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Laura Mori Mysteries #2
In the Line of Fire
In the vein of Lisa Jackson and Julia Maynard, a dark and compulsive mystery about secrets too big for the small town's britches.
When secrets are too big to buy, it's worth killing to bury them.
Growing up, Laura Mori was constantly overshadowed by her far more successful siblings. She had a tough time appeasing her parents, and now that she's a police officer, recently promoted to detective, they still seem less than fazed. Everyone knows a cop's salary―it's meager, to say the least. But Laura has found her calling―she was born to be a detective and is determined to prove it, if not to her parents, then at least to the boys club that is Sunrise Lake PD. She sticks out like a sore thumb as the only young female minority, but she has resolved to at least seem like an unshakeable thumb.
The next case file on her desk turns out to be a bank heist and it should be easy enough, but what starts off as a one-and-done job quickly begins to seem too by-the-book and oddly like a notorious series of deadly bank hits from years past dubbed Twilight. But it's a dead end―Twilight is only ever mentioned in hushed tones, and there's little to no history on it in the department. And then she receives her first sign, of many more to come, that her investigation is not welcome. Alongside her partner Z and stunningly attractive FBI agent Nick Derringer, she begins to pull on the frayed thread, and that's when she sees the bloody writing on the wall: the only other young female cop on the force was KIA during Twilight.
With too much on the line to lose, including her own life, Laura must get to the bottom of the case and fast, or she, too, will become history.
When secrets are too big to buy, it's worth killing to bury them.
Growing up, Laura Mori was constantly overshadowed by her far more successful siblings. She had a tough time appeasing her parents, and now that she's a police officer, recently promoted to detective, they still seem less than fazed. Everyone knows a cop's salary―it's meager, to say the least. But Laura has found her calling―she was born to be a detective and is determined to prove it, if not to her parents, then at least to the boys club that is Sunrise Lake PD. She sticks out like a sore thumb as the only young female minority, but she has resolved to at least seem like an unshakeable thumb.
The next case file on her desk turns out to be a bank heist and it should be easy enough, but what starts off as a one-and-done job quickly begins to seem too by-the-book and oddly like a notorious series of deadly bank hits from years past dubbed Twilight. But it's a dead end―Twilight is only ever mentioned in hushed tones, and there's little to no history on it in the department. And then she receives her first sign, of many more to come, that her investigation is not welcome. Alongside her partner Z and stunningly attractive FBI agent Nick Derringer, she begins to pull on the frayed thread, and that's when she sees the bloody writing on the wall: the only other young female cop on the force was KIA during Twilight.
With too much on the line to lose, including her own life, Laura must get to the bottom of the case and fast, or she, too, will become history.
- GenresMystery Thriller
Audio CD
First published August 13, 2019
15 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Noonan
2 books35 followersRosalind Noonan is a New York Times bestselling author of women’s fiction and domestic suspense novels and is a graduate of Wagner College. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees. This is her first mystery under the name R.J. Noonan.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 20, 2019
In the Line of Fire is the second novel in A Laura Mori Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone since the Where the Lost Girls Go is summarized for new readers. The mystery is complex and multi-layered. I did feel, though, that the author was trying to put too much into one book. I like that Laura is intelligent and takes a methodical approach to the investigation. As a police procedural book, we are taken through the various steps of an investigation. Witness statements are gathered, evidence collected and tested, reviewing old case files, etc. I did find some sections a little drier than others and it can be hard to keep track of the various characters. While Laura is investigating the current bank heist and seeing if it ties to the old Twilight robberies, her partner “Z” is working on a series of petty thefts at a retirement home. There is an undercover detective looking into corruption within the department as well. I liked how the tension mounted as I neared the end of the book with Laura was closing in on her suspects. The author slowly tied everything together. Not all of it is believable, but it was wrapped up neatly leaving no loose threads. I thought the tchotchke thefts that aggravated Z were humorous and clever. If you are an avid mystery reader, you will have no problem solving the case before the solution is revealed. Laura would be a workaholic if her boss let her (though she does sneak home files). She spends time with her roommate, Natalie who happens to be dating “Z”. Laura suffers from panic attacks and feels like she is a disappoint to her parents (her siblings are overachiever types). I like the cast of characters in the book. Laura’s boss, Lt. Omak is a dedicated officer and looks out for his employees. I was baffled as to why Laura wore a uniform. She is a detective and they normally wear plain clothes. I wish this element had been explained. In the Line of Fire is an intriguing novel with a complex crime, a bank heist, corrupt cops, a fetching FBI agent, tchotchke thief and one dedicated detective.
August 13, 2019
Only the second in the series, this narrative can function as a standalone with a few references to the previous case that resulted in Laura Mori making detective grade with the Sunrise Lake PD, a small town in the Pacific NW.
She is a natural with her investigative calling but has something to prove to the men of the department. She has been partnered with Zion "Z" Frazier. When what looks like a copy cat bank heist of the robberies that led to an officer fatality occurs, Laura is given lead and is soon joined by FBI agent Nick Derringer (enter the romance). She is quickly told not to tie the three-year-old series of bank heists with this one but the more she learns about the Twilight robberies the more she sees a connection.
The well-paced and plotted mystery is multi-layered with her partner Z concentrating on petty theft at a local assisted living facility while she gleans information on both the cold case file as well as the new bank robbery. And then she receives threats to leave the Twilight investigation alone.
This one may have been a bit ambitious with layers connecting offense or corruption and infused with well-worn tropes. While Laura is smart and effective at gleaning information from her interrogations, she's nonetheless vying for approval from her Japanese parents. (And as a detective, I'm still trying to figure out why she is wearing a uniform or she and Z drive a police cruiser.)
The author is, however, building an interesting group of characters and I'm curious to see how they grow and Laura mature. The conclusion ramps up the tension and neatly closes the book but you'll have to stifle some disbelief with this one.
I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. These are my own opinions. Recommended for mystery fans of light police procedurals. 3.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
She is a natural with her investigative calling but has something to prove to the men of the department. She has been partnered with Zion "Z" Frazier. When what looks like a copy cat bank heist of the robberies that led to an officer fatality occurs, Laura is given lead and is soon joined by FBI agent Nick Derringer (enter the romance). She is quickly told not to tie the three-year-old series of bank heists with this one but the more she learns about the Twilight robberies the more she sees a connection.
The well-paced and plotted mystery is multi-layered with her partner Z concentrating on petty theft at a local assisted living facility while she gleans information on both the cold case file as well as the new bank robbery. And then she receives threats to leave the Twilight investigation alone.
This one may have been a bit ambitious with layers connecting offense or corruption and infused with well-worn tropes. While Laura is smart and effective at gleaning information from her interrogations, she's nonetheless vying for approval from her Japanese parents. (And as a detective, I'm still trying to figure out why she is wearing a uniform or she and Z drive a police cruiser.)
The author is, however, building an interesting group of characters and I'm curious to see how they grow and Laura mature. The conclusion ramps up the tension and neatly closes the book but you'll have to stifle some disbelief with this one.
I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. These are my own opinions. Recommended for mystery fans of light police procedurals. 3.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
April 10, 2020
My Rating : 3.5🌟
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Kindle/ Netgalley/ April2020
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Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
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This story is the second in series, but can also be read as a stand-alone. It follows our main character Laura mori who tries to solve a bank heist with her partner Z and what happens along the way.
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First, I loved the relationship between Laura and her partner Z. The dynamic of them was really nice to read about. Second, I loved how certain scenes were written with respect to the detective's way of live (I don't understand why they drive a police car, but hey I can't complain ) .
The writing was really good, and the story was quite good to read, but I felt there were a lot of scenes that just overdid what happens in an investigation. Though there were a lot of characters I really liked , you don't fall in love with them. It had quite the predictable ending, but still enjoyable. The relationship between Laura and her parents was quite something.
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Overall, if you are a fan of investigation based books, you can give this book a go. But if you are new to this genre, I wouldn't recommend starting with this book.
.
Kindle/ Netgalley/ April2020
.
Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
This story is the second in series, but can also be read as a stand-alone. It follows our main character Laura mori who tries to solve a bank heist with her partner Z and what happens along the way.
.
First, I loved the relationship between Laura and her partner Z. The dynamic of them was really nice to read about. Second, I loved how certain scenes were written with respect to the detective's way of live (I don't understand why they drive a police car, but hey I can't complain ) .
The writing was really good, and the story was quite good to read, but I felt there were a lot of scenes that just overdid what happens in an investigation. Though there were a lot of characters I really liked , you don't fall in love with them. It had quite the predictable ending, but still enjoyable. The relationship between Laura and her parents was quite something.
.
Overall, if you are a fan of investigation based books, you can give this book a go. But if you are new to this genre, I wouldn't recommend starting with this book.
May 30, 2019
A fast paced read , with a great female character that has to fight for her place in a man’s world being the only female detective in the small town where the action takes place. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that the story took me in a rollercoaster ride of mysteries, fighting for power and discovering old secrets.
I’m looking forward for more books by the author.
#NetGalley
I’m looking forward for more books by the author.
#NetGalley
May 5, 2019
I love police mysteries and this new book fit right in this genre. A young, spunky female police detective, a couple of reliable sidekicks, a small town, Pacific NW setting, and hints of corruption in the department. It's always fun when the hero/heroine in the story is smart and busts stereotypes. Go read this when it's released.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the advance reader's copy.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the advance reader's copy.
July 4, 2019
Detective Laura Mori is a newly promoted, very young, very inexperienced member of the Sunrise Lake police department. She's Japanese American. She has to contend with the entrenched old boys' network and deal with her own anxiety issues and fear that she isn't living up to her parents' expectations. However, she is also a very good detective with a gift for getting information from people.
When the Sunrise Lake Bank is robbed, it brings back memories of a series of bank robberies three years earlier that resulted in the death of a police officer. Her partner Z was Franny Landon's partner and still suffers from PTSD and amnesia. When Laura sees common features in the old robberies and the current robberies, no one wants her to open up the old case. Z and the old boys all discourage her. However, she investigates anyway with the blessing of her lieutenant only to find that the files are in disarray and both reports and evidence seem to be missing.
Meanwhile, Z is bogged down with a case at the local assisted living home. Someone is stealing little things from many of the residents and busy working with psychologist Dr. MacKenzie to try to recover his lost memories and deal with his PTSD. Laura can't go to him about the events of the earlier robberies because those are some of the memories he can recall.
With the assistance of handsome FBI Agent Nick Derringer, Laura investigates all sorts of irregularities at the Sunset Lake PD. She also develops a crush on Nick which is a first for her. Laura seems very young for her age and rather inexperienced despite her success at a previous police investigation (WHERE THE LOST GIRLS GO) and very much lacking in self-confidence.
I found this police procedural to be rather unrealistic and the mystery pretty easy to solve. Most of the villains were one-sided. I did like and feel sorry for retired officer Donny Gallagher who suffers from dementia and was a pawn of other corrupt police officers.
Fans of police procedurals who aren't looking for gritty realism and with young female detectives will enjoy this one.
When the Sunrise Lake Bank is robbed, it brings back memories of a series of bank robberies three years earlier that resulted in the death of a police officer. Her partner Z was Franny Landon's partner and still suffers from PTSD and amnesia. When Laura sees common features in the old robberies and the current robberies, no one wants her to open up the old case. Z and the old boys all discourage her. However, she investigates anyway with the blessing of her lieutenant only to find that the files are in disarray and both reports and evidence seem to be missing.
Meanwhile, Z is bogged down with a case at the local assisted living home. Someone is stealing little things from many of the residents and busy working with psychologist Dr. MacKenzie to try to recover his lost memories and deal with his PTSD. Laura can't go to him about the events of the earlier robberies because those are some of the memories he can recall.
With the assistance of handsome FBI Agent Nick Derringer, Laura investigates all sorts of irregularities at the Sunset Lake PD. She also develops a crush on Nick which is a first for her. Laura seems very young for her age and rather inexperienced despite her success at a previous police investigation (WHERE THE LOST GIRLS GO) and very much lacking in self-confidence.
I found this police procedural to be rather unrealistic and the mystery pretty easy to solve. Most of the villains were one-sided. I did like and feel sorry for retired officer Donny Gallagher who suffers from dementia and was a pawn of other corrupt police officers.
Fans of police procedurals who aren't looking for gritty realism and with young female detectives will enjoy this one.
August 13, 2019
A very entertaining and complex mystery with a female detective who doesn’t give up. Laura Mori has always known that she was meant to be a detective with the Sunrise Lake P.D. When a bank robbery occurs in their small town, it reminds Laura of similar robberies from several years, called Twilight, that were never solved. Her partner Z worked the last Twilight robbery when the Lieutenant’s sister, an officer, was killed. When Laura attempts to explore the similarities between the current and past crimes, she is told to leave it alone. When she continues to question the evidence, the threats begin. FBI Agent Nick Derringer arrives to aide in the search for the robbers and he and Laura question why someone is trying to shut down the investigation. Is it possible that there is corruption within the force? As danger stalks Laura, Nick realizes that the personal feelings he has for Laura are returned and they must tread carefully. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
November 3, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author and quite enjoyed it.
In the Line of Fire is all about secrets and the need to keep them buried.
Synposis:
Growing up, Laura Mori was constantly overshadowed by her far more successful siblings. She had a tough time appeasing her parents, and now that she’s a police officer, recently promoted to detective, they still seem less than fazed. Everyone knows a cop’s salary—it’s meager, to say the least. But Laura has found her calling—she was born to be a detective and is determined to prove it, if not to her parents, then at least to the boys club that is Sunrise Lake PD. She sticks out like a sore thumb as the only young female minority, but she has resolved to at least seem like an unshakeable thumb.
In the Line of Fire is all about secrets and the need to keep them buried.
Synposis:
Growing up, Laura Mori was constantly overshadowed by her far more successful siblings. She had a tough time appeasing her parents, and now that she’s a police officer, recently promoted to detective, they still seem less than fazed. Everyone knows a cop’s salary—it’s meager, to say the least. But Laura has found her calling—she was born to be a detective and is determined to prove it, if not to her parents, then at least to the boys club that is Sunrise Lake PD. She sticks out like a sore thumb as the only young female minority, but she has resolved to at least seem like an unshakeable thumb.
August 10, 2019
A really great book. It is about a female Detective called Laura Mori that is trying to solve a bank robbery. But what should have been straight forward turns into a lot more. Between her partner Z and the FBI agent Nick Derringer things move fast. A very well done thriller fast paced and attention grabbing with plenty of twists to through you off and some romance thrown in. Great characters and very well thought out story line. This is the second story with this character I haven't read the first one yet but am going to go back and read it. I was able to read this as a stand alone and didnt have any problem knowing what was what.
May 17, 2020
Engaging & well plotted, this book kept me thinking to the end. I look forward to seeing how this series develops & think this author does a great job of capturing the unique flavor of the Pacific Northwest.
September 5, 2024
I gave it 4 stars because it’s the first page turner I have read in a WHILE. I found this book at a thrift store and the cover was interesting, so I have it a shot. I didn’t know it was book #2 or a series until I finished it. Good, quick read! I am interested to put book 1 on my TBR now!
March 28, 2020
Good mystery......I can never figure out why someone who has such good writing skills needs to use swear world......they add NOTHING!
August 5, 2019
Newly promoted detective Laura Mori is determined to prove herself to her colleagues and bosses at the Sunrise Lake PD. She gets the lead to investigate a bank heist and quickly wonders if this robbery is linked with the series of unsolved bank heists that were dubbed Twilight. Oddly, Twilight is not discussed and the investigative files on the cases are pretty shoddy. Soon after, Laura gets threats to back off her interest in the Twilight robberies. With her partner Zion "Z" Frazier and FBI agent Nick Derringer, Laura is determined to solve this case and also find out who killed Franny Landon, a young female cop who was killed during the last Twilight robbery.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
August 6, 2019
An entertaining and engaging police detective tale. A Japanese female detective is providing a new look at crime. Her African-American partner (also boyfriend of roommate) provides another perspective. Quite the team. Some good cops, some bad cops. A few surprises and one obvious scene with surprising results. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
August 21, 2019
This story is well written and enjoyable, but the plot is flawed, as the police procedures are very strange. There may also be too much of the main character's private life, but it's nicely woven into the story.
August 4, 2019
In the Line of Fire is an interesting police procedural. Interesting characters and engaging storyline.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
March 18, 2020
It starts a little slow, but when it picks up, it is so good!!! I really enjoyed this mystery novel!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews