What do you think?
Rate this book
Lt. Kate Gazzara #4
Sapphire
The gripping series continues as homicide detective Kate Gazzara faces the most personal—and deadly—case of her lifetime.
On a cold morning in October, 1987, Ohio State Patrol Officer Dan Walker finds a wooden box on a quiet, county road. Twenty-five years later, in 2012, and more than 600 miles away, a young woman vanishes without a trace and another is found dead from what appears to be an overdose.
In 2015, street-smart Lieutenant Kate Gazzara is suddenly transferred to the Cold Case Squad and assigned her first case. But as she painstakingly goes over the file she discovers a connection to all three incidents. Is there a serial killer on the loose, one who has been killing for almost three decades?
The case promises to be more complex than Kate first thought. Thrust into a tangle of family secrets, murder and intrigue and with a new partner by her side, she suspects that there were ulterior motives for her reassignment.
Why was she assigned to this particular case? Why did Chief Johnston suddenly reassign his best detective, Kate Gazzara, to investigate cold cases nobody else could solve? Was there a police cover-up all those years ago? What does her long-time nemesis Assistant Chief Henry Finkle have to do with it? Kate knows that she will have to tread carefully. Her career, and perhaps even her life, is at stake.
On a cold morning in October, 1987, Ohio State Patrol Officer Dan Walker finds a wooden box on a quiet, county road. Twenty-five years later, in 2012, and more than 600 miles away, a young woman vanishes without a trace and another is found dead from what appears to be an overdose.
In 2015, street-smart Lieutenant Kate Gazzara is suddenly transferred to the Cold Case Squad and assigned her first case. But as she painstakingly goes over the file she discovers a connection to all three incidents. Is there a serial killer on the loose, one who has been killing for almost three decades?
The case promises to be more complex than Kate first thought. Thrust into a tangle of family secrets, murder and intrigue and with a new partner by her side, she suspects that there were ulterior motives for her reassignment.
Why was she assigned to this particular case? Why did Chief Johnston suddenly reassign his best detective, Kate Gazzara, to investigate cold cases nobody else could solve? Was there a police cover-up all those years ago? What does her long-time nemesis Assistant Chief Henry Finkle have to do with it? Kate knows that she will have to tread carefully. Her career, and perhaps even her life, is at stake.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2018
287 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
291 books345 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 18, 2018
Opened it to have a look, went back and finished reading the one I was already into, then finished Sapphire in one go.
Short review: Good book, arguably Howard's best.
Details: police procedural, with good guys (who have personal issues, but put them aside while on the job), some not so good, a slimy character, and a truly evil bad guy.
Plus redemption of sorts from one who doesn't quite fit in any of the pigeonholes. What's not to like?
I enjoyed the book, and you will too. Recommended.
Short review: Good book, arguably Howard's best.
Details: police procedural, with good guys (who have personal issues, but put them aside while on the job), some not so good, a slimy character, and a truly evil bad guy.
Plus redemption of sorts from one who doesn't quite fit in any of the pigeonholes. What's not to like?
I enjoyed the book, and you will too. Recommended.
December 7, 2018
I am more familiar with the Harry Starke series than the Kate Gazzara books, but I did enjoy this story.
There are two main threads to the story, both cold homicide cases. Interestingly one has a possible connection to another police officer.
The cases are built up in a realistic manner, with real leg work (or at least keyboard work) and quite a few feathers ruffled, which brings us to the characters, Kate is a strong resourceful woman, whose only real weakness is Harry Starke. There are also some rather less savoury characters, including other members of the police force. But all the characters are very real and believable and well written.
Overall a very readable, fun, exciting police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but have voluntarily reviewed it.
There are two main threads to the story, both cold homicide cases. Interestingly one has a possible connection to another police officer.
The cases are built up in a realistic manner, with real leg work (or at least keyboard work) and quite a few feathers ruffled, which brings us to the characters, Kate is a strong resourceful woman, whose only real weakness is Harry Starke. There are also some rather less savoury characters, including other members of the police force. But all the characters are very real and believable and well written.
Overall a very readable, fun, exciting police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but have voluntarily reviewed it.
December 6, 2018
Sapphire is a well written, fast paced book from a very talented author. Kate Gazzara is a feisty cop with some heavy personal issues which make her very likeable. This book is a bit of a timeline mix up if you have read other books by this author but it does address some issues from Gazzara's past. A good read.
November 23, 2018
A well written and enjoyable read.
This is the third book in the Kate Gazzara series and the story flows easily as Lt Kate Gazzara plus her partner Lonnie are asked to head up a Cold Case Unit and told they must give priority to the eight year old 'Sullivan' case by the chief who is determined Kate will solve it quickly albeit happened over 8 years ago.
Very early on Kate meets women whose sister went missing and was no longer being investigated and on listening to her story decides to change priorities taking up the case. With her priority changed Kate faces awkward internal politics and also watch out for both her superior Henry Finkle who is the pain of her life and her lazy ex partner called Casey.
The plot twists and turns with some good unexpected undertones and developments put in for good measure to keep you turning the pages until the final conclusion. Blair Howard always writes a smooth believable story with characters you can believe in, he also adds a bit of sparkle and a touch of humour.
This is the third book in the Kate Gazzara series and the story flows easily as Lt Kate Gazzara plus her partner Lonnie are asked to head up a Cold Case Unit and told they must give priority to the eight year old 'Sullivan' case by the chief who is determined Kate will solve it quickly albeit happened over 8 years ago.
Very early on Kate meets women whose sister went missing and was no longer being investigated and on listening to her story decides to change priorities taking up the case. With her priority changed Kate faces awkward internal politics and also watch out for both her superior Henry Finkle who is the pain of her life and her lazy ex partner called Casey.
The plot twists and turns with some good unexpected undertones and developments put in for good measure to keep you turning the pages until the final conclusion. Blair Howard always writes a smooth believable story with characters you can believe in, he also adds a bit of sparkle and a touch of humour.
November 17, 2018
SAPPHIRE by Blair Howard is an interesting look at the police procedural of a cold case. It also allows you to better know the woman in charge of finding the answers needed. Lt. Kate Gazarra is smart, talented, and nobody’s fool. Her latest partner, Sgt. Lonnie Guest, is a likable man who stands up for her when others try to take advantage of her being a woman in a difficult, demanding job.
She has a relationship with another man who used to be a police officer, Harry Starke, that is central to the story and a part of the books in this series. In this particular book Kate deals with a threatening episode that was always lurking in the back of my mind as I read, wondering when will she be attacked by which evil character.
This is a series I have enjoyed and highly recommend. I received a free reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
She has a relationship with another man who used to be a police officer, Harry Starke, that is central to the story and a part of the books in this series. In this particular book Kate deals with a threatening episode that was always lurking in the back of my mind as I read, wondering when will she be attacked by which evil character.
This is a series I have enjoyed and highly recommend. I received a free reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2018
Kate and Lonnie get assigned to the new Cold Case Squad and her first assignment is to close out a the 25 year old case of Rhonda Sullivan. She also ends up taking over a missing person case that seems to have shoddy police work as there is very little in the file. We learn more of Kate and Lonnie's relationship and get to see more of her "creepy" boss. This is a great addition to the series.
May 7, 2020
Great series, good police protocol and good characters. All of his books are a winner.
November 13, 2018
A police procedural. Somewhat heavy on details. A female detective who confronts mysogony. The deputy-chief sounds a disgusting little troll, the name Finkle is hardly a coincidence.
Catherine and her partner Lonnie are assigned to Dead End Files. Whether this is a compliment to her skills or the death knell of her career is up for grabs.
The glass ceiling and abuse women in policing and military service encounter is highlighted.
We don’t meet the Sapphire of the title until half way into the book.
If you’ve watched JAG or NCIS then you’re aware there is no such thing as an online database that cannot be hacked by a pro.
Murder-Mystery is not my normal milieu but a good read is a good read. I wish every book in progress was as well edited as this one.
Catherine and her partner Lonnie are assigned to Dead End Files. Whether this is a compliment to her skills or the death knell of her career is up for grabs.
The glass ceiling and abuse women in policing and military service encounter is highlighted.
We don’t meet the Sapphire of the title until half way into the book.
If you’ve watched JAG or NCIS then you’re aware there is no such thing as an online database that cannot be hacked by a pro.
Murder-Mystery is not my normal milieu but a good read is a good read. I wish every book in progress was as well edited as this one.
December 14, 2018
9/8/1987, Bolton County, OH. Highway 52 Northbound, Milepost 333. State Trooper Dan Walker (OH) had stopped to take a roadside piss.
A box laying there tore a hole in his pants uniform.
Sergeant Beavers was on his way to check out the situation.
There was a skull in it.
Sheriff Milton “Grumbling Milt” Grambling (Bolton County) Deputy Sheriff Rufus Watson (forensic tech) Deputy Sheriff Gene Drake (Detective), & Lawrence “Birdie” Cackleton (P/T coroner/funeral director) had all arrived on the scene.
The box is brand new, but the corpse is quite old.
Dr. Lewiston examined the bones.
It is a 25+ female. She had been strangled about 6 yrs. ago.
After 1 yr. the case went cold.
5/7/2015, Chattanooga, TN. Lieutenant Catherine “Kate” Gazzara (Chattanooga PD homicide MCU), & DS Lonnie Guest (partner) went to see Chief Wesley Johnston (retired USMC), & Asst. Chief Henry “Tiny” Finkle (45+).
Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest were now the new Cold Case Squad.
Rhonda Sullivan (10/9/2006) was at the top of their list to try & solve her cold case.
What information did Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest get out of Detective John “Dick” Tracy (41, MPU, Kate’s ex-partner)?
This case was on hold for now.
Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest were now working on the Jennifer Lewis (wife, 4/16/2002, Starburst strip club) cold case.
What did Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest go see Asst. Chief Finkle about?
Will Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest solve any of the cold cases & bring someone to justice?
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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery 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 huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
A box laying there tore a hole in his pants uniform.
Sergeant Beavers was on his way to check out the situation.
There was a skull in it.
Sheriff Milton “Grumbling Milt” Grambling (Bolton County) Deputy Sheriff Rufus Watson (forensic tech) Deputy Sheriff Gene Drake (Detective), & Lawrence “Birdie” Cackleton (P/T coroner/funeral director) had all arrived on the scene.
The box is brand new, but the corpse is quite old.
Dr. Lewiston examined the bones.
It is a 25+ female. She had been strangled about 6 yrs. ago.
After 1 yr. the case went cold.
5/7/2015, Chattanooga, TN. Lieutenant Catherine “Kate” Gazzara (Chattanooga PD homicide MCU), & DS Lonnie Guest (partner) went to see Chief Wesley Johnston (retired USMC), & Asst. Chief Henry “Tiny” Finkle (45+).
Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest were now the new Cold Case Squad.
Rhonda Sullivan (10/9/2006) was at the top of their list to try & solve her cold case.
What information did Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest get out of Detective John “Dick” Tracy (41, MPU, Kate’s ex-partner)?
This case was on hold for now.
Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest were now working on the Jennifer Lewis (wife, 4/16/2002, Starburst strip club) cold case.
What did Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest go see Asst. Chief Finkle about?
Will Lieutenant Gazzara, & Sergeant Guest solve any of the cold cases & bring someone to justice?
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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery 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 huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
December 27, 2018
Sapphire - a review by Rosemary Kenny
I'm a little puzzled as to why this story is titled with the name of a minor character who's not even mentioned, (and then only briefly) until a fair way into Sapphire, an excellent tale by the marvellous writer Blair Howard.
I loved the spooky introduction to the latest case for Lieutenant Kate Gazzara - a skull and other bones from a dessicated, decapitated corpse sealed in a wooden box, discovered on a lonely road by an incontinent policeman on night patrol. The gradual development of the plot and Kate's,(who's a woman after my own heart) impulsive manner of seeking out the person responsible, had me champing at the bit with excitement and enthusiasm, to find out if she'd bitten off more than she could chew when confronting the suspects, (usually alone with no 'cavalry; on stand-by!).
Fierce feisty yet feminine Kate Gazzara's a modern miracle - a woman who knows her own mind inspires respect and loyalty in her partner, her boss and her on-again, off-again lover and mentor, Harry Starke - and fear in the villains who know dedication and integrity when they get on the wrong side of the law she personifies.
If you only read one detective series this year make sure it's the Kate Gazzara one by the incredible Blair Howard - it's a decision you'll never regret, so get your copy today...you'll be blown away!
I'm a little puzzled as to why this story is titled with the name of a minor character who's not even mentioned, (and then only briefly) until a fair way into Sapphire, an excellent tale by the marvellous writer Blair Howard.
I loved the spooky introduction to the latest case for Lieutenant Kate Gazzara - a skull and other bones from a dessicated, decapitated corpse sealed in a wooden box, discovered on a lonely road by an incontinent policeman on night patrol. The gradual development of the plot and Kate's,(who's a woman after my own heart) impulsive manner of seeking out the person responsible, had me champing at the bit with excitement and enthusiasm, to find out if she'd bitten off more than she could chew when confronting the suspects, (usually alone with no 'cavalry; on stand-by!).
Fierce feisty yet feminine Kate Gazzara's a modern miracle - a woman who knows her own mind inspires respect and loyalty in her partner, her boss and her on-again, off-again lover and mentor, Harry Starke - and fear in the villains who know dedication and integrity when they get on the wrong side of the law she personifies.
If you only read one detective series this year make sure it's the Kate Gazzara one by the incredible Blair Howard - it's a decision you'll never regret, so get your copy today...you'll be blown away!
November 15, 2018
I read this story in about 3 hours. I simply could not put it down because I wanted to see what was next in Kate Gazzara’s world.
SAPPHIRE is book three in the Lieutenant Kate Gazzara series, and reads fabulously as a stand-alone, or as a part of the entire series.
Blair Howard continues to write about Detective Kate Gazzara, her partner, Lonnie Guest, and her on again-off again love interest and former partner, Harry Starke – and NEVER does it become a bore to read. Kate is just as snarky as ever. Lonnie finally sees some things concerning himself, personally, that I see making for big changes in the future. And Harry is – well, Harry.
Kate and Lonnie are assigned to take over the Cold Case Unit, and the Chief has a case that needs solving NOW. Of course, things never go as planned, which leaves Kate and Lonnie up to their collective eyeballs in cases hot and cold. Add to that Asst. Chief Finkle’s mad desire to objectify/rule over Kate, and her even madder desire to see him in Hell, and the plot just gets better.
The twists and turns will leave you wanting to know more. The weaving of current cases with ice cold cases will keep you rooted to your seat. I truly look forward to the next in this series.
SAPPHIRE is book three in the Lieutenant Kate Gazzara series, and reads fabulously as a stand-alone, or as a part of the entire series.
Blair Howard continues to write about Detective Kate Gazzara, her partner, Lonnie Guest, and her on again-off again love interest and former partner, Harry Starke – and NEVER does it become a bore to read. Kate is just as snarky as ever. Lonnie finally sees some things concerning himself, personally, that I see making for big changes in the future. And Harry is – well, Harry.
Kate and Lonnie are assigned to take over the Cold Case Unit, and the Chief has a case that needs solving NOW. Of course, things never go as planned, which leaves Kate and Lonnie up to their collective eyeballs in cases hot and cold. Add to that Asst. Chief Finkle’s mad desire to objectify/rule over Kate, and her even madder desire to see him in Hell, and the plot just gets better.
The twists and turns will leave you wanting to know more. The weaving of current cases with ice cold cases will keep you rooted to your seat. I truly look forward to the next in this series.
November 13, 2018
Lt. Kate Gazzara is back in this 3rd Novel by Blair Howard. As is the norm for this author, the book gets moving quickly. Once again you will remember Kate's partner, Lonnie; and of course some help from former partner Harry Starke. Chief Johnston has a "surprise" for Kate, he wants her to head up his new "Cold Case" team, and he even has strict instructions on which case she should start on, a murder mystery that has never been solved. While at the unveiling of the new department, Kate is approached by a woman who's sister has been missing for some years. She asks Kate for help and Kate can't turn her down. Kate has her hands full when her murder mystery gets murkier, and her missing person case touches close to home base. Can Kate and Lonnie unravel the mysteries of the cold case files? Guaranteed to keep you hopping, Sapphire will keep you off kilter, wondering who did what with whom. You just can't go wrong with a book written by Blair Howard; the characters are always three dimensional and the plots top notch.
November 14, 2018
This is the third book in the Kate Gazzara series. Again Blair Howard doesn't disappoint the reader. He always takes special attention to detail. Another of his great talents is developing and bringing his characters to life.
In this book Lt Kate Gazzara and her partner are moved to head up the Cold Case Unit and told to give priority to the eight year old 'Sullivan' case. Her chief is determined she will solve it quickly even though it happened 8 years ago.
Then she meets the sister of a women who's sister had gone missing 3 years ago. She had come to the station as Detective Tracy. in charge of the case, would not longer take her phone calls. While they were talking her partner Lonnie and the lady recognised each other and started talking (Lonnie was the Police Officer who had taken the missing persons report). Kate being Kate didn't like what she was hearing. After the meeting she gets the case file and her priority changes.
This is a relatively short story but having said that it is very precise and I really enjoyed it.
Keep up the good writing.
In this book Lt Kate Gazzara and her partner are moved to head up the Cold Case Unit and told to give priority to the eight year old 'Sullivan' case. Her chief is determined she will solve it quickly even though it happened 8 years ago.
Then she meets the sister of a women who's sister had gone missing 3 years ago. She had come to the station as Detective Tracy. in charge of the case, would not longer take her phone calls. While they were talking her partner Lonnie and the lady recognised each other and started talking (Lonnie was the Police Officer who had taken the missing persons report). Kate being Kate didn't like what she was hearing. After the meeting she gets the case file and her priority changes.
This is a relatively short story but having said that it is very precise and I really enjoyed it.
Keep up the good writing.
November 18, 2018
Missing Persons Isn't Always Boring!
LT Kate Garazza is the narrator for a story from her past. The time is after the previous book in the series.
The story weaves together two cases that Kate acquires after being assigned to Missing Persons along with SGT Guest. While the story focuses on Kate, Harry Starke and his PI team play a nice supporting role.
There are interesting twists and turns. The story develops the cases in timeframes that make sense for real police detective work (if you also have a bit of good luck to speed things up).
My only complaint is that Kate, who is a very smart detective, allows herself to get into situations she shouldn't. of course, if she didn’t, the story would need some changes. :)
This was a good read. It's worth your time. I look forward to the further adventures on Kate.
LT Kate Garazza is the narrator for a story from her past. The time is after the previous book in the series.
The story weaves together two cases that Kate acquires after being assigned to Missing Persons along with SGT Guest. While the story focuses on Kate, Harry Starke and his PI team play a nice supporting role.
There are interesting twists and turns. The story develops the cases in timeframes that make sense for real police detective work (if you also have a bit of good luck to speed things up).
My only complaint is that Kate, who is a very smart detective, allows herself to get into situations she shouldn't. of course, if she didn’t, the story would need some changes. :)
This was a good read. It's worth your time. I look forward to the further adventures on Kate.
April 19, 2020
Sapphire (Lt. Kate Gazzara #4), my ninth read from author Blair Howard and the fourth in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Before reading Jasmine (Lt. Kate Gazzara #1), my sixth read from author Blair Howard and the fourth in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series I'd only read the author's Civil War & Civil War/Western Series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction, each book in the series better than the last. There have been some timeline issues as earlier books in the series have been published later than the following resulting in partners still present after having been written out of the series. I was been given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. I look forward to Victoria, the next book in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 20, 2023
Kate Garraza has been assigned to cold cases.
The Chief wants her to work in the Sullivan case first, but it just turns up a dead end.
However at a reception introducing her as taking over cold cases, a woman tells her Detective Tracy has been ignoring her calls for over a year. Tracy used to be Kate’s worthless partner in Homicide. The lack of investigation frustrates Kate and she takes the file to the chief and is allowed to look into the case, which stirs up both Tracy and the Assistant Chief. This case takes Kate and her partner Lonnie in several directions. The cover ups, the extreme interest by the Assistant Chief make both of these cases really interesting and sometimes very tense.
Worth the read.
The Chief wants her to work in the Sullivan case first, but it just turns up a dead end.
However at a reception introducing her as taking over cold cases, a woman tells her Detective Tracy has been ignoring her calls for over a year. Tracy used to be Kate’s worthless partner in Homicide. The lack of investigation frustrates Kate and she takes the file to the chief and is allowed to look into the case, which stirs up both Tracy and the Assistant Chief. This case takes Kate and her partner Lonnie in several directions. The cover ups, the extreme interest by the Assistant Chief make both of these cases really interesting and sometimes very tense.
Worth the read.
November 18, 2018
This novel is set in the past when homicide detective, Lt. Kate Gazarra and her partner, Sargeant Lonnie Guest formed a new cold case division. At the ceremony for this announcement, a woman came up to Kate asking about her sister that disappeared years ago. The chief allows her to take this case on as long as they work the other cases also. The Sullivan case is the one he wants solved the most. Intrigue abounds, possibly even in their own station. This is another awesome book in the series. It has well written characters and some serious twists in the plot. I loved it and definitely recommend it.
November 15, 2018
Kate is suddenly transferred to the Cold Case Squad. She finds connections with three different killings that happened almost 30 years ago. Why was she assigned this particular case? As she digs even deeper, she thinks she might be in over her head, she suspects that there were ulterior motives for her reassignment. One thing Kate does know she best be very careful and watch her back....and she can't fail, it just might be the end of not only her career, but her. I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC of this book.
December 7, 2018
Lt. Gazzara transfers to the cold case unit and immediately picks up two puzzlers. She fights her demons including the harassment of the deputy chief as she tries to meet the demands placed on her while balancing her own priorities. With the help of Lonnie, her partner, she struggles to make progress in her investigation and keep the pressure off her back. The characters are quite realistic and interesting and the plot keeps the reader engrossed. Despite being part of a series the story works quite well on its own. Even knowing the ending I would read it again.
June 12, 2019
AN AWESOME,AWESOME READ!!
Another non-stop read!!
Kate, is giving a seriously old, missing person case, by the Chief of Police himself. Of course, Kate is constantly harrassed by the big jerk himself. Assistant Police Chief Finkle with his nasty sexual remarks. The case gets weirder, with more missing girls, from as far back as the one she is working on
Of course, Harry Starke and his crew are there to lend a hand, to Kate. A book, you won't want to put down, until the very end!!
Another non-stop read!!
Kate, is giving a seriously old, missing person case, by the Chief of Police himself. Of course, Kate is constantly harrassed by the big jerk himself. Assistant Police Chief Finkle with his nasty sexual remarks. The case gets weirder, with more missing girls, from as far back as the one she is working on
Of course, Harry Starke and his crew are there to lend a hand, to Kate. A book, you won't want to put down, until the very end!!
September 28, 2021
A decades-old unsolved case. Can it be solved?
Kate Gazzara is assigned to a new unit responsible for solving old unsolved crimes. The first one is personal to Chief Johnston. There are many more after that one. Then she is introduced to the Lewis case through unusual circumstances. She is given permission to take the case. Bodies tend to pile up. Can she connect the perpetrators to the murders? Only time and perseverance will tell. You will have to read the book to learn about all the kinks and turns Kate experiences. I enjoyed the book.
Kate Gazzara is assigned to a new unit responsible for solving old unsolved crimes. The first one is personal to Chief Johnston. There are many more after that one. Then she is introduced to the Lewis case through unusual circumstances. She is given permission to take the case. Bodies tend to pile up. Can she connect the perpetrators to the murders? Only time and perseverance will tell. You will have to read the book to learn about all the kinks and turns Kate experiences. I enjoyed the book.
November 27, 2018
"A Great Story Of A Smart Detective"
This is a mind-blowing thriller by great author Blair Howard. Kate and Lonnie are given a new unit within the PD, the Cold Case Unit. There's one case which presents real challenges. I lost sleep reading this captivating investigative story as I put my house chores aside until I finished this well written thriller. You'll be hooked right from the beginning to end. Highly recommend.
This is a mind-blowing thriller by great author Blair Howard. Kate and Lonnie are given a new unit within the PD, the Cold Case Unit. There's one case which presents real challenges. I lost sleep reading this captivating investigative story as I put my house chores aside until I finished this well written thriller. You'll be hooked right from the beginning to end. Highly recommend.
November 27, 2018
Kate is assigned to the cold case unit because her boss wants her to fail. With everything against her, she dives right in. One case leads to two. Over the years other top notched detectives have been unable to close these cases. Of course she solves both, but gets help from a very surprising source. If you've ever had a condescending boss you'll feel for Kate. I received this book from the author.
November 30, 2018
What a great book. Just loved getting background on Kate Gazzara from the wonderful "Harry Starke" novels. To be able to take a character from a great series and build on it to the point where it stands alone as another winner earns kudos for Blair Howard. Kate is a strong and feisty woman who has earned her place in what has always been a man's world. She's tough and takes no garbage from either criminals or colleagues. Don't miss this series.
May 18, 2020
Detective Kate Gazzara has put in charge of cold cases by the chief who has a special interest in an old one. As Kate and her partner Lonnie start digging into the file they soon find coincidental information that seem to tie to more cases. Harry is always around for Kate when she needs him. This cold case almost cost Kate her life. Always a great cast of characters, non stop action and a terrific story line will keep you reading well into the night.
October 6, 2020
Sapphire is an intriguing murder mystery with a female investigator, a missing woman, a girl in a box, and another cold case where the suspect has an unbreakable alibi. This is a terrific book that will keep the reader (or listener) hooked.
The narrator of the audiobook suits the main character and the book perfectly.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator of the audiobook suits the main character and the book perfectly.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 27, 2022
An interesting story with interesting characters and premise. On the one hand, I liked that it was told from first person perspective as sometimes detective stories also tell from the antagonist perspective, which I hate. But I didn't always connect with the first person POV in this case. Sometimes it was just a little too much for me. Not quite cheesy, per se, but I just didn't always like the first person narrator approach of telling about the case that happened in the past.
November 26, 2018
This was the third and final book in the Lt. Kate Gazzara Novel Series. We continue to follow homicide detective Kate Gazzara as she unravels the biggest case of her career. Fast-paced, full of action and danger. No shortage of secrets or surprises. Well-written with strong characters and a thrilling storyline. I read an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review.
December 9, 2018
Just finished reading this amazing book and I must say it’s one of Blair Howard’s best so far. I couldn’t put it down! I just love the character of Kate Gazzara and I’m glad Howard is giving Kate her own series. There’s so much I want to say about this novel, but I don’t like spoilers so I’ll just leave it at this – I can’t wait until the next book in this series!
December 20, 2018
LT. Kate Gazzara, book 3
Authors can seriously have patterns they follow for a book or a series. Not this author, multiple double twists and unexpected turns. You think you know who dun-it and you don't. A very surprising ending. Excellent read. Already have suggested this series to a few mystery readers.
Authors can seriously have patterns they follow for a book or a series. Not this author, multiple double twists and unexpected turns. You think you know who dun-it and you don't. A very surprising ending. Excellent read. Already have suggested this series to a few mystery readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews