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Miller & Stevens #1
The Sins of the Mother
"Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable..." -- Publisher's Weekly
A killer is putting the mangled, lifeless bodies of prostitutes on display in sleepy Northeast Tennessee.
The murderous spree is accelerating.
Two detectives, Lukas Miller from Johnson City and Brooke Stevens from Kingsport, have been assigned to hunt the killer down and stop him. Miller and Stevens are considered the best in their respective departments, and although they've never met, their superiors order them to work together in a coordinated effort to put an end to the violence as quickly as possible. Their reputations, and perhaps their careers, are on the line. As the body count grows, Lukas and Brooke find themselves growing more and more desperate to catch a cunning psychopath who delights in painting their terrified towns red with blood. Will Lukas and Brooke finally end the nightmare? Or will the hunters become the hunted?
A killer is putting the mangled, lifeless bodies of prostitutes on display in sleepy Northeast Tennessee.
The murderous spree is accelerating.
Two detectives, Lukas Miller from Johnson City and Brooke Stevens from Kingsport, have been assigned to hunt the killer down and stop him. Miller and Stevens are considered the best in their respective departments, and although they've never met, their superiors order them to work together in a coordinated effort to put an end to the violence as quickly as possible. Their reputations, and perhaps their careers, are on the line. As the body count grows, Lukas and Brooke find themselves growing more and more desperate to catch a cunning psychopath who delights in painting their terrified towns red with blood. Will Lukas and Brooke finally end the nightmare? Or will the hunters become the hunted?
315 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2018
5465 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Scott Pratt
59 books1,566 followersScott Pratt is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Bestselling Author whose books have sold more than five million copies. He was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee until his tragic, untimely passing in November of 2018.
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
November 4, 2018
Scott Pratt is back with a new series, still set in the heart of Tennessee. Pratt continues to impress readers with his strong writing. Detective Lukas Miller of the Johnson City Police Department is in the middle of a trying investigation, as the body of a prostitute is found late one night. More troubling than the fresh body is that Miller is being forced to work alongside Detective Brooke Stevens of the Kingsport PD, a surrounding community where bodies have also been appearing. While they work out the kinks, Miller and Stevens try to stay one step ahead of this killer, as they seek a motive and determine how the pattern will progress. In a case that leaves little downtime, both detectives are forced to juggle personal lives that are quite involved and can sometimes prove distracting. As a potential suspect emerges, Miller and Stevens race to get answers, only to have him found dead of an apparent overdose. Could the killer be taunting the police in this intense game of cat and mouse? It would seem that the killer has found weaknesses both detectives possess, thereby affixing crosshairs for maximum devastation. Forced to scramble to save those they love, Miller and Stevens learn the value of teamwork and swift responses, but will it be enough? Pratt does a wonderful job laying the groundwork for what could be a great series, with fresh and insightful characters. Recommended to those who have enjoyed much of Pratt’s past work, as well as readers who like detective novels read in short order.
I stumbled across Scott Pratt years ago when he was a few novel into his first series. I thoroughly enjoy the way he crafts his plot lines and develops characters who are both likeable and full of humour, while not afraid to tackle disturbing issues. In this series debut, strong characters are essential to keep the reader intrigued. Lukas Miller shows himself to be a determined detective who wants nothing more than to succeed at his job while trying to see where things are headed with his girlfriend, Gaby. Their relationship seems on-again/off-again, depending how the wind blows, which proves difficult for Miller to digest, particularly as he has little down time as it is. Brooke Stevens is also work-centred, with her role as an instructor to cadets when she is not solving cases. Her divorce is still fresh, as is the balance between violent work and being a mother to a little girl. Stevens seeks happiness, though she has little time to ponder the nuances of daily life, with a plate already overflowing. Together, they make a strong team and the attentive reader will see that Pratt should have a great timer developing their characters in the years to come. The balance of the characters that appear work to propel the story forward without getting in the way. The reader will notice a few minor characters who may return in coming novels, particularly if the police procedural theme remains. The story is strong, fuelling an interesting backstory that may have led to the killer’s need to exterminate their victims. Set in Tennessee, as many of Pratt’s works tend to be, the reader will learn a little more about the region while also being treated to a well-written narrative and decent dialogue that promotes reading the book in a few sittings. I can see great potential with this book and look forward to more novels in the series.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt, for another great novel. I am happy to see that you keep publishing such high caliber pieces time and again.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I stumbled across Scott Pratt years ago when he was a few novel into his first series. I thoroughly enjoy the way he crafts his plot lines and develops characters who are both likeable and full of humour, while not afraid to tackle disturbing issues. In this series debut, strong characters are essential to keep the reader intrigued. Lukas Miller shows himself to be a determined detective who wants nothing more than to succeed at his job while trying to see where things are headed with his girlfriend, Gaby. Their relationship seems on-again/off-again, depending how the wind blows, which proves difficult for Miller to digest, particularly as he has little down time as it is. Brooke Stevens is also work-centred, with her role as an instructor to cadets when she is not solving cases. Her divorce is still fresh, as is the balance between violent work and being a mother to a little girl. Stevens seeks happiness, though she has little time to ponder the nuances of daily life, with a plate already overflowing. Together, they make a strong team and the attentive reader will see that Pratt should have a great timer developing their characters in the years to come. The balance of the characters that appear work to propel the story forward without getting in the way. The reader will notice a few minor characters who may return in coming novels, particularly if the police procedural theme remains. The story is strong, fuelling an interesting backstory that may have led to the killer’s need to exterminate their victims. Set in Tennessee, as many of Pratt’s works tend to be, the reader will learn a little more about the region while also being treated to a well-written narrative and decent dialogue that promotes reading the book in a few sittings. I can see great potential with this book and look forward to more novels in the series.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt, for another great novel. I am happy to see that you keep publishing such high caliber pieces time and again.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 17, 2019
5 stars audio
3 stars story. Could've been 4 stars if not for cheesy romance thrown in. 🙄🙄🙄
3 stars story. Could've been 4 stars if not for cheesy romance thrown in. 🙄🙄🙄
March 23, 2019
Great story. Fast paced and believable characters. Not the usual lawyer/client Pratt usually writes. Very good read. I hope there more to come
June 14, 2019
What a read!!
I will write a review soon. I hope hope hope there will be a book two since this is book 1, however, it was during this read that I found out the very sad news that Scott Pratt has passed away. I don't what to say and cannot, at this time, write a review. I can only comment that I am going to begin reading ALL of Pratt's books that are available.
I will write a review soon. I hope hope hope there will be a book two since this is book 1, however, it was during this read that I found out the very sad news that Scott Pratt has passed away. I don't what to say and cannot, at this time, write a review. I can only comment that I am going to begin reading ALL of Pratt's books that are available.
November 25, 2018
This book had the mystery, suspense and added bonus of a blossoming romance. Anytime a book makes me neglect what I should be doing, it’s a winner ! The budding romance is a favorite too and both leading characters have the strong personalities and moral compass that we have come to appreciate in a Scott Pratt book. Looking forward to these two writers next in the series. Five stars
December 26, 2023
Explosive
Couldn’t put this book down. Every page provided different twist and turns.
The relationship between Lukas and Brooke seemed very authentic.
Couldn’t put this book down. Every page provided different twist and turns.
The relationship between Lukas and Brooke seemed very authentic.
November 10, 2018
I’ve Read This Story Before (Sing to: “I’ve Seen That Movie too.”)
I love reading mystery/police procedurals, so I looked forward to this 4-5 stars-reviewed, new detective series. I made a mug of tea, sat in my favorite chair and began reading. Aaaaand I was puzzled because this book’s serial murderer scenario has played out numerous times in other mysteries/police procedurals. Plus, it’s been done better and more convincingly. The serial murder plot is so straightforward that a mystery aficionado would know all possible permutations and deduce story direction(s).
I could not believe Scott Pratt wrote this book. I checked authors, re-read Amazon reviews and found reviewer SilverGhost’s: “Who the %$()?! is Mark Stout???” I’d guess Mr. Stout is an author. If he were an editor, he needs remedial training, unless the various errors can be blamed on Kindle mis-formatting.
SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS
Stop reading now if you hate spoilers
—SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS—
I ticked boxes listing police procedural character-stereotypes, plus possible life/death outcomes of same.
1. A male detective who is ex-military, special operations. Eyeball-rolling cliche.
2. Male detective has a girlfriend who doesn’t understand the demands of his job. He angers the serial killer. What, if anything, happens to her?
3. A woman detective, following in her daddy’s boot-steps, is disrespected by male cops.
4. Two attractive detectives stuck together on the same case. Hmmm, wonder what happens?
5. Sweet mom prostitutes for money. What happens?
6. An emotionally-abused boy was almost killed by his drunk prostitute-mom. Guess his future “occupation.”
7. A big-hearted cop has a soft spot for a hooker with a good 10-year-old son. She’s murdered. What happens to her athletically gifted son?
8. Female detective has a nice mom. Cop angers the killer. Guess what happens to mom.
9. Same detective has a lovable 5-year-old daughter. What happens to the sweet child?
Story killers:
1. Labels on medication vials are not easy to remove. The label has medication name, method of administration, dosage, lot numbers, barcodes, expiration date, what else is in the vial, etc.
2. The intelligent killer removes vial labels at the murder scene and discards in kitchen trash can.
3. Would any nurse—especially a charge nurse—disclose information that vials of NARCOTICS came from University Hospital where he/she works? Plus disclose where in the hospital the narcotics were assigned.
4. Health care personnel cannot just scribble his/her signature for narcotics. Those meds are signed out via an automated machine or a human. The following is usually required: date, time, drug name, patient name and ID, prescribing MD, printed (not cursive) name of person administering, usually needs a signature, etc.
2 stars because I was able to read to the end.
I love reading mystery/police procedurals, so I looked forward to this 4-5 stars-reviewed, new detective series. I made a mug of tea, sat in my favorite chair and began reading. Aaaaand I was puzzled because this book’s serial murderer scenario has played out numerous times in other mysteries/police procedurals. Plus, it’s been done better and more convincingly. The serial murder plot is so straightforward that a mystery aficionado would know all possible permutations and deduce story direction(s).
I could not believe Scott Pratt wrote this book. I checked authors, re-read Amazon reviews and found reviewer SilverGhost’s: “Who the %$()?! is Mark Stout???” I’d guess Mr. Stout is an author. If he were an editor, he needs remedial training, unless the various errors can be blamed on Kindle mis-formatting.
SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS
Stop reading now if you hate spoilers
—SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS—
I ticked boxes listing police procedural character-stereotypes, plus possible life/death outcomes of same.
1. A male detective who is ex-military, special operations. Eyeball-rolling cliche.
2. Male detective has a girlfriend who doesn’t understand the demands of his job. He angers the serial killer. What, if anything, happens to her?
3. A woman detective, following in her daddy’s boot-steps, is disrespected by male cops.
4. Two attractive detectives stuck together on the same case. Hmmm, wonder what happens?
5. Sweet mom prostitutes for money. What happens?
6. An emotionally-abused boy was almost killed by his drunk prostitute-mom. Guess his future “occupation.”
7. A big-hearted cop has a soft spot for a hooker with a good 10-year-old son. She’s murdered. What happens to her athletically gifted son?
8. Female detective has a nice mom. Cop angers the killer. Guess what happens to mom.
9. Same detective has a lovable 5-year-old daughter. What happens to the sweet child?
Story killers:
1. Labels on medication vials are not easy to remove. The label has medication name, method of administration, dosage, lot numbers, barcodes, expiration date, what else is in the vial, etc.
2. The intelligent killer removes vial labels at the murder scene and discards in kitchen trash can.
3. Would any nurse—especially a charge nurse—disclose information that vials of NARCOTICS came from University Hospital where he/she works? Plus disclose where in the hospital the narcotics were assigned.
4. Health care personnel cannot just scribble his/her signature for narcotics. Those meds are signed out via an automated machine or a human. The following is usually required: date, time, drug name, patient name and ID, prescribing MD, printed (not cursive) name of person administering, usually needs a signature, etc.
2 stars because I was able to read to the end.
June 5, 2025
A strong 4+ star rating
I hadn’t read a Scott Pratt novel in several years and don’t understand why. I simply love this author and went back to see what I had read of the Joe Dillard series back when. I guess I stopped at book 8 but now that my mind is refreshed as to how much I like his work, his characters his style of writing and the intimate look at his family life I will be sure to continue on.
This offering is co-written with Mark Stout. It introduces us to two new detectives Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens from two different precincts who combine their efforts to find a killer that is killing prostitutes in both their geographical areas. The usual police procedurals take place but as it moves along and various elements fall into place, as we get more acquainted with the characters and the suspense ratchets up the reader finds himself reading a bit too long into the night to get a restful sleep but can’t wait to continue nonetheless.
I loved this and I just have to mention that one reason why I like Pratt’s books is because they are clean. No vulgarities in the language even though as readers and viewers we are led to believe that all officers use the f-word in every sentence. A good writer doesn’t have to rely on expletives to get a point across or influence the drama of the case. This is a good example of that. Do take note of that when reading it and I’ll just bet you won’t miss the profanity one bit and be perfectly entertained and enthralled in the story.
I hadn’t read a Scott Pratt novel in several years and don’t understand why. I simply love this author and went back to see what I had read of the Joe Dillard series back when. I guess I stopped at book 8 but now that my mind is refreshed as to how much I like his work, his characters his style of writing and the intimate look at his family life I will be sure to continue on.
This offering is co-written with Mark Stout. It introduces us to two new detectives Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens from two different precincts who combine their efforts to find a killer that is killing prostitutes in both their geographical areas. The usual police procedurals take place but as it moves along and various elements fall into place, as we get more acquainted with the characters and the suspense ratchets up the reader finds himself reading a bit too long into the night to get a restful sleep but can’t wait to continue nonetheless.
I loved this and I just have to mention that one reason why I like Pratt’s books is because they are clean. No vulgarities in the language even though as readers and viewers we are led to believe that all officers use the f-word in every sentence. A good writer doesn’t have to rely on expletives to get a point across or influence the drama of the case. This is a good example of that. Do take note of that when reading it and I’ll just bet you won’t miss the profanity one bit and be perfectly entertained and enthralled in the story.
February 21, 2025
This was a great thriller! Knowing a little about people and mental health, I quickly understood who and what they were up against. I was a little frustrated at how long it took them to realize, but once they were on it, things picked up quickly.
Such a smart, methodically planned out killer who was always a step ahead. It made you wonder how much more training the detectives need, or if this guy was really just that good.
Such a smart, methodically planned out killer who was always a step ahead. It made you wonder how much more training the detectives need, or if this guy was really just that good.
November 14, 2018
Skipping pages
After chapter 40 I began to skip pages.
The murder mystery is good, the main characters' relationship... not so much.
After chapter 40 I began to skip pages.
The murder mystery is good, the main characters' relationship... not so much.
November 22, 2018
A really great book!
I had quite a bit of stuff going on while reading this book so it took a while to finish it but I’m really glad I stuck with it cause it’s an excellent read. You won’t be disappointed.
I had quite a bit of stuff going on while reading this book so it took a while to finish it but I’m really glad I stuck with it cause it’s an excellent read. You won’t be disappointed.
August 14, 2019
Just Horrible
I’ve read somewhere that James Patterson outlines his books and his Co-Author actually writes the story. That must have happened here. I’ve read some of the Joe Dillard books. They were way better than this book. Let’s identify the bad elements: average plot, horrible dialogue, cliched situations, and nobody else acts like a real cop but the main characters. This book reads like a really bad author tried to write a book. How Scott Pratt let his name go on this book is beyond me. Please no more Mark Stout books!
I’ve read somewhere that James Patterson outlines his books and his Co-Author actually writes the story. That must have happened here. I’ve read some of the Joe Dillard books. They were way better than this book. Let’s identify the bad elements: average plot, horrible dialogue, cliched situations, and nobody else acts like a real cop but the main characters. This book reads like a really bad author tried to write a book. How Scott Pratt let his name go on this book is beyond me. Please no more Mark Stout books!
January 24, 2019
I’m a huge Scott Pratt fan and haven’t given any of his books less than a stellar five stars, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed with this newest series.
I believe this is the first installment in the series, but I’m hoping the story picks up. I found it to be very boring the first half. So much so, I ended up skipping some sections because I found the writing to be overkill and lots of filler. I can’t believe I’m even saying this about an author I respect so much.
The characters, Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens, are very likable, as they are trying to learn each other since being paired as partners. As they navigate their caseload and getting to know one another, dead prostitutes are popping up everywhere. And when one in particular lends itself to the cesspool, unfortunately for Miller, he has a personal connection to her. It wasn’t as if he and Brooke were dragging their feet on the case, because that wasn’t the case, but it appeared as though they were at a standstill with lackluster leads and uncooperative officials. The upper brass was literally breathing down their necks and threatening them at every turn, and no matter how hard they worked to solve this case, it just seemed like they were never getting there.
That is, until a huge break comes their way shedding some light on where they should go. I really disliked their chief because he was just an ass. He treated Miller and Stevens like they were idiots and couldn’t handle their jobs. They were doing the very best they could, but he had no time for their slow speed. Of course, the Mayor and other officials were in his behind about the mass murders and, as we all know, crap rolls downhill, but it still frustrated me as much as it did them.
Again, I’m not sure what to say about this story. It didn’t start heating up for me until about 70% of the story, and that was almost the end. I believe Pratt wrote this story with another author and knowing Pratt the way I do, I could sense the parts he wrote, which were the sections that held my interest. He just has a way of making action come alive on the page. I don’t know, it really bothers me that I didn’t like this book, but I always keep it real when I read, so for me, this one just didn’t quite do it for me.
But I will say this, I’m going to give the series a chance. I’ll read the second one and if I feel the same way as I did with this first one, then I will leave it alone. Here’s hoping and crossing my fingers!
I believe this is the first installment in the series, but I’m hoping the story picks up. I found it to be very boring the first half. So much so, I ended up skipping some sections because I found the writing to be overkill and lots of filler. I can’t believe I’m even saying this about an author I respect so much.
The characters, Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens, are very likable, as they are trying to learn each other since being paired as partners. As they navigate their caseload and getting to know one another, dead prostitutes are popping up everywhere. And when one in particular lends itself to the cesspool, unfortunately for Miller, he has a personal connection to her. It wasn’t as if he and Brooke were dragging their feet on the case, because that wasn’t the case, but it appeared as though they were at a standstill with lackluster leads and uncooperative officials. The upper brass was literally breathing down their necks and threatening them at every turn, and no matter how hard they worked to solve this case, it just seemed like they were never getting there.
That is, until a huge break comes their way shedding some light on where they should go. I really disliked their chief because he was just an ass. He treated Miller and Stevens like they were idiots and couldn’t handle their jobs. They were doing the very best they could, but he had no time for their slow speed. Of course, the Mayor and other officials were in his behind about the mass murders and, as we all know, crap rolls downhill, but it still frustrated me as much as it did them.
Again, I’m not sure what to say about this story. It didn’t start heating up for me until about 70% of the story, and that was almost the end. I believe Pratt wrote this story with another author and knowing Pratt the way I do, I could sense the parts he wrote, which were the sections that held my interest. He just has a way of making action come alive on the page. I don’t know, it really bothers me that I didn’t like this book, but I always keep it real when I read, so for me, this one just didn’t quite do it for me.
But I will say this, I’m going to give the series a chance. I’ll read the second one and if I feel the same way as I did with this first one, then I will leave it alone. Here’s hoping and crossing my fingers!
December 2, 2018
Interesting book
My training was as a psychotherapist and although I am now retired, I agree with Dr Daniel Amen that psychiatry is the only medical field where the doctor does not examine the body part that is affected directly. In many ways we are still not much more advanced than tea leaves and rune casting. I could not help but think that if the serial killer in this book had gotten help and had a complete physical as a child, including a SPECT scan of his brain, so many lives might have been saved. But this isn't the medical norm...yet. It is amazing that as police officers following evidence, mental health professionals, profilers, and even investigative reporters; we manage to track and find serial killers as well as we do. I wonder if SPECT scans of numero brains of these people would discover a commonality of the area of the brain that is damaged and allow them to have the help they need before they become killers. In this book Miller and Stevens are tracking a horrific killer . This person is intelligent, has no police record, is gainfully employed and ahead of them every step of the way. Each of the major players in this novel are dealing with their own issues and obsessive need to succeed. I once hear a very famous psychiatrist open his seminar with the statement, "Someday I am going to cure myself and get out of this business." The 200 or so of us in the audience laughed, knowing exactly what he meant. This novel is like that. Both officers and the killer are trying to "cure" themselves, each choosing a different path, each obsessed in their own way. How these lives interact and affect each other has been skillfully woven into the story. It is a good book and you can read it on many levels and enjoy it as a who-dunnit, or at the more profound and very human level of their individual struggles. What I also enjoyed was the courage and support of the police chiefs, who cared more about their officers and enabled them to do their jobs without being ham-stung by politics and bureaucracy. Good book. Enjoy.
My training was as a psychotherapist and although I am now retired, I agree with Dr Daniel Amen that psychiatry is the only medical field where the doctor does not examine the body part that is affected directly. In many ways we are still not much more advanced than tea leaves and rune casting. I could not help but think that if the serial killer in this book had gotten help and had a complete physical as a child, including a SPECT scan of his brain, so many lives might have been saved. But this isn't the medical norm...yet. It is amazing that as police officers following evidence, mental health professionals, profilers, and even investigative reporters; we manage to track and find serial killers as well as we do. I wonder if SPECT scans of numero brains of these people would discover a commonality of the area of the brain that is damaged and allow them to have the help they need before they become killers. In this book Miller and Stevens are tracking a horrific killer . This person is intelligent, has no police record, is gainfully employed and ahead of them every step of the way. Each of the major players in this novel are dealing with their own issues and obsessive need to succeed. I once hear a very famous psychiatrist open his seminar with the statement, "Someday I am going to cure myself and get out of this business." The 200 or so of us in the audience laughed, knowing exactly what he meant. This novel is like that. Both officers and the killer are trying to "cure" themselves, each choosing a different path, each obsessed in their own way. How these lives interact and affect each other has been skillfully woven into the story. It is a good book and you can read it on many levels and enjoy it as a who-dunnit, or at the more profound and very human level of their individual struggles. What I also enjoyed was the courage and support of the police chiefs, who cared more about their officers and enabled them to do their jobs without being ham-stung by politics and bureaucracy. Good book. Enjoy.
June 4, 2019
Quite a good book; it's better than many in the genre.
I was sorry to hear about the author, but I'll probably check out some of his other works.
I was sorry to hear about the author, but I'll probably check out some of his other works.
January 22, 2019
A great read about a serial killer targeting prostitutes. Two detectives from neighboring cities teamed up for the case that got very personal. As with any good story, it is not so much the plot but the telling that makes the difference.
Anything from Scott Pratt is good, if you ask me, so enough about the book for now....Just a few weeks after this book was released, Scott died in a diving accident. That was really sad, albeit comforting at the thought that he and his wife are probably now together for all eternity.
Co-written with Mark Stout, who I understand he mentored, I can’t help but wonder about Scott’s sudden passing just after this was released. Was he passing the torch somehow? With a great mentor, and with this offering as our preview, I’m certain that Mark Stout will continue to entertain us with his stories.
Anything from Scott Pratt is good, if you ask me, so enough about the book for now....Just a few weeks after this book was released, Scott died in a diving accident. That was really sad, albeit comforting at the thought that he and his wife are probably now together for all eternity.
Co-written with Mark Stout, who I understand he mentored, I can’t help but wonder about Scott’s sudden passing just after this was released. Was he passing the torch somehow? With a great mentor, and with this offering as our preview, I’m certain that Mark Stout will continue to entertain us with his stories.
March 7, 2019
WOW! Just wow!
I have enjoyed every book Mr. Pratt has had published. I love the character development and that he doesn’t take until half way through the book to make the point of the story. I find his work makes me read a little slower at the beginning, and it picks up about midway and once we’re pasted the 60% mark it’s all I can do to ingest the rest of the story!
Now enter Mr. Stout. What Mr. Pratt brings to the party, as far as law is concerned, Mr. Stout brings the enforcement of the law to the party. The characters are developed with a real feel to them. You get their strengths and their weaknesses. I am so excited about this new series I can’t say it enough.
If you give it a chance, it’ll suck you in just like it did me! Thank you to Mr. Pratt and Mr. Stout for bringing this awesome pair of characters to life!
Peace!
Mike
I have enjoyed every book Mr. Pratt has had published. I love the character development and that he doesn’t take until half way through the book to make the point of the story. I find his work makes me read a little slower at the beginning, and it picks up about midway and once we’re pasted the 60% mark it’s all I can do to ingest the rest of the story!
Now enter Mr. Stout. What Mr. Pratt brings to the party, as far as law is concerned, Mr. Stout brings the enforcement of the law to the party. The characters are developed with a real feel to them. You get their strengths and their weaknesses. I am so excited about this new series I can’t say it enough.
If you give it a chance, it’ll suck you in just like it did me! Thank you to Mr. Pratt and Mr. Stout for bringing this awesome pair of characters to life!
Peace!
Mike
November 11, 2018
A Homerun by Pratt & Stout
This is definitely a police procedural/mystery suspense novel with a little co-worker heat thrown in with Lukas & Brooke detectives from 2 different small police departments working together (not by choice) to solve similar crimes in their respective towns. They got good leads but we're always 2 steps behind. The story is well written, with enough backstory and imagery that you feel like you know the place. The main characters Lukas & Brooke were both strong individuals confident in their work but each had personal issues to face & overcome.
Great story , kept me reading until the last page and already have Lukas & Brooke book 2 on my wish list.
This is definitely a police procedural/mystery suspense novel with a little co-worker heat thrown in with Lukas & Brooke detectives from 2 different small police departments working together (not by choice) to solve similar crimes in their respective towns. They got good leads but we're always 2 steps behind. The story is well written, with enough backstory and imagery that you feel like you know the place. The main characters Lukas & Brooke were both strong individuals confident in their work but each had personal issues to face & overcome.
Great story , kept me reading until the last page and already have Lukas & Brooke book 2 on my wish list.
November 25, 2018
I got this book because I liked Scott Pratt’s earlier books about the newly minted lawyer, Darren Street. The tempo was fast and the dialogue snappy. This new series, Miller & Stevens, has the potential but it is about two police detectives, Luckas Miller and Brooke Stevens, each from a different town where a serial killer has stalked and murdered prostitutes. The two are paired by their captains to solve the murders fast. There is quite a lot of action and the killer is smart BUT as in all police procedurals, the good guys win. I will look for the 2nd book even though this one was very slow moving and the dialogue was stilted and overly precise. Perhaps this is due to the co-author Mark Stout finding his way. Good read but not up to the standards of Darren Street series.
June 12, 2019
Wonderful Read
I admittedly fell for the main characters, Stevens and Miller, and the chemistry they shared. There hasn’t been ample character development being that we’ve only made it past book one, but I hope to learn more about each character in the upcoming novels.
I throughly enjoyed the twists and turns that transpired throughout the course of the investigation, and although somewhat predictable, Pratt still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat and totally hooked - I finished the book in a few days.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series. Hoping Pratt releases it very soon!
I admittedly fell for the main characters, Stevens and Miller, and the chemistry they shared. There hasn’t been ample character development being that we’ve only made it past book one, but I hope to learn more about each character in the upcoming novels.
I throughly enjoyed the twists and turns that transpired throughout the course of the investigation, and although somewhat predictable, Pratt still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat and totally hooked - I finished the book in a few days.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series. Hoping Pratt releases it very soon!
November 9, 2018
Good plot; poor execution
The plot was logical in inception. Character development was from poor to unreal. The relationship between the two MC never was developed. The concept of two detectives -a male and a female - working to solve a series of cases was a good approach; however, the author needed a good editor to resolve the various disharmonies through the work. I skipped many chapters which contributed nothing to the plot development! In Its current format, I would NOT recommend this work to anyone! SUGGESTION: Author locate and work with a creditable editor.
The plot was logical in inception. Character development was from poor to unreal. The relationship between the two MC never was developed. The concept of two detectives -a male and a female - working to solve a series of cases was a good approach; however, the author needed a good editor to resolve the various disharmonies through the work. I skipped many chapters which contributed nothing to the plot development! In Its current format, I would NOT recommend this work to anyone! SUGGESTION: Author locate and work with a creditable editor.
April 2, 2019
A solid first book.
I enjoyed The Sins of the Mother. It was a solid first attempt at introducing Lukas Miller and Brook Stevens. The story and plot were good, if not slightly cliche but one can only take the psycho serial killer model so far.There were a couple of twists that made it interesting, but I found the storyline between the two characters a little too predictable and it required a little more tension and detail to add credibility. I give it a five as it was the authors first crack at bat, but expect more from his second book coming out in the fall.
I enjoyed The Sins of the Mother. It was a solid first attempt at introducing Lukas Miller and Brook Stevens. The story and plot were good, if not slightly cliche but one can only take the psycho serial killer model so far.There were a couple of twists that made it interesting, but I found the storyline between the two characters a little too predictable and it required a little more tension and detail to add credibility. I give it a five as it was the authors first crack at bat, but expect more from his second book coming out in the fall.
August 13, 2019
On the edge of your seat serial killer mystery
Great interaction between characters by having two equal investigators trying to solve the murders and stop the serial killer before more lives are lost. I would have liked more development of the investigators relationship with her young daughter and her parents. I was on edge with worry so well written but a little more identifying with them would have made me even more concerned for their safety. Can't wait to read the next Lukas adventure.
Great interaction between characters by having two equal investigators trying to solve the murders and stop the serial killer before more lives are lost. I would have liked more development of the investigators relationship with her young daughter and her parents. I was on edge with worry so well written but a little more identifying with them would have made me even more concerned for their safety. Can't wait to read the next Lukas adventure.
July 23, 2020
Good reading by Scott Pratt, again. This one was about a serial killer who killed hookers, one right after another, killing his mother over and over again, then trying to kill Brooke, the cop trying to stop him, because she tried to stop him from doing his “job.” Lucas was her “partner” from another city who hunted the killer with her.
There was absolutely no romance, but it was leading up to it at the end of the book. And no swearing to speak of.
As to the narration: You really can’t get any better than Tim Campbell. His voices and emotions are perfect.
November 12, 2018
Mother's Sin,
Lucas a defining character, good looking,, strong, detective, with a big heart, that goes on gut feeling to solve the case, , Brooke, a smart, sexy, detective, and single mom, who solves, cases by the book, Lucas and Brooke are partner up to catch a prostitute killer, This book did have kind of a slow start, but the more I read the better it got, Scott likes to keep a reader on their toes, Thank You Miller & Stevens, Ready for book 2,
Lucas a defining character, good looking,, strong, detective, with a big heart, that goes on gut feeling to solve the case, , Brooke, a smart, sexy, detective, and single mom, who solves, cases by the book, Lucas and Brooke are partner up to catch a prostitute killer, This book did have kind of a slow start, but the more I read the better it got, Scott likes to keep a reader on their toes, Thank You Miller & Stevens, Ready for book 2,
November 17, 2018
Another great book by this author, no dislikes here. I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm not much of a reader, but this author is very good read some of his books I'm sure you'll like them too.
Another great book by this author, no dislikes here. I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm not much of a reader, but this author is very good read some of his books I'm sure you'll like them too.
Another great book by this author, no dislikes here. I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm not much of a reader, but this author is very good read some of his books I'm sure you'll like them too.
November 19, 2018
Sins of the Mother is a good read.
The Sins of the Mother is an interesting book. The two lead police detectives, Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens, are chasing a serial killer who targets prostitutes. There are many twists and turns and several surprises. The book also shows Miller and Stevens at the beginning of their relationship, which starts them out as colleagues and develops into more. I highly recommend it.
The Sins of the Mother is an interesting book. The two lead police detectives, Lukas Miller and Brooke Stevens, are chasing a serial killer who targets prostitutes. There are many twists and turns and several surprises. The book also shows Miller and Stevens at the beginning of their relationship, which starts them out as colleagues and develops into more. I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2019
Worth the time to read and review
There aren't many books I've read that shared authorship, fiction that is. It's the first I've read by either author. One, with a good track record, the other, perhaps his first. Good storylines, well developed characters and an antagonist you really easily dislike. I enjoyed the read, and I recommend it. You won't get a lot of details in my reviews, but I won't steer you into a poorly written book, or a boring read.
There aren't many books I've read that shared authorship, fiction that is. It's the first I've read by either author. One, with a good track record, the other, perhaps his first. Good storylines, well developed characters and an antagonist you really easily dislike. I enjoyed the read, and I recommend it. You won't get a lot of details in my reviews, but I won't steer you into a poorly written book, or a boring read.
July 22, 2019
Fast paced, a good read
Lukas & Brooke, detectives in two different counties, come together to track down a serial killer who has been killing prostitutes. The killer is always two steps ahead of the detectives, until he makes one blunder - that part of the plot seemed a little out of character given how careful the killer was.
However, there is action and the pace is fast A good read.
Lukas & Brooke, detectives in two different counties, come together to track down a serial killer who has been killing prostitutes. The killer is always two steps ahead of the detectives, until he makes one blunder - that part of the plot seemed a little out of character given how careful the killer was.
However, there is action and the pace is fast A good read.
May 25, 2020
I loved this book! It was very difficult to put it down for all the excitement. "Page turner" is a good acronym for this. I first discovered Scott Pratt through the Joe Dillard series, which I loved and hated they ended. Darren Street I didn't like as much because he was a criminal, but the books were still intriguing. I will continue to follow Pratt and read his work. I have enjoyed every one of them.
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