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Clint Wolf #9

But Not For Love

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On the living room floor of a lonely farm house in Chateau Parish, Louisiana, there rests the body of a young woman named Allie-the victim of a horrific attack.A little farther to the south, Detective Clint Wolf is leaving the Mechant Loup Police Department when he hears the screams of a terrified female. Jumping into action, he responds to the area and arrests the woman's husband for attacking her with a pipe. Almost immediately after Clint wraps up the arrest and returns home, Police Chief Susan Wilson receives a welfare call from Allie's mother saying she hadn't heard from Allie in hours.When Clint responds to the welfare concern with Mallory Tuttle, a detective from the Chateau Parish Sheriff's Office, they discover Allie's body. An investigation ensues and it isn't long before they make an arrest for murder. However, when another woman is killed days later, they delve deeper into Allie's case and unearth some disturbing similarities.A tip from a young boy and a trip to the northern mountains of Georgia might shed some light on the motive, but locating the killer will be anything but easy-or safe.

202 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2019

1509 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Bourg

59 books233 followers
BJ Bourg is a twenty-seven-year veteran of law enforcement and has worked as a patrol cop, detective, police academy instructor, SWAT officer, sniper leader, and chief investigator for a district attorney's office. He is a former professional boxer and a lifelong martial artist.

He is the author of the London Carter Mystery Series, the Clint Wolf Mystery Series, two books featuring Detective Brandon Berger, and a stand-alone mountain mystery. Additionally, over 185 of his short stories and articles have appeared in magazines such as Woman's World, Boys' Life, Tactical Response, and LAW and ORDER.

He loves vacationing in the mountains and is especially drawn to hiking, climbing, photographing wild animals, and traversing wild rivers in anything that will float. Above all else, he is a father and husband, and the highlight of his life is spending time with his beautiful wife and wonderful kids. For more information, including a list of BJ's published works and info about new releases and upcoming events, visit his website (http://bjbourg.com/).

https://www.facebook.com/BJBourg
https://twitter.com/BJBourg

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5 stars
1,201 (60%)
4 stars
621 (31%)
3 stars
127 (6%)
2 stars
27 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,725 reviews113 followers
March 12, 2022
The narrator Thomas Stone has a lovely Louisiana accent and that must be why I continue to follow this series. This is the 9th offering in the Clint Wolf police investigator series and it has a grim plot. It seems that abused women who drop charges against their abusive husbands are the murder victims of vicious assaults. That doesn’t seem too believable to me, but Bourg’s books are fast reads---and I do love that Bayou accent.
Profile Image for Rich.
297 reviews28 followers
January 19, 2021
I just finished another good book in this series. I have to say this was the darkest book in the series but that was good lol. Once again I liked the location and I like all the main and secondary characters. I thought the story flowed at a good pace and it was the most violent one in the series. This town is like murder she wrote it would be the murder capital of the world so you would have to put that issue on the back burner. I dont try hard with these types of book I just go with the flow but I did kind of figure out who the bad guy was early-not the norm for this series. I just wish he would not have people licking their their lips when they were nervous. This was one of the top three books in the series. I say give this book and series and spin
Profile Image for Staci Troilo.
Author 35 books162 followers
January 22, 2025
Chief of Detectives Clint Wolf and his wife Sheriff Susan Wolf aren’t just partners at home and in the law. They’re partners—owners—in a shelter that protects battered women and children who need a safe place to stay as they try to start a new chapter of their lives. When a woman needs their help but refuses it, it weighs on them.

When such women end up brutally murdered? It spurs them into action.

Clues take them all the way to Georgia, and what they find there is a travesty. They’re so close to an answer but can’t find that last piece of the puzzle. And it puts Clint’s life at risk.

This is a complex plot rife with tragedies and (mostly off-page) violence. I had three suspects in mind through most of the book and only figured out who it was about a chapter before the reveal. The author kept me guessing, and I love that in a mystery.

This series keeps getting better. You can read the titles out of order, but I recommend starting from book one for full immersion in this world.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
February 14, 2019

Complex whodunnit with a twisty plot. Recommend with caveats.

This is my first Clint Wolfe book, which is a good murder mystery and police procedural. The darkly atmospheric settings in the Louisiana cane fields are well-written, and the police characters are likable and relatable. Author BJ Bourg drew in a few character(s)—certainly two but possibly more—from another series. To refresh my memory, I riffled through a book in the London Carter sniper series.

The plot is complex, and some plot devices seem contrived. Add to that, the murderer’s convoluted—and sometimes confusing—motive(s), which required several pushes to suspend disbelief.

I guessed the connections between the victims and narrowed the murderer suspects until I had one suspect. However, the motive was elusive, so I kept on reading. I enjoyed the twists and turns as the events of the denouement developed.

I recommend this book but mind the caveats above.




3,059 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2023
It's not the strongest episode in the series and relies on a trick ending but any Clint Wolf novel is a welcome read.
Someone is killing abused women, but only after they have withdrawn their agreement to testify against the husbands and boyfriends who attacked them.
I kinda guessed who the killer was - given that the possibilities are few - but dismissed it as completely unlikely.
"But Not For Love" starts out with a strong premise, that the men closest to women are their most likely abusers but it quickly becomes apparent that, despite their past sins, it is not the case here.
There is a secondary plot which brings Clint and Susan away from Mechant Loup to investigate similar crimes - it proves the key, but only in a way.
In the surprising end killer is actually revealed through their own actions and the fact that Susan and Clint have provided onsite protection for each of the remaining possible targets.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,003 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2024
Easiest plot to guess

The connection of victims and the bad guy were the easiest to guess in this book of all of them. The author still has people burning CDs. Computers quit coming with CD drives a decade ago. Or longer.

They drive all the way to North Georgia to check a finger print when it could have been emailed. This was just to give an excuse for them to have to be there.

The author did refer to Susan as Clint's fiancee once, but calls her his wife the rest of the time. I thought it was a flashback at first. It was confusing for that reason.

I'll tire of this series before too many more, but they're easy reads and it keeps me from having to look for a new author. I wouldn't read them if they weren't free on KU.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,905 reviews26 followers
May 7, 2019
Mixed feelings on this one as I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the victims. And I know all the reasons re why DV victims don’t leave their abusers but these women had left, pressed charges and had the means to be independent. So being annoyed with them (guess I’m too judge mental!) made it hard to care as much about the murderer. Also, kill add that I knew who the killer was immediately so I was irritated that no one else figured it out and super annoyed as to one of the people they suspected.

Having said all that I guess it was a clever story and raised some interesting points about culpability for future murders. Not one of the better books but still a good, quick read.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2020
Lucky guess

SPOILER
Once again a story that kept my interest throughout, despite my pegging the killer way early. I didn’t know for certain but I guess I got lucky. But one early scene caught my attention and a couple of follow ups were confirming but I wasn’t 100% certain till the end.

There as in any book a couple of ugh, but only real negative I have on the series is Wolf’s obsession in telling us how great Susan is, how beautiful she looks, how tough she is, how much he loves her. Hey I’m get it need to have some romance, romance is good but after awhile it’s enough already.
92 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
Good series, rather violent though

I started this series with book 8, But Not Formidable. In this book the murders are quite violent. I was also a little confused in chapter 3 when Clint Wolf mentions his fiancee, Susan when I was pretty sure they were returning from their honeymoon in the beginning of book 8. One of the murders was a stabbing with a screw driver and then in the autopsy (chapter 35) they talk about the knife wounds. Other than that's two editorial issues, our my misunderstandings, the characters are believable. The story though violent, had a couple of twists for one to decide who was the creep making for a good mystery.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,244 reviews69 followers
January 24, 2020
When one body is discovered brutally murdered the obvious suspect is the husband. A man who has been charged with domestic violence. But where is the evidence. Then another victim is discovered. It's for Wolf to lead the investigate and find the guilty party.
An interesting crime story and police procedural.
7,755 reviews49 followers
August 2, 2020
A story that is realistic about domestic violence . When woman drop the charges, someone Is taking it in their hands to kill them. They are centers and plenty of people wanting to help, too often they don’t press charges, Are the husbands guilty or is it someone they know, for entry was given. Good plot, the team work that goes in to help them.
1,507 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2019
But Not For Love

I love this series . I can't wait for the next book. I hope it will be soon. This is a ten star series . I highly recommend this book and every book in this series. A must read . Great thrills and mystery.
Profile Image for Crystal  Kamada.
32 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2019
Edge of your seat thriller again

Wow! Kept me hooked. Was great to see another beloved character from another series brought into the storyline in this edition, hope to see that again.
Profile Image for Kirk.
615 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2019
Another winner!

B J Bourg writes the best mysteries out there. Clint Wolf is a damn good character. Clint Wolf mysteries will keep you reading, and each book gets better than the last one!
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,617 reviews39 followers
December 5, 2019

I REALLY DO LIKE THIS SERIES ITS EXCITING WITH MANY UNEXPECTED TWIST AND TURNS. I LIKE THAT I’M USUALLY WRONG ABOUT WHO DID IT BUT THIS ONE I HAD AN AHA MOMENT EARLY ON AND HOT DOG I WAS RIGHT. YIPPY, YAY ME! ;D
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
March 5, 2020
'But Not For Love' was quite creative. Well written and well thought out. I loved hope the story line played out. Full of mystery, drama and great characters. I'm thoroughly enjoying Susan and Clint's pregnancy. I can't wait to read more. A must add to your tbr list. Recommended.
Profile Image for Cherylbestlife.
472 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2020
Another great one...

Another great book in this series! I loved the storyline on domestic violence. It was also a good mystery although, I suspected who the culprit was early on. I still enjoyed following along with Clint, Susan and Mallory as they followed the clues.
678 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2021
Searching for a Killer

Women were being stabbed to death. The suspect was always their husband who had been charged with abuse. The women had withdrawn their complaints. Serial killer was the killer but it took a lot to capture him.
22 reviews
April 7, 2022
BJ Bourg

I love this Series , can’t wait for the next one . My only question is he ever eat anything other than burgers and fries ? I’ll keep reading as long as you keep writing . Thanks for all the enjoyment .
Profile Image for Katherine Weaver.
221 reviews
August 16, 2022
Very good book. Trying to finish series this summer. Each book is filled with so much intrigue and thriller type stories. The personal stories of the characters draw you in and you become part of the family. I love this series and recommend it to everyone!
195 reviews
January 22, 2023
But Not For Love by BJ Bourg

Once again, as with the previous 7 or so books from this author, excellent thriller. The ending (the perpetrator) was totally surprising and unexpected. The identity of the perp remains elusive till quite late in the story. Waiting eagerly to read his next book.
999 reviews23 followers
May 1, 2024
But not for love

Different from others by far in that it involves a killer who knows what he does and why, but feels free to go on killing because it's right to him. Clint stumbles into the solution with definitely more luck than skill, but it was a good read anyway.
Profile Image for Richard Cowart.
603 reviews
July 5, 2024
Great story

Clint and Susan are investigating a murder of domestic violence victim when evidence is found that proves the husband's innocence. While Clint and Mallory are dealing with this case, another murder occurs. Fast paced and action packed with a surprise ending.
Profile Image for Ellen.
74 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2024
but not for love

The Clint Wolf series is ruining my life. I can’t put the books down. I’ve read 9 books in 9 days. I really like the characters and already have recommended the series to one friend.
13 reviews
March 14, 2025
Excellent series

I've rad a lot of books in this genre, this series is excellent. The characters are well written and the plots are unique in every book. This is a free book for kindle subscribers, what a wonderful find. Thank
you, BJ Bourg.
170 reviews
July 22, 2025
Quick read, almost gave it a two because the author spelled a Georgia county wrong… it bothered me so much, and I figured out the bad person quickly. Normally I don’t so I skipped most of their time in GA. It is Buckhead not Buckheed!!
449 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2019
Clint Wolf

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of BJ Bourg’s books. I certainly enjoyed the visit from London Carter! Great job!
283 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2019
But Not For Love

Very good story by an excellent author.All of his books have endings that different and surprising. Recommend reading all of his books.
497 reviews
June 16, 2019
Excellent

I rally enjoyed these books. There’s a lot of action and suspense. I couldn’t put it down with all the twists and turns. I’ll be waiting for the next one !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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