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Moonlight Avenue
Finley Knight, ex-cop turned private investigator, lives a lonely, solitary life. She uses her downtime to reflect on the past and wonders what could have been.
Detective Dee Woodard transferred to Corpus Christi nine years ago to put distance between herself and her ex…an ex she was still in love with. A murder investigation leads her to Moonlight Avenue and Finley Knight.
Rylee Moore left the windy plains of Amarillo in her rearview mirror, hoping to start over in this city by the bay, only to find employment hard to come by. Finley Knight wasn’t hiring either, but Rylee’s begging and pleading—and not taking “no” for an answer—finally lands her a job. Not as an apprentice, as she wanted, but as the lone employee at Moonlight Avenue Investigations—receptionist.
When another murder hits close to home, Finn ignores the police directive to stay out of it and goes on a search for the killer…reluctantly taking Rylee along for the ride.
After a gruesome third murder, Dee is booted from the case. She joins Finn’s team…the chase bringing them closer and closer to a vicious drug dealer.
Amongst the chaos, crime, and cover-up…love pokes its head above the water. But can they stay alive long enough to explore it?
Genre: Mystery
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
Detective Dee Woodard transferred to Corpus Christi nine years ago to put distance between herself and her ex…an ex she was still in love with. A murder investigation leads her to Moonlight Avenue and Finley Knight.
Rylee Moore left the windy plains of Amarillo in her rearview mirror, hoping to start over in this city by the bay, only to find employment hard to come by. Finley Knight wasn’t hiring either, but Rylee’s begging and pleading—and not taking “no” for an answer—finally lands her a job. Not as an apprentice, as she wanted, but as the lone employee at Moonlight Avenue Investigations—receptionist.
When another murder hits close to home, Finn ignores the police directive to stay out of it and goes on a search for the killer…reluctantly taking Rylee along for the ride.
After a gruesome third murder, Dee is booted from the case. She joins Finn’s team…the chase bringing them closer and closer to a vicious drug dealer.
Amongst the chaos, crime, and cover-up…love pokes its head above the water. But can they stay alive long enough to explore it?
Genre: Mystery
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 14, 2019
61 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,537 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 12, 2019
4.25 Stars. This was another great book by Gerri Hill. As true of many other readers, I’m a big Hill fan. What really impresses me is over her long career she has managed to write in just about every category of lesfic. She has written different types of romances, mystery/crime, action, paranormal and even sci-fi. I love that when you pick up a new book of hers you never know what new adventure awaits. And while I do enjoy all the different types of books she writes her mysteries are some of my favorites. This was an excellent mystery/romance book.
The story stars a Private Investigator named Finn Knight. After a career as a cop and detective her life took a turn that landed her in charge of a one woman PI firm. She lives her life as a loner and wants to keep it that way. But when a case that starts as a simple cheating spouse, turns into murder…Fin realizes she must open herself up to some help, even if it means her heart may get in the way.
This is a real murder mystery book. It is in the same vein as a Sue Grafton or JM Redmann type of mystery. There is a lot of surveillance and following the clues. And because of that this book is a little slow paced at times. But every scene really does mean something. Each piece brings them closer to solving the mystery. And while this book is slow at times it also speeds up and has some good excitement. I really believe mystery fans will eat this book up like I did.
Besides the mystery this is a slow-burn romance. It is very slow-burn but I loved every second of it. I’m not sure what it was but I thought the chemistry was great. It kept building and building and eventually they started to put out sparks together. It is an age-gap, about ten years, but it was obvious these two were meant to be together. I also loved seeing Finn’s hard outside, her loner persona slowly crumble.
If you are a mystery fan don’t hesitate to grab this. This was a treat to read and I hope we will be seeing a book 2 soon. One small complaint, Hill teased us that CJ from Weeping Walls might make and appearance. I got so excited but it didn’t happen. Hill if you are reading this maybe CJ can come out to play in Book 2:)
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
The story stars a Private Investigator named Finn Knight. After a career as a cop and detective her life took a turn that landed her in charge of a one woman PI firm. She lives her life as a loner and wants to keep it that way. But when a case that starts as a simple cheating spouse, turns into murder…Fin realizes she must open herself up to some help, even if it means her heart may get in the way.
This is a real murder mystery book. It is in the same vein as a Sue Grafton or JM Redmann type of mystery. There is a lot of surveillance and following the clues. And because of that this book is a little slow paced at times. But every scene really does mean something. Each piece brings them closer to solving the mystery. And while this book is slow at times it also speeds up and has some good excitement. I really believe mystery fans will eat this book up like I did.
Besides the mystery this is a slow-burn romance. It is very slow-burn but I loved every second of it. I’m not sure what it was but I thought the chemistry was great. It kept building and building and eventually they started to put out sparks together. It is an age-gap, about ten years, but it was obvious these two were meant to be together. I also loved seeing Finn’s hard outside, her loner persona slowly crumble.
If you are a mystery fan don’t hesitate to grab this. This was a treat to read and I hope we will be seeing a book 2 soon. One small complaint, Hill teased us that CJ from Weeping Walls might make and appearance. I got so excited but it didn’t happen. Hill if you are reading this maybe CJ can come out to play in Book 2:)
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
March 17, 2019
This is my first attempt on a review. I don't write reviews because my english is really bad and lots of grammer mistakes.
Gerri Hill is one of my favourite authors. My first ever Lesfic book is Keepers of the Cave by her. I love her mystery/thriller books and Moonlight Avenue is now on that list.
Finn knight is an ex cop/detective turned Private investigator. An investigation about an affair makes her land on a murder case and the book is about her solving it with the help of The cop Dee and her receptionist/assistant Rylee.
Finn and Dee have a really good friendship and romance between Finn and Rylee is slow burn. When I started reading it I thought its going to be a love triangle kind of book. I am glad it's not one of those.
Overall this book is really good. I hope there is going to be a sequel because plot between finn and her mother is something i want to know and I want Dee to have a love in her life.
So this is my review and please let me know what i am missing and how to improve.
Gerri Hill is one of my favourite authors. My first ever Lesfic book is Keepers of the Cave by her. I love her mystery/thriller books and Moonlight Avenue is now on that list.
Finn knight is an ex cop/detective turned Private investigator. An investigation about an affair makes her land on a murder case and the book is about her solving it with the help of The cop Dee and her receptionist/assistant Rylee.
Finn and Dee have a really good friendship and romance between Finn and Rylee is slow burn. When I started reading it I thought its going to be a love triangle kind of book. I am glad it's not one of those.
Overall this book is really good. I hope there is going to be a sequel because plot between finn and her mother is something i want to know and I want Dee to have a love in her life.
So this is my review and please let me know what i am missing and how to improve.
March 25, 2019
- Finn (fangirling over the name) the P. I. cure me from the nightmare over the 8O's show - the one set in Hawaii, red Ferrari and a whole lotta moustache. I will not be skipping leads with such career anymore.
- Lesfic author should not let their leads regrow their virginities.
Finn 4O, Dee 46 and Rylee 3O, three incredible women, carry firearms, out and proud, pretty good in their careers but sadly, their dating lives are nonexistent. What's wrong with giving them some "pour some sugar on me sessions" before meeting the O. N. E. or in Alexis' case, 13.
- This is my third book by Ms.Hill, so I'm still a newbie with her writing. Despite the lack of colors in the leads' personal lives, she excels in the crime /mystery /thriller elements. No short cuts, no sugarcoatings, some interesting twists and turns, legit P. I. stakeouts, ideas on food to pack / eat during stakeouts, blood - guts - gore, present and accounted for.
- The romance, Mamma mia! Every look, every touch accidentally or not, every moment they spend together is just simmering with chemistry + biology. I love watching everything build between them and appreciate the "it's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes " flashbacks.
- Perfect ratio of thriller and romance, you might be inspired to get some of the gadgets and do some stakeouts yourself.
- Lesfic author should not let their leads regrow their virginities.
Finn 4O, Dee 46 and Rylee 3O, three incredible women, carry firearms, out and proud, pretty good in their careers but sadly, their dating lives are nonexistent. What's wrong with giving them some "pour some sugar on me sessions" before meeting the O. N. E. or in Alexis' case, 13.
- This is my third book by Ms.Hill, so I'm still a newbie with her writing. Despite the lack of colors in the leads' personal lives, she excels in the crime /mystery /thriller elements. No short cuts, no sugarcoatings, some interesting twists and turns, legit P. I. stakeouts, ideas on food to pack / eat during stakeouts, blood - guts - gore, present and accounted for.
- The romance, Mamma mia! Every look, every touch accidentally or not, every moment they spend together is just simmering with chemistry + biology. I love watching everything build between them and appreciate the "it's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes " flashbacks.
- Perfect ratio of thriller and romance, you might be inspired to get some of the gadgets and do some stakeouts yourself.
March 28, 2019
Another great murder/mystery by Hill. Fin Knight is a PI on a stakeout to watch a woman her husband suspects of cheating. She's a loner with one friend; an 82-year-old man who lives in the apartment above her office and does the cleaning. Dee Woodard is a detective with the Corpus Christi police department and meets Fin when a murder investigative leads her to Fin's PI company. Rylee Moore has only been in Corpus Christi for six months but she desperately needs a job and asks Fin for an apprenticeship. The moment she sees Fin she recognises her but Fin doesn't seem to recognise her in return.
The mystery is suspenseful and complex. Added to the complexity, there are three main characters which made a really nice change. This meant that the romance took a bit of a back seat but it worked well anyway. All three characters are different from each other and their differing methods of dealing with things made the story even more interesting.
The mystery is suspenseful and complex. Added to the complexity, there are three main characters which made a really nice change. This meant that the romance took a bit of a back seat but it worked well anyway. All three characters are different from each other and their differing methods of dealing with things made the story even more interesting.
March 25, 2019
YES! Gerri Hill's crime/mystery/thriller bug is back in full force with her latest, "Moonlight Avenue!" I KNEW it!! Haven't had THIS much fun since her Hunter, Ross & Sullivan and Johnston & Riley serials!! Read it in one swift sitting! I especially LOVED this latest one, which certainly will turn into a series if the ending (and a certain third MC in the book for that matter!) were any indication, which I'm dead chuffed by the sheer possibility of it!
The reason why "Moonlight Avenue" is now my favourite crime/mystery story and a potential series (if it’s expanded into one, that is!) of Hill's as opposed to her other serials of the same genre comes in threefold:
1) It involves a private investigation agency headed by one of the main protagonists, Finn, a P.I. (Private Investigator). A profession I've always been fascinated with because of how unrestricted, unorthodox it is when it comes to solving crimes/mysteries. Less rules, so to speak, not to mention, having a wider scope in terms of who to work with including various branches of the law enforcement, types of cases (meaning, more interesting stories to tell and plots to devise). A refreshing choice of profession as it's not commonly utilised/featured in lesfic's crime genre, plus the way Hill detailed the intricacies of the P.I.'s job is what makes it thrilling, so vastly different from the usual three letter agencies (FBI, CIA, DEA, etc...) because it's right on the edge of the always-fascinating grey area - legal/illegal, lawful/unlawful, right/wrong, making it more dangerous, ever riskier and obviously more thrills. So, naturally, I was excited by it all! Well done, Ms. Hill, for mixing things up in this well-utilised genre in lesfic!
2) A deliberately unhurried slow-burn romance which, imo, is the ideal way to have romance in the crime/mystery genre, so that the crime itself doesn't get sidetracked whilst the romance can build up slowly throughout the book, making it more like a backdrop of the crime/mystery plot, always present but never eclipsing the main case. In this one, Hill nailed it on the head, making the entire execution of the story (crime and romance) evermore effective, equally fascinating and satisfying. And worth mentioning, Hill's delivery of Finn & Riley's slow-burn was nothing short of addictive and downright fun to explore!
3) There's a THIRD protagonist! Yup, a detective, with her own interesting back story to boot! In essence, it's a TRIO of kick-arse women involved in the case (and potentially others in future!). When Hill introduced Dee into the fold in this book, I immediately exclaimed, "Charlie's Angels!!" Yup, Charlie's Sabrina, Kelly & Jill/Kriss vs. Hill's Finn, Rylee and Dee. Three strong, independent, resourceful women with the smarts and skill-sets, solving crimes under the umbrella of a private investigation agency. Sound familiar? Even MORE cool and badarse? All three are lesbians!!! I bloody LOVE it!!! Finally we have our very own Angels-in-action in the world of lesfic!
I absolutely loved how Finn and Rylee came together. "Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony." Refreshing, I thought. You'll see....
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
The reason why "Moonlight Avenue" is now my favourite crime/mystery story and a potential series (if it’s expanded into one, that is!) of Hill's as opposed to her other serials of the same genre comes in threefold:
1) It involves a private investigation agency headed by one of the main protagonists, Finn, a P.I. (Private Investigator). A profession I've always been fascinated with because of how unrestricted, unorthodox it is when it comes to solving crimes/mysteries. Less rules, so to speak, not to mention, having a wider scope in terms of who to work with including various branches of the law enforcement, types of cases (meaning, more interesting stories to tell and plots to devise). A refreshing choice of profession as it's not commonly utilised/featured in lesfic's crime genre, plus the way Hill detailed the intricacies of the P.I.'s job is what makes it thrilling, so vastly different from the usual three letter agencies (FBI, CIA, DEA, etc...) because it's right on the edge of the always-fascinating grey area - legal/illegal, lawful/unlawful, right/wrong, making it more dangerous, ever riskier and obviously more thrills. So, naturally, I was excited by it all! Well done, Ms. Hill, for mixing things up in this well-utilised genre in lesfic!
2) A deliberately unhurried slow-burn romance which, imo, is the ideal way to have romance in the crime/mystery genre, so that the crime itself doesn't get sidetracked whilst the romance can build up slowly throughout the book, making it more like a backdrop of the crime/mystery plot, always present but never eclipsing the main case. In this one, Hill nailed it on the head, making the entire execution of the story (crime and romance) evermore effective, equally fascinating and satisfying. And worth mentioning, Hill's delivery of Finn & Riley's slow-burn was nothing short of addictive and downright fun to explore!
3) There's a THIRD protagonist! Yup, a detective, with her own interesting back story to boot! In essence, it's a TRIO of kick-arse women involved in the case (and potentially others in future!). When Hill introduced Dee into the fold in this book, I immediately exclaimed, "Charlie's Angels!!" Yup, Charlie's Sabrina, Kelly & Jill/Kriss vs. Hill's Finn, Rylee and Dee. Three strong, independent, resourceful women with the smarts and skill-sets, solving crimes under the umbrella of a private investigation agency. Sound familiar? Even MORE cool and badarse? All three are lesbians!!! I bloody LOVE it!!! Finally we have our very own Angels-in-action in the world of lesfic!
I absolutely loved how Finn and Rylee came together. "Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony." Refreshing, I thought. You'll see....
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
April 20, 2019
Hats off to Gerri Hill. She is a master of multiple genres in lesbian fiction and a prolific author who consistently delivers quality reads. Moonlight Avenue is a murder mystery that lives up to the high expectations we all have when we open one of her novels.
Intentional or not, Moonlight Avenue reads like a tribute to the late Sue Grafton and her Alphabet murder series. The solitary life of PI Finn Knight and the cases she handles as a private investigator reminded me of Grafton’s PI Kinsey Millhone. If you are a Grafton fan this is high praise. I loved the introspective Finn, the determined young Rylee and the seen-it-all cop, Dee. With these three women working together you knew it was only a matter of time before they solved the mystery. Like Grafton's novels the pace is slow and steady but builds to a satisfactory thriller ending. Unlike Grafton's novels this one is not set in 1987, it is not 700 pages long and the sweet romance which develops is a big improvement on Kinsey's lacklustre love life.
An entertaining gumshoe read and another win for Gerri Hill.
Intentional or not, Moonlight Avenue reads like a tribute to the late Sue Grafton and her Alphabet murder series. The solitary life of PI Finn Knight and the cases she handles as a private investigator reminded me of Grafton’s PI Kinsey Millhone. If you are a Grafton fan this is high praise. I loved the introspective Finn, the determined young Rylee and the seen-it-all cop, Dee. With these three women working together you knew it was only a matter of time before they solved the mystery. Like Grafton's novels the pace is slow and steady but builds to a satisfactory thriller ending. Unlike Grafton's novels this one is not set in 1987, it is not 700 pages long and the sweet romance which develops is a big improvement on Kinsey's lacklustre love life.
An entertaining gumshoe read and another win for Gerri Hill.
April 25, 2019
Finley Knight is an ex-cop turned into a private investigator living a solitary life in Corpus Christi, Texas. She prefers working solo but when former security guard Rylee Moore offers her services as a receptionist/assistant, Finley cannot resist her charms. When an apparently routine cheating-wife case changes into a murder investigation, Police Detective Dee Woodward gets involved. Dee prefers to do things by the book while Finley was never a stickler for the rules, but as events escalate and get extremely dangerous, the three women will need to work together and leave their differences, and their feelings, aside to defeat an extremely violent gang.
This is a very entertaining, fast-paced, crime mystery book by Gerri Hill with a romance at the side but with a lot of prominence in the story. The mystery plot is quite complex with many layers to unveil and a good number of suspects. Despite this, Ms. Hill manages to pull off a credible and absorbing story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The novel is written from the point of view of Finley, Rylee, and Dee who are multilayered characters with distinctive personalities and backgrounds. The age-gap romance is slow-burn and sweet, with very well-written chemistry in which opposites attract. The sex scenes have all the ingredients known to Ms. Hill: they are hot, sensual and romantic all at the same time.
The landscape of Corpus Christi (Texas Gulf Coast) with its beautiful beaches and bay area is a frequent feature in Ms. Hill's romances. By setting this novel during winter time with its foggy and cloudy days, however, the author sets the perfect tone for the mystery. The depiction of the impoverished neighbourhoods where most of the action takes part also contributes towards an eerie backdrop and makes a great contrast with the most affluent areas which the Gulf Coast is known for.
Even though the case is completely resolved and the main romance has a satisfying conclusion, there is room for a sequel to this novel. I hope that Ms. Hill decides to write a book that features Dee more prominently and develops Finley's relationship with her estranged mother. I wouldn't hesitate to read book 2.
Overall, a very entertaining and page-turning mystery with a sweet, slow-burn romance at the side. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a very entertaining, fast-paced, crime mystery book by Gerri Hill with a romance at the side but with a lot of prominence in the story. The mystery plot is quite complex with many layers to unveil and a good number of suspects. Despite this, Ms. Hill manages to pull off a credible and absorbing story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The novel is written from the point of view of Finley, Rylee, and Dee who are multilayered characters with distinctive personalities and backgrounds. The age-gap romance is slow-burn and sweet, with very well-written chemistry in which opposites attract. The sex scