPIRACY by Ja’Nese Dixon
Nicholas is hoping for a publisher for his next book. To flush the killer of his wife out of hiding. His words were lethal against the group The Dark Spider, which he felt resulted in his wife’s death. Nine months could he do it, he felt he had no choice. A mishap and emails, his files are gone, and condo trashed. Now what was he going to do.
This collection is full of adventure, revenge and wanting justice. Read one or all they will definitely be worth reading. For me a lot of new authors, which gives me an idea of their type of writing. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
November 21, 2018
I read an advance copy of “The Last File” by Sierra London.
MaKenzie, a good, determined detective with Daddy and alcohol issues, and her partner Adrian (who’s a hunk, BTW) are hot on the trail of the Birthday Butcher, who’s rained death on women for years. Mac is especially involved with the search since several women close to her have been murdered. The police department-mandated meetings with a therapist put a growing pressure on her as she has to address her rage at the father who left her and her mother, and to admit she has a drinking problem. Add to that her undeniable attraction to Adrian, which he apparently reciprocates. So many issues to repress while she grasps to find clues to identify the Butcher. I won this book in a drawing and didn’t know the author or what to expect. But the book sucked me in and held my attention till the surprise ending. I honestly recommend “The Last File!”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MaKenzie, a good, determined detective with Daddy and alcohol issues, and her partner Adrian (who’s a hunk, BTW) are hot on the trail of the Birthday Butcher, who’s rained death on women for years. Mac is especially involved with the search since several women close to her have been murdered. The police department-mandated meetings with a therapist put a growing pressure on her as she has to address her rage at the father who left her and her mother, and to admit she has a drinking problem. Add to that her undeniable attraction to Adrian, which he apparently reciprocates. So many issues to repress while she grasps to find clues to identify the Butcher. I won this book in a drawing and didn’t know the author or what to expect. But the book sucked me in and held my attention till the surprise ending. I honestly recommend “The Last File!”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2018
I have only read one story so far. Beach Traffic by Judith Lucci. It was terrific as are all her stories. Her writing is descriptive. She pulls you in on the first page and doesn't let go until the end. This story is filled with action, suspense, twists and turns. Liam wakes up on the beach wearing bloody clothes. He doen't know what happened. Women are disappearing. Why? What is happening? Local police, CIA, FBI, the Coast Guard all team up to solve this mystery. It seems there is a history of disappearances that have never been solved. Will this team find the answers?
Thank you to all the talented writers who have written stories for this collection. I'm looking forward to reading your stories.
Thank you to all the talented writers who have written stories for this collection. I'm looking forward to reading your stories.
October 30, 2018
This review is based on 1 book:Facing the Past by Alexa Padgett.
OMG! This series is worth 99 cents just for this book. It is the story of an unsolved 30 year old kidnapping and murder of a young boy and the ensuing fallout on the family, friends and police. On her death bed, the mother contacts the police and leaves them her journals hoping they contain the necessary clues to finding the serial killer. This book is a well-written, well-paced story that gave me white knuckle moments with a kick-butt ending. I recommend spending the money to purchase this series. If you only read this book, it is worth the price!
OMG! This series is worth 99 cents just for this book. It is the story of an unsolved 30 year old kidnapping and murder of a young boy and the ensuing fallout on the family, friends and police. On her death bed, the mother contacts the police and leaves them her journals hoping they contain the necessary clues to finding the serial killer. This book is a well-written, well-paced story that gave me white knuckle moments with a kick-butt ending. I recommend spending the money to purchase this series. If you only read this book, it is worth the price!
November 25, 2018
The Last File was a quick and enjoyable read,is one of the stories included in this collection by Siera London. I really enjoyed the strength and vulnerability of the main character MaKenzie. She's trying to figure out her life all while keeping strong and solving one of the most high profile murder mystery cases. I love how even though she didn't want to, she faced her problems head on.
Adrian was the perfect partner for her. Always to the rescue but not too over powering of her.
I'm looking forward to future books and seeing what cases come next for MaKenzie and Adrian.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adrian was the perfect partner for her. Always to the rescue but not too over powering of her.
I'm looking forward to future books and seeing what cases come next for MaKenzie and Adrian.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2018
Death, damages and so much more
“He chuckled, low and melodic. The sound of his voice hit Mac’s ear with the smooth warmth of medium roast coffee. A tablespoon of Adrian’s Brooklyn borough accent added a sweetness for which Mac had developed an affinity.” Siera London does have a way with words. The Last File is a great read.
Dismal by Tiana Laveen
Ms. Laveen paints pictures with words allowing the reader to feel the cut on his hand as he wraps the injury with gauze. A very good read.
“He chuckled, low and melodic. The sound of his voice hit Mac’s ear with the smooth warmth of medium roast coffee. A tablespoon of Adrian’s Brooklyn borough accent added a sweetness for which Mac had developed an affinity.” Siera London does have a way with words. The Last File is a great read.
Dismal by Tiana Laveen
Ms. Laveen paints pictures with words allowing the reader to feel the cut on his hand as he wraps the injury with gauze. A very good read.
December 3, 2018
Death and Damages is a Great Collection of Mysteries and Thrillers
This a great collection of mysteries and thrillers.
Beach Traffic by Judith Lucci.
Suspense ,twists and turns abound as Federal Agents,Jane Anders and Paul Servo work with local law enforcement total break up a sex trafficking ring.
Sharpe Note by Lisa Thomas
Deena is involved in another murder in Maycroft filled with plenty of twists and turns.
I loved these storyline and characters together with all stories in the collection.
This collection is recommended for mystery and thriller lovers.
This a great collection of mysteries and thrillers.
Beach Traffic by Judith Lucci.
Suspense ,twists and turns abound as Federal Agents,Jane Anders and Paul Servo work with local law enforcement total break up a sex trafficking ring.
Sharpe Note by Lisa Thomas
Deena is involved in another murder in Maycroft filled with plenty of twists and turns.
I loved these storyline and characters together with all stories in the collection.
This collection is recommended for mystery and thriller lovers.
December 24, 2018
I GIVE THIS COLLECTION A BIG PASS
For my liking, although I do appreciate a large collection of reads, there were too many stories here that did not hold my interest. Probably a great way to introduce new authors, but I just couldn't bring myself to finish each story. There were a couple of enjoyable reads, but the rest were a huge pass. It just seemed too overwhelming to finish. Unfortunately I may have missed a few good reads.
For my liking, although I do appreciate a large collection of reads, there were too many stories here that did not hold my interest. Probably a great way to introduce new authors, but I just couldn't bring myself to finish each story. There were a couple of enjoyable reads, but the rest were a huge pass. It just seemed too overwhelming to finish. Unfortunately I may have missed a few good reads.
February 11, 2019
Some stories were definitely better than others but because of the ones that were not so good, I felt I had to lower the rating. One or two had a huge number of spelling errors (such as your/you’re and their/there/they’re) that I struggled my way through, cringing at every mistake. There were a couple with way too much explicit content compared with the others. I bought it when it was on offer at 99p so it’s not as bad as if it had just been a couple of bad stories for £5.
November 27, 2018
Every year a killer takes and kills one young woman and decorate them. She has been after them for so long now. They do something different and she begins to wonder if she will ever stop them? See how she will get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2018
The Last File by Siera London is a wonderful story. This story has a lot of thrills and suspence in this whole book. I am so glad I read this story with the strong characters and wonderful story line, I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves thrills and suspence in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2019
This is no longer available. I went off to read this. I could not finish. Many of the stories I read, I did not like. Some I did. Some had misspelled words. Some were depressing. Also, I hated the fact I had to bookmark every page when I stopped reading. Even after finishing one of the books. It did not automatically start on the page I stopped reading. Very inconvenient.
December 2, 2018
This is a great anthology! I have only read a few of the stories, but they are all fantastic! I am a fan of most of these authors and these stories are some of their best works. Well worth the price! I bought this anthology and this is my honest review.
January 19, 2019
Many hours of great reading material
So many stories, and most of them are really good. If you are on a tight budget this is the best way to get many hours of great reading material. My only disappointment was in the editors.
So many stories, and most of them are really good. If you are on a tight budget this is the best way to get many hours of great reading material. My only disappointment was in the editors.
February 12, 2019
A great collection of mysteries!
Each book in this collection was just as good, if not better than the one before it. From serial killers to kidnapping to physiologic problems, each book will keep you riveted!
Each book in this collection was just as good, if not better than the one before it. From serial killers to kidnapping to physiologic problems, each book will keep you riveted!
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