Las Vegas Girl

Baxter and Holt #1

by Leslie Wolfe

Detectives Laura Baxter and Jack Holt are members of the elite: Las Vegas Metro PD, one of the toughest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the United States. In the middle of a city with two million residents and 43 million annual visitors, they’re hunting for a killer.

The crime: audacious

In a glamorous Las Vegas hotel, in front of hundreds of witnesses and under the lenses of countless video surveillance cameras, a young girl is brutally murdered. What promises to be a quick and easy investigation soon becomes a nightmare. The most recorded crime in Vegas is missing one key protagonist, the killer.

The forensics: stupefying

A crime-scene fingerprint unleashes dozens of unsettling questions instead of providing answers. Was this a murder for hire? In the politically-charged case, the scenario seems plausible; the victim’s secret life could’ve been the obstacle in an ambitious politician’s path. As the investigation unspools the well-concealed secrets surrounding the girl’s life, Baxter and Holt attract the attention of someone desperate to keep history’s terrible secrets buried.

The truth: shocking

A testimony from beyond the grave turns into a death warrant for the two unrelenting detectives. While they expose a connection with the victim’s distant past that could hold the key to catching her killer, they must learn to rely on each other to survive.

Two mavericks make an intriguing team. Baxter and Holt trust each other with their lives, only not with their darkest secrets.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Procedural, Detective, Suspense

210 pages, ebook

First published January 12, 2018

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book refers to two women born and raised in Las Vegas. One has been murdered, and the other is investigating that murder.

Laura Baxter has a secret, or maybe I should say several secrets, in her past. She’s been transferred and newly assigned to partner with Jack Holt. Both of them are warned to “toe the line” or they’re gone. It didn’t take long for me to realize why because they both cut corners, but Baxter does much more than that. I wasn’t sure I liked either one of them at first. They are not the first characters I’ve encountered who’ll do what’s necessary to solve their case, so they eventually grew on me. They have an intriguing relationship and work very well with each other.

The only thing that I could complain about in this book is that a couple of things felt conveniently contrived. Could just be me, so I won’t mention specifics because other readers may not feel that way and I don’t want to spoil their experience. I just accepted what was written and moved along.

The story was interesting, and the characters developed nicely. There is a second book due out in a couple of days, and I look forward to reading it!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman is thrown off the upper floor railing of the beautiful Aquamarine Casino to land on the stunning blue marble floor several stories below. The autopsy revealed that she was already dead before her fall. Surely, the zillion cameras that peppered the gambling establishment will help to catch the murderer. Unfortunately, not in this case.

Jack Holt and Laura Baxter of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department are assigned to be partners in the investigation. Both of them have ‘issues’ following proper procedures within the department. Jack collared another officer’s perp (a definite no-no) and Laura beat a suspect senseless in an interrogation room. These mavericks are relentless in their pursuit of the killer. They are highly creative in following leads and use technology whenever possible. The result is a fast-paced thriller. Enjoy.

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Vegas. I love crime thrillers. So I read the book.

I didn't like the first person perspective, but that is just my preference.

A young woman is brutally killed in the beginning, the rest of the book is figuring out who did it. The plot was good, and the story moved along well but I just felt the main character's actions were a little over the top. Seems like all of the characters definitely had their flaws, that's a good thing.

Highlights:
-The main character is a determined female detective in Vegas, that bends/breaks the rules. She was interesting, a former cop in London and had a British accent (I kept forgetting). She has a night hobby that made it feel a little unreal but was interesting.
-Her partner, fighting drug addiction is also a little bit of a loose cannon.
-Kind of figured out the mysterious bad guy pretty early.
-Fun hanging around Vegas, even if just through the story.
-I like the Medical Examiner too. Sexy lady!

Overall, I recommend it. Not great, but good enough.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome. I've enjoyed three of Wolfe's Tess Winnett books and this was just as good or better. The characters just sparkled and the dialogue was at times crisp and acerbic.

An audacious crime, a murder captured by a hotel CCTV finds maverick detectives Laura Baxter and Jack Holt partnered. They are on their last chance with Deputy Chief Wallace who makes no secret of his dislike for them. Success in the investigation will reflect well on Wallace but failure, or any mistakes, will see them shafted.

