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Jeri Howard Mystery #1-5
Jeri Howard Books 1-5
KINDRED CRIMES
A puzzling missing persons case--a wife who disappears with the grocery money--keeps winding backward, revealing brand new secrets as fast as ancient skeletons can fall out of closets.
TILL THE OLD MEN DIE
The grisly murder of a sedate, widowed history professor, is written off as a random street crime until a woman turns up at his university, claiming to be his widow and demanding access to his "papers."
TAKE A NUMBER
Out of loyalty to a former client, Jeri takes on a nasty divorce case. The soon-to-be ex-husband winds up with a bullet in his back, and the prime suspect is Jeri's client.
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN
Jeri is looking to catch a respite from the PI life to relax and visit family in lovely Monterey on the California coast. Now, what's the worst thing that could happen on a PI's vacation? A dead body on the beach, most likely.
NOBODY'S CHILD
Is a Jane Doe uncovered at a construction site the body of her client's long-lost daughter Maureen? If so, what's become of Maureen's two-year-old daughter?
A puzzling missing persons case--a wife who disappears with the grocery money--keeps winding backward, revealing brand new secrets as fast as ancient skeletons can fall out of closets.
TILL THE OLD MEN DIE
The grisly murder of a sedate, widowed history professor, is written off as a random street crime until a woman turns up at his university, claiming to be his widow and demanding access to his "papers."
TAKE A NUMBER
Out of loyalty to a former client, Jeri takes on a nasty divorce case. The soon-to-be ex-husband winds up with a bullet in his back, and the prime suspect is Jeri's client.
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN
Jeri is looking to catch a respite from the PI life to relax and visit family in lovely Monterey on the California coast. Now, what's the worst thing that could happen on a PI's vacation? A dead body on the beach, most likely.
NOBODY'S CHILD
Is a Jane Doe uncovered at a construction site the body of her client's long-lost daughter Maureen? If so, what's become of Maureen's two-year-old daughter?
1324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
1896 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dawson
65 books71 followersJanet Dawson is the author of The Sacrificial Daughter, first in a new series featuring geriatric care manager. She has also written thirteen novels featuring Oakland private investigator Jeri Howard. Her first, Kindred Crimes, won the St. Martin's Press/Private Eye Writers of America contest for best first private eye novel. The most recent book in the series is The Devil Close Behind.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 4, 2019
The more things change....
This five book set is a great way to become acquainted with the Jeri Howard series. Set in the early to mid 1990's along the California coast, it features Jeri Howard, Private Investigator. Each of the books covers a case Jeri is working, each unique and informative. The books start with an event that leads to Jeri becoming involved, followed by a great deal of "detectiving" and, ultimately, a final outcome. Background issues, eg., homelessness, environmental pollution, class disparity, and others are as relevant today as they were then. I'm looking forward to the next set of books.
This five book set is a great way to become acquainted with the Jeri Howard series. Set in the early to mid 1990's along the California coast, it features Jeri Howard, Private Investigator. Each of the books covers a case Jeri is working, each unique and informative. The books start with an event that leads to Jeri becoming involved, followed by a great deal of "detectiving" and, ultimately, a final outcome. Background issues, eg., homelessness, environmental pollution, class disparity, and others are as relevant today as they were then. I'm looking forward to the next set of books.
August 8, 2020
The Jeri Howard Anthology:Books 1=5
I really enjoyed each of the five books. I couldn't put them down. In the second book I learned a lot about the Philippines before World war 2 and after. I remember hearing about the election and all the problems in the 1980's. Books 4 and 5 were my favorites. The author described the California sea coast so picturesque that you thought you were really driving yourself along the coast. The fifth book is about the homeless and Aids. It was an eye opener on how people have to live in the streets. These are five great mystery books that are just reads.
I really enjoyed each of the five books. I couldn't put them down. In the second book I learned a lot about the Philippines before World war 2 and after. I remember hearing about the election and all the problems in the 1980's. Books 4 and 5 were my favorites. The author described the California sea coast so picturesque that you thought you were really driving yourself along the coast. The fifth book is about the homeless and Aids. It was an eye opener on how people have to live in the streets. These are five great mystery books that are just reads.
March 16, 2021
Solid PI story. I enjoyed this series. Would recommend
January 15, 2021
An excellent series. I like this investigator - she is, as one of her friends/clients/family said, like a pit bull; once she gets her teeth into something she won't let it go. She's not so incredibly smart that she doesn't miss anything - she does. But she keeps at it, finding inconsistencies and going back to resolve them.
She has a personal life as well - sometimes good, sometimes not. She's a good person, but has bad habits. Her friends have lives, too - unlike many mysteries where the friends are part of the furnishings you don't notice until you look right at them, and then they vanish again.
The character development is good - better than good, actually. Though, for someone with no intention of getting married (no serious intention, anyway), she spends a lot of time "admiring the scenery. I'm glad that, after the first two books, she stopped hopping into bed with other characters (including a suspect). In the fourth book, there are two major plots from the beginning. There is no way they can be related, yet you know they have to be (or you wouldn't be reading about them). In the end they are - but the how is very, very well done; much better than I've seen in other books where I can see it coming and end up rolling my eyes about it.
The plot exposition is there - but it blends in well with the story line. You get the information you need, but without it being blatant.
I'm looking forward to more books in the series.
She has a personal life as well - sometimes good, sometimes not. She's a good person, but has bad habits. Her friends have lives, too - unlike many mysteries where the friends are part of the furnishings you don't notice until you look right at them, and then they vanish again.
The character development is good - better than good, actually. Though, for someone with no intention of getting married (no serious intention, anyway), she spends a lot of time "admiring the scenery. I'm glad that, after the first two books, she stopped hopping into bed with other characters (including a suspect). In the fourth book, there are two major plots from the beginning. There is no way they can be related, yet you know they have to be (or you wouldn't be reading about them). In the end they are - but the how is very, very well done; much better than I've seen in other books where I can see it coming and end up rolling my eyes about it.
The plot exposition is there - but it blends in well with the story line. You get the information you need, but without it being blatant.
I'm looking forward to more books in the series.
February 17, 2019
Murders in the bay area
I love this series. It is well written and detailed, with interesting characters and intriguing mysteries. Written back in the '90s, it was interesting how our attitudes towards Aids, child abuse, and mixed couples have changed in the twenty years since then, but how to deal with immigration problems, the homeless, and environmental issues have not. These and many other hot topics add depth and capture the spirit of that time period.
History also plays a part for the Oakland/ Gold Country area, as well as the Philippines. Greed, power, politics and the Navy have their impact on life and death. Jeri Howard makes a compelling P.I. although her ability to take a beating from male hoods and come up swinging is unreal, as is the mutual attraction with so many young men she questions.
I love this series. It is well written and detailed, with interesting characters and intriguing mysteries. Written back in the '90s, it was interesting how our attitudes towards Aids, child abuse, and mixed couples have changed in the twenty years since then, but how to deal with immigration problems, the homeless, and environmental issues have not. These and many other hot topics add depth and capture the spirit of that time period.
History also plays a part for the Oakland/ Gold Country area, as well as the Philippines. Greed, power, politics and the Navy have their impact on life and death. Jeri Howard makes a compelling P.I. although her ability to take a beating from male hoods and come up swinging is unreal, as is the mutual attraction with so many young men she questions.
April 1, 2019
Superb series!
I read all 5 books in less than 5 days! What a wonderful reading experience. Each book is completely different because it deals with a unique situation. Continuing characters are in all books, in different supporting roles. Jeri Howard is an interesting, dedicated, dogged private investigator. She gives her complete attention to each case, regardless of her feelings about some of those with whom she must work. I highly recommend this series to the dedicated mystery reader.
I read all 5 books in less than 5 days! What a wonderful reading experience. Each book is completely different because it deals with a unique situation. Continuing characters are in all books, in different supporting roles. Jeri Howard is an interesting, dedicated, dogged private investigator. She gives her complete attention to each case, regardless of her feelings about some of those with whom she must work. I highly recommend this series to the dedicated mystery reader.
January 11, 2021
The series was a pretty good read. Set in the mid 90s just as cell phones we’re coming out. Strange Jeri didn’t have internet and a cell. Another thing was that the author described what everyone was wearing and the colours. Especially green. She must love green. Another everyone went to the opera or to musicals and all their cds were either classical music or Sinatra. Give me a break. Where was the pop music or classic rock? Even C&W? She was dealing with a lot of young people in the Bay Area. How ‘bout some AC/DC, LED Zepplin or Aerosmith? Otherwise not a bad read
January 25, 2021
This is a great detective series with a strong female as the P.I. Each book is a stand alone. These stories hold you captive until the end of each story. I look forward to reading more of Jeri Howard. And more from this author,.https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#
May 28, 2021
Wow. Just wow.
While I was reading the five books in the collection, I happened to check the publication dates. Dawson began publishing Jeri Howard's adventures in the early 90's. In that light they are even more fun to read from the point of view of technology! By the past of the books in this anthology, she's finally gotten a fax machine! Still waiting to get a modem!
In any case Jeri Howard is 33, divorced, a private investigator in business for herself for six years, and a resident of Oakland, CA. One very cool thing comes from Dawson's knowledge of California; her work is like a travelogue about the Bay Area. Lots of fun of you've been there. Everything to date is chronological; stuff that happened in book one is referenced in later books (especially when it comes to characters). At the same time she avoids a common pitfall for writers - stock descriptions of characters trotted out without changes from book to book.
Book one son her awards for best new private investigator commuter writers, and she takes off from there. The best part of this collection is that you don't need to find the next book - it's right thereto read. Now on to the next collection!
While I was reading the five books in the collection, I happened to check the publication dates. Dawson began publishing Jeri Howard's adventures in the early 90's. In that light they are even more fun to read from the point of view of technology! By the past of the books in this anthology, she's finally gotten a fax machine! Still waiting to get a modem!
In any case Jeri Howard is 33, divorced, a private investigator in business for herself for six years, and a resident of Oakland, CA. One very cool thing comes from Dawson's knowledge of California; her work is like a travelogue about the Bay Area. Lots of fun of you've been there. Everything to date is chronological; stuff that happened in book one is referenced in later books (especially when it comes to characters). At the same time she avoids a common pitfall for writers - stock descriptions of characters trotted out without changes from book to book.
Book one son her awards for best new private investigator commuter writers, and she takes off from there. The best part of this collection is that you don't need to find the next book - it's right thereto read. Now on to the next collection!
March 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Each story is well written and historically accurate. Set in Oakland, California in the 1990's, the books provide insights into life in Central CA, when computers were first on the scene and private investigators still had to do leg work and research in libraries and City Hall.
The areas are well researched and the plots well planned so the books hold your interest. I definitely recommend this series, but encourage readers to read them in order as they follow Jeri Howard, the PI, her life and loves, and her family relationships, from one book to the next.
The areas are well researched and the plots well planned so the books hold your interest. I definitely recommend this series, but encourage readers to read them in order as they follow Jeri Howard, the PI, her life and loves, and her family relationships, from one book to the next.
June 3, 2025
Good book
The books are good but there is much description in explaining things. Like when Jeri enters a room. It goes through what color the rug is discrbe about the couch the chair what color the walls are. Just to much I skip over most of that. Had no meaning to the story. Other wise the books have good story lines. I just finished 1. Through 5 getting ready to do 5 to 10.
The books are good but there is much description in explaining things. Like when Jeri enters a room. It goes through what color the rug is discrbe about the couch the chair what color the walls are. Just to much I skip over most of that. Had no meaning to the story. Other wise the books have good story lines. I just finished 1. Through 5 getting ready to do 5 to 10.
May 27, 2019
The Jeri Howard Anthology:Books 1-5
It must be very difficult to write a series of novels that can be read in succession and still maintain the reader's interest. This is one of those series. Each is a stand alone storyline about the same leading character but each is unique and fascinating.
It must be very difficult to write a series of novels that can be read in succession and still maintain the reader's interest. This is one of those series. Each is a stand alone storyline about the same leading character but each is unique and fascinating.
August 28, 2019
The righteous, the unholy, the ignorant
Reading a series of books in quick succession has always appealed to me .It is almost like following the main characters through their daily lives. Especially the Jeri Howard series where 'the end" of one book flows into the next, in a time frame of weeks, not months. I am looking forward to watching Black Bart grow up!
Reading a series of books in quick succession has always appealed to me .It is almost like following the main characters through their daily lives. Especially the Jeri Howard series where 'the end" of one book flows into the next, in a time frame of weeks, not months. I am looking forward to watching Black Bart grow up!
November 6, 2019
Jeri Howard series.
Jeri h. Could be a friend of mine anytime. Loved the character and I know you meet about of frogs before you find your Prince. Hoping Max is her prince. Stories were good. I am not a real can of the history lessons but some may enjoy them. Good author. Will read her books for sure.
Jeri h. Could be a friend of mine anytime. Loved the character and I know you meet about of frogs before you find your Prince. Hoping Max is her prince. Stories were good. I am not a real can of the history lessons but some may enjoy them. Good author. Will read her books for sure.
January 6, 2020
Excellent!!
Jeri Howard is a smart, complex, grounded character. The plots are diverse, educated and compelling. Each book stands alone. There are some of the same characters but they never rehash or seem to be the same old story with a few names changed. I read voraciously, four or five books a week minimum and these are the best I have run across in a long time.
Jeri Howard is a smart, complex, grounded character. The plots are diverse, educated and compelling. Each book stands alone. There are some of the same characters but they never rehash or seem to be the same old story with a few names changed. I read voraciously, four or five books a week minimum and these are the best I have run across in a long time.
February 29, 2020
I don't usually give out 5 stars. But LOVED this series. Familiar with the Bay Area it was a treat to read about my stomping grounds. From Berkeley to Sonoma & all over the area. Loved the storylines & Jeri's perseverance to keep going. Even when she wasn't sure of herself or surroundings. A really enjoyable read.
November 13, 2020
Excellent detective series
Meet Jeri Howard and see the 1990's through her eyes as a private investigator. Follow the clues she digs up as she solves murders and uncovers wrongdoing and pursues suspects at all levels of our crazy society. Each book stands alone but they are more fun to read in order.
Meet Jeri Howard and see the 1990's through her eyes as a private investigator. Follow the clues she digs up as she solves murders and uncovers wrongdoing and pursues suspects at all levels of our crazy society. Each book stands alone but they are more fun to read in order.
January 6, 2021
Caring
Some people have a job just for the money, others appreciate the money but do the job because they care. This detective is not like the usual private eye stories. There is a lot of factual information written into the tails that adds to the reading enjoyment. Not too preachy or too bloody, just a page turning story that makes you desire more.
Some people have a job just for the money, others appreciate the money but do the job because they care. This detective is not like the usual private eye stories. There is a lot of factual information written into the tails that adds to the reading enjoyment. Not too preachy or too bloody, just a page turning story that makes you desire more.
March 14, 2021
Wonderful group of stories.
This author takes the reader inside her life of a female private detective, with sensitivity and humor, but fills it out with history and humanity. All five stories were individual storylines, but progressive with the heroine's personal life. A truly complex mystery storyteller and I hated to come to the end of the final story.
This author takes the reader inside her life of a female private detective, with sensitivity and humor, but fills it out with history and humanity. All five stories were individual storylines, but progressive with the heroine's personal life. A truly complex mystery storyteller and I hated to come to the end of the final story.
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April 27, 2021Captures your attention
Descriptive narrative takes you into the plot from the beginning. You feel tho heroine’s frustration as she struggles to find the answers. The author captures the dignity and hopelessness of the homeless and the children with aides yet leaves you with hope for all.
Descriptive narrative takes you into the plot from the beginning. You feel tho heroine’s frustration as she struggles to find the answers. The author captures the dignity and hopelessness of the homeless and the children with aides yet leaves you with hope for all.
May 21, 2021
Good Books
These were very good stories and I really enjoyed them. I would have given them five stars if the editing had not been so bad. I mean really bad. Some sentences ended without a period and just kept on going. Commas were in the wrong place. I struggled through the books in spite of having to figure out what was going on.
These were very good stories and I really enjoyed them. I would have given them five stars if the editing had not been so bad. I mean really bad. Some sentences ended without a period and just kept on going. Commas were in the wrong place. I struggled through the books in spite of having to figure out what was going on.
May 1, 2022
Can't let go
When Jeri gets the case of a missing young wife, she finds the case filled with lots of lines of inquiry. More intriguing is learning that the young woman may be related to a family who's children with whom she went to high school.
Exciting and twisted, a mystery you won't want to miss.
When Jeri gets the case of a missing young wife, she finds the case filled with lots of lines of inquiry. More intriguing is learning that the young woman may be related to a family who's children with whom she went to high school.
Exciting and twisted, a mystery you won't want to miss.
June 18, 2022
Amazing Series
Jeri Howard is an incredible fictional character. Janet Dawson, her creator, brings Jeri to life and writes twisty, often heartbreaking stories. Yet through it all Jeri makes sure justice prevails and good overcomes evil. Extremely realistic, well researched and worth reading.
Jeri Howard is an incredible fictional character. Janet Dawson, her creator, brings Jeri to life and writes twisty, often heartbreaking stories. Yet through it all Jeri makes sure justice prevails and good overcomes evil. Extremely realistic, well researched and worth reading.
May 6, 2019
A very interesting 5 book set with a nice twist at the end of each story
A 5 book series about various criminal activities with a nice twist at the end of each story and a little soul searching about the subject of every story
A 5 book series about various criminal activities with a nice twist at the end of each story and a little soul searching about the subject of every story
February 4, 2020
Good stories
The lead character, Jeri, is likable and realistic. Only the second book dragged with the history of the Philippines. Four stars because of some repetitive parts and typos and punctuation were a bit of a distraction.
The lead character, Jeri, is likable and realistic. Only the second book dragged with the history of the Philippines. Four stars because of some repetitive parts and typos and punctuation were a bit of a distraction.
February 11, 2020
Private investigator, Jeri Howard, never gives up
All five books in this anthology kept my interest. I loved the character Jeri Howard. I would want her in my corner. Good series and look forward to reading more books in this series.
All five books in this anthology kept my interest. I loved the character Jeri Howard. I would want her in my corner. Good series and look forward to reading more books in this series.
August 13, 2020
Brilliant mysteries
Janet Dawson has written 5 great books. Each one faring superior to the previous. Lovely intriguing mysteries full of suspense and nail biting climax. Wonderful books. Highly recommended for mystery lovers.
Janet Dawson has written 5 great books. Each one faring superior to the previous. Lovely intriguing mysteries full of suspense and nail biting climax. Wonderful books. Highly recommended for mystery lovers.
October 31, 2020
A very good private investigator series featuring Jeri Howard, a woman who in a boring office job gets an offer of employment from a seasoned investigator.
Five good murder mysteries follow.
I highly recommend the series.
Five good murder mysteries follow.
I highly recommend the series.
November 2, 2020
Interesting
Jeri Howard books teach as well as inform. Great characters and plots abound mixed with social issues. Some need editing for punctuation and typos, but still worth the story.
Jeri Howard books teach as well as inform. Great characters and plots abound mixed with social issues. Some need editing for punctuation and typos, but still worth the story.
Currently reading
January 12, 2021Incredibly realistic murder stories.
Stories start immediately, draw you in, keep you there. Jeri is a real, professional private investigator that helps people, finds murderers. Each story is like a drama right out of a local news story. Incredibly well written.
Stories start immediately, draw you in, keep you there. Jeri is a real, professional private investigator that helps people, finds murderers. Each story is like a drama right out of a local news story. Incredibly well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews