Topaz' Trap

Julie O'Hara Mystery #4

by Lee Hanson

Brutally murdered in an Orlando townhouse, Topaz Bonnefille was a cipher, a zero, a beautiful woman in her late thirties with no past and suddenly, no future. There are no leads and the case is languishing. A compassionate, elderly neighbor, a woman of means who was her only friend, hires Private Investigator Joe Garrett to find and notify Topaz Bonnefille’s family… if she has one. Joe enlists the help of his associate and lover, body language expert Julie O’Hara. They find an old family Bible that leads to New Orleans… and an outcome nobody expected…


“Lee Hanson has delivered another gem, magically transporting the reader from the vibrant streets of Orlando to the dark and mysterious cemeteries of New Orleans. My favorite Julie and Joe adventure to date. Keep them coming Lee Hanson!”
– Tina Ruddy
“Blown away! I have read all of Lee Hanson’s books and this is by far her best yet. You will be completely blown away by the end of this story. I hope this author never stops writing these murder mysteries…”
– Corky Nichols

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2018

About the author

I was born in Chicago and quickly transplanted to Boston. In my forties, I moved south to Orlando, a city I've truly come to love. I'm the author of The Julie O’Hara Mystery Series, including Castle Cay, Swan Song, Mystral Murder and Topaz' Trap. My novels feature an intrepid body language expert, Julie O’Hara, who has received some very lovely reviews, which make me smile... and keep me writing!

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts strong, finding the murder victim quickly and moving directly into the death investigation. Julie O’Hara, a body language expert, works with Joe Garrett, a private investigator and her lover, when he is hired by a friend of the victim to locate the victim’s family to inform them of her death and her estate. The story has many twists and turns with the investigation moving between Orlando and New Orleans. This is the first book I have read in this series and at times I needed more background information regarding Julie O’Hara. I recommend reading the books in order, although this is a standalone novel. Additionally [SPOILER ALERT] the twist at the end of the novel was paranormal. The book read like a traditional mystery until the end where a complete surprise ending occurred that made the book a paranormal/fantasy/supernatural…I’m not sure the appropriate way to label a book when a character is possessed. I anticipated a book where, if I followed the clues, I would be able to reasonably attempt to complete the puzzle and determine the killer before the author’s final reveal. But a surprise paranormal ending is not, in my opinion, a traditional mystery. There is no way to guess or reason-out a surprise paranormal ending before the reveal. This is not a problem with the book – I just think the book will be better marketed if it is clearer what type of mystery this is so that readers are not unpleasantly surprised at the end. I thought this was a traditional mystery and was disappointed, as a result, by the unexpected ending. [END SPOILER]
*I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Dorothy Hopkins (86, patient) went for a walk to see Paz Margo Bujeau.
It was almost the last time she would ever try & push her Life Alert button.
Thornton Park. Julie O’Hara (PI partner, Joe’s lover, body language expert), & Joe Garrett (PI, Julie’s landlord, lover) were enjoying lunch.
The newest interview was with Topaz Bonnefille (35+, patient, cutter).
She had discovered Dorothy’s body. She did survive.
Orange County, FL. Why was Topaz murdered?
Oakwood Senior Towers (Lake Eola). Dorothy was being looked after 24/7.
Julie, & Joe’s investigations continue.
What information did Joyce DeLoe, & Carl DeLoe reveal to them?
Ms. Julie O’Hara received a call from Dr. Laney of the Oakwood Senior Towers. Dorothy Hopkins passed away.
Will Julie, & Joe solve the murder mystery & bring someone to justice?
What did Dr. Gregory “Greg” Nickel (psychologist) & Wayne Larson (lawyer) have going on?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great thriller movie, or better huge a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Hortensia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

The story line is interesting with a twist that I didn't see coming or even possible. It does go into the supernatural but not as much as I would have enjoyed. It doesn't properly explain self cutting, which is important to understand.
I won this ebook through Amazon Kindle give away.

[Nancye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

Loved the story. The characters were great. Very interesting learning more about the type of beliefs of Southerners. Ready for the next adventure.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 4th book in the Julie O'Hara mystery series. Entertaining.