There's not much to go on as the image of the killer shows almost nothing, and when forensics finally produces something the results are confusing to say the least. Wallace tries to hamper their progress but these two are very determined and, as they learn to trust each other, they pull some pretty snazzy moves and uncover a shocking cover up of a crime from 11 years ago that could be related to their murder.

This just rocked! The pacing was perfect and the character development was outstanding as little snippets were doled out. I found myself cheering this pair on as they fought many obstacles to try to see justice done. I'm only sorry that it is (so far at least) a one-off stand alone story. I'd love to read a sequel.

[Marleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Las Vegas Girl was refreshing and interesting. Still I have my reservations as to the depth of characterization. What we have here are two highly flawed, yet endearing detectives, Det. Jack Holt, battling a drug addiction, and Det. Laura Baxter, who hasn’t dealt with her husband’s senseless killing who’s going off book with investigations. Nevertheless, the author wants us to believe that despite their transgressions, they both have an immense sense of justice and of integrity when it comes to getting to the truth of this case, doing right by the victim. The fact is, as a premise this contradiction is intriguing and compelling, but the narrative didn’t convince me these conflicting values cohabited serenely within these law enforcement officers. As for the plot, it was rather slow and often repetitive, but with a satisfying ending. Overall, not bad, but subject to improvement.

[Una Tiers · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took two tries to get through this book. I abandoned it the first time with good reasons. Returning, the book was repetitive. The dialogue was unrealistic. While the plot was dull, it had one or two twists that pulled this all the way to two stars.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (7/2/2018)!💝

[Colleen Fauchelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I found interesting about this story is that every character were two sides of a coin. On one side they were all seen as upright standing citizens but they each had a dark side to them, secrets, lies and cover ups is the dish of the day.
It is a story about Homicide detectives Holt and Laure who have only just been teamed up to solve the mystery of a young woman who has fallen/pushed from a higher level in a hotel/casino. I liked it.

[Liz]

Drug addicted cops who convince themselves they're the good guys. Nope.

[thisisabooktracker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why does this have such high reviews?

The characters are shallow, their relationship is shallow, you can see right through the plot, the murderer is no surprise... I won't be continuing this series

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't thought this author could improve on her Tess Winnett series and a fellow Goodreads' reviewer pointed out to me that this newer series is as good so I decided to give it a go, thinking it would be pretty unlikely......however, she was right. I loved it. Loved both the new police personnel we got to meet and enjoyed that fact that Baxter is from England, originally, so shares a lot of our common language, especially the swear words (though this did mean she sometimes wrote in proper English and at other times in Americanised English). Good girl......now, I do not like liars and usually wouldn't enjoy reading about the secrets this pair have but they're all in the name of the greater good, so I have to let my moral sensibilities lie. I liked the direction Leslie Wolfe took their personal relationship......we read so many when they're shilly-shallying around each other for maybe 6 books, and this pair are grown-ups and aren't playing those silly games and I greatly appreciated this.
I did see she does this odd thing with tenses a couple of times again. I'm sure I've mentioned this in prior reviews as it makes me wonder if English is her native language. "She'd tell us what was going on when she'd be ready" or "We'll find the super and ask him if he'd seen anyone" and again with "I hated thinking how awkwardly it had all become."
She wrote, on the same day that Baxter and Holt met, from Baxter's point-of-view, "Sometimes I wish he'd just bugger off" and she needs to lose the Sometimes, because they have only just met. She then asks someone where a witness works but this had already been referred to elsewhere in the story. Then, in one crucial sentence, she lost all the speechmarks !! THAT made me swear in a decidedly British way !!
There were some apostrophes missed or misplaced, used partners and not partner, sorrow and not sorrowful, impassible and not unpassable but nothing TOO frightful.
I am looking forward to the next instalment.

[Alfred J. Coscia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't Finish- Just Awful

This is not a novel as much as it is a platform on which the author preaches her holier-than-thou platitudes about her (ill-informed) opinions on matters such as addiction, which has conclusively been proven to be a disease, yet she compares "junkies" to the cartel in terms of equal disgust. However, the protagonist is free to flout the law as she sees fit.

I wanted a good book, not a digital soapbox. This is pure dreck. No real driving storyline, but of course the young, pretty, white woman is pushed ahead of all cases (I myself am white and disgusted that 2018 shows no real equality for races). I just hate this book and will not read another by her again. I will not pay to sit in her pulpit.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop action!

Last Vegas Girl introduces two detectives who are more alike than they know at the outset. If you enjoy action packed police thrillers, this is a must read. I'm hoping more Baxter & Holt stories are coming soon.

[Pisces51 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAXTER AND HOLT [2020] By Leslie Wolfe
My Review Five Stars****

LAS VEGAS GIRL had been sitting on the Unread Shelf of my Kindle since the Summer of 2018. It was the inaugural novel to launch her new book series featuring the fresh new protagonists Las Vegas Detectives Baxter and Holt. I am no stranger to the excellent crime fiction that is regularly published by the talented Leslie Wolfe. In November of 2020 I stumbled across “BAXTER AND HOLT” which was comprised of the trilogy of books starring the pair of maverick cops she introduced in 2018. It was available at a phenomenal price and I purchased it right now. Frankly I had no doubts that I would enjoy the three full length novels set in Sin City. I finished LAS VEGAS GIRL last night on the 24th of January ’21 and I have to say that it was exceptionally entertaining, an intelligent whodunnit, and a fast-paced crime fiction thriller. I loved it. Years from now it would be unlikely to find LAS VEGAS GIRL in the literature section of the library, or hear the term “classic” bandied about in the same sentence. However, it was enjoyable enough for me to feel compelled to award it a solid five stars for readability and satisfaction. Please refer to my individual review of LAS VEGAS GIRL [2018] which is posted under the original publication of the debut book.

That said, I launched right into BAXTER AND HOLT, in my case with the second book in the trilogy (CASINO GIRL) and read the final page last night (28th of January ’21). This book series written by Leslie Wolfe will mark a “first” for me. It is destined to be the first and only time I have read ANY book series (including the proverbial “cliffhangers” like FOUR MONKEYS on my Kindle right now) back-to-back. My established pattern is to return to the series after a few books by other authors, maybe even different genres, in between. The closest I came to reading an entire series back-to-back (up until now) was Anne Frasier’s BODY READER trilogy featuring the haunting and unforgettable lead character Jude Fontaine. I succumbed to reading the three books within the same month.

In the case of BAXTER AND HOLT by Wolfe it is a different kind of compulsion altogether. Each book in this crime fiction series by Wolfe is a complex whodunnit set against the glamorous backdrop of Las Vegas with a host of colorful potential villains who carried out the dastardly deed in question. The main characters and the subplot that is an underlying theme throughout each novel is fascinating, fun, and just plain entertaining to read. The element that got me “hooked” on the series was the clandestine activities of Baxter. A maverick cop has similarities to the vigilante genre (which I am a sucker for), and Baxter is actually a “female Lucas Davenport” that is in fact MORE interesting than Lucas on his best day of bending the rules. CASINO GIRL was an outstanding crime thriller coupled with the exciting, adrenaline laced exploits of Baxter, and the steamy romance between her and Holt that is alive with crackling electricity. I particularly liked the exotic murder weapon and method of deployment. The murder scene itself was very marvelously sexy and creative with kudos to Wolfe for delivering a second unputdownable read in this three book series. I wouldn’t hesitate to rate the entertaining CASINO GIRL a five star read (should I have read it as a standalone).

Finished LAS VEGAS CRIME last night on the 31st of January and loved it. It was comparatively darker than the first two installments of the saga of Baxter and Holt. The subject matter was nothing short of gruesome relative to the sadistic sexual predator living out his sick fantasies in the Mojave Desert. The method deployed by the serial killer to subdue his victims (as well as the underpinning of his psychosexual motivation) were both as sick as they were fascinating.

That said, the specter of an especially chilling serial killer doesn’t begin to define the story line of LAS VEGAS CRIME. The primary plot element that drives the plot and ratchets up the tension and suspense is the abduction of Holt’s teenage daughter. She is kidnapped by the henchmen of a drug kingpin dubbed “Snowman” [moniker derived from the cocaine trade of course]. The audacious kidnapping of the girl from her school in broad daylight by two imposters posing as cops is at first blush an act of revenge. The reader learns that Holt worked undercover in Snowman’s drug trafficking operation and actually would have successfully managed to disrupt the entire operation but for the premature pulling of the plug by the DEA. Snowman, not at all the forgiving sort, managed to slither away and to get re-established again in the nicer neighborhoods of LAS VEGAS with the drug cartel pouring illicit substances into the country. More significantly the narcissistic entrepreneur branched out to embrace sex trafficking and honed in on the “sky is the limit” cash that could be gained by providing sick perverts with the living, breathing female merchandise that would not only fuel but fulfill their deepest, darkest sexual fantasies. Teenaged girls were being nabbed with gay abandon it would seem, but the kidnapping of Holt’s daughter appeared to be purely a rage-filled vendetta. The abduction is revealed to be motivated by more than Snowman’s hatred for Holt, which is an interesting plot twist.

This last novel in the series is tauter and more time sensitive with the author unfolding the narrative in chapters which are headed by the expired amount of time since the time Holt’s daughter was taken. Each successive chapter in the book is invisibly underlined by the subliminal message that Meredith’s time is running out. The author adroitly transports the reader to the site of where the kidnapped girl(s) are being caged as animals. Yes, “girls” plural. Snowman has his goons nabbing unsuspecting teenage girls for the purpose of implanting tracking microchips, “training” them and then “turning them out” to make cash for him. There is also the infamous “auction” the Snowman plans for some of the more special young women that are snared in his net. Holt’s daughter is to suffer the same fate, but simply arrived at her dire destination by the same route but for a different reason. The chapters that are devoted to describing the fate of the caged teenage girls are difficult to read. Wolfe is articulate enough with her narrative to paint images in the reader’s mind that are vivid and deplorable. Some readers may actually reflect upon the novel and honestly believe they read more graphic descriptions than were factually printed in the book. This is a phenomenon known in the movie industry. For example, Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO (1960). It’s a black and white film and the viewer doesn’t actually see any stabbing of a naked body and bleeding knife wounds. But they reflect back and that emotion and belief sticks like glue. It is somewhat similar to John Carpenter’s cult classic in 1978 [HALLOWEEN]. Yes, there is a body count, but the viewer sees precious little carnage. The movie is still terrifying. And in the case of LAS VEGAS CRIME, the imprisonment and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse the young girls undergo is depraved to the nth degree. The author tells us about it but we actually “see” it.

This third entry in the BAXTER AND HOLT series is outstanding with action laced adrenaline and adventure to spare. It has the maverick Holt managing to thwart efforts of assistance from desperately needed sources, several scenes with sympathetic ancillary characters such as Fletcher and the FBI Agent leading the CART effort. The Internal Affairs hellcat from the prior novels that is gunning for Holt is even there to participate in her own unique way. Overall, it’s a jam packed adrenaline fueled ride from start to finish. The crime fiction and kidnapping genre designations are accurate up to a point but they obviously segue into the vigilante justice element quite seamlessly. I was expecting Baxter to deploy her “bag of tricks” (acting, disguise, lavish wardrobe, weaponry, cunning, high tech gadgets, and deception) to save the day. The story doesn’t disappoint. If I were to make minor criticisms if would be that in this tale in particular it requires the reader to really “step up” with the willingness to suspend disbelief. I was ready to do that but some readers may balk. Secondly, and it may be just me, but I thought that Baxter was just a little too cocky about her performance and just a smidgen too arrogant for my taste. But hey, this whole series was a winner and immensely enjoyable. Another five stars for LAS VEGAS CRIME from this reader is a given.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I'm impressed!
The story of 2 maverick cops whose personal issues were tormenting them personally and professionally, get partnered together to solve a high profile crime really piqued my interest.
At first, I wasn't sure if I like the MCs, Baxter and Holt, but after learning their character, personality and secrets I'm just hooked. Both characters are dimensional and alive. Their chemistry and relationship are super interesting and are going to be the main plot for this series. Detective Laura Baxter is the main POV of the book and she's one hell of a kick-ass MC. I love her dry British humor and her fierce passion for justice. Holt has some pov so we know he shares Baxter's view of how the system sometimes prevents them from pursuing the truth and deliver justice. The plot might not escape from murder and mystery genre cliche but the fun is in their investigation where there's a twist in every turn and at the same time learning their backstories, character and seeing them gradually understanding and trusting each other (not with their darkest secrets, yet!). My new fav duo.
I'm sooooo ready for book 2 !!!!

[Laura Belgrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Las Vegas Girl was the first of Leslie Wolfe's novels that I've read. It won't be the last, largely because the author is excellent at police procedurals and does a good job with character — something very important to me if I'm to continue reading a book. Mind you, her main character, Detective Laura Baxter, really does breach the line when she wants something done and she comes to the Las Vegas department with a law enforcement history that makes people raise their eyebrows about her competency. Still, she's clever and the plot itself is quite good, even if I had figured out the main bad guy long before the novel ended. (That never stops me, anyway. I like to see how authors play things out.)

If you haven't read this yet, I think you should consider doing so.

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

The story itself was super satisfying. I enjoyed the characters and I am excited to keep reading the series. The chemistry between Baxter and Holt is different but great and I am curious to see how their relationship will develop.

Side note: I listened to this on audible and the narrators London/American accent drove me nuts. I found it very distracting and I wish I could relisten with another narrator or read a physical copy.

Great read.

[Mashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a thriller and could not stop my self until I finish it specially after 60% of the story. I am very much forward to see Baxter and Holt together hunting for their next perp also tightening the loose ends regarding both cops past life and future. Yeah the story was bit messy with a lot of background stories. But I liked it, enjoyed it.

[Jim Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one roars right along. I couldn't stop reading it. Now I have to reorganize my entire life, because everything is out of sequence. I'm looking forward to reading more about the adventures of Baxter and Holt.

[Courtney Mauzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Leslie Wolfe book. Baxter and Holt likeable characters. Solid mystery. Will read more of her books.

[jenniferrkimm · Rating 1 out of 5]

it’s sooo boring I just cannot finish💀

[Scott Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed


I have read several of Leslie Wolfe's books and have enjoyed them all. This new series (hopefully) was no exception.

[Mike Outten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was an enjoyable read. Not too deep, light hearted, easy to read. Great book to read if traveling. Plot was focused, characters were fun, and the read took my mind off the pandemic.

[Lori Shankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Wolfe is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed reading this story. It was very interesting & fast moving with several twists and turns. The two main characters are detectives. They work great together, but each has their own demons to work out and sometimes it gets in the way of their partnership. Neither one is great at “sharing” things from their private lives. This is one of those books that I hope becomes a series. I received this book as an ARC and voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest opinion of this book and I would definitely recommend this book to others

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really got under my skin and occupied my thoughts. I'd be going about my regular life and suddenly I'm thinking about the available clues and trying to piece them together. I was shocked when the killer was revealed. The twists and turns added to the suspense in this story.

This author has moved to the top of my must read list. I will now buy any book by her without hesitation. I hope she makes this into a series as I'd really to get to know these characters more!!!!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! FAB TOTALLY FAB!. Nonstop action from start to finish. Characters that have strange twists & surprises about them. Mentions of sex. Violence. Suggestion of rape. Brilliant totally brilliant characters. One who will not be mentioned makes me think she is off her rocker.. omg.. I can only hope that there is another book to follow this one!!!!! I so, could not put this book down!!!!

[Patty U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good story, I hope to see this as a series.

[Terry Boaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I have read several books by this author and this is her best work yet. It was easy to visualize the characters and see them clearly.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 Stars For Wolfe

After a Las Vegas girl is strangled and thrown from the 18th floor, rebel cops Holt and Baxter are assigned the case. Stopped at every turn by their boss, by a judge, and by the system itself they go outside the law. The murderer is truly a surprise and not on their radar. A real page turner.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I loved this book. It was brilliant and I didn't know who the killer was until the end. Holt and Baxter make the action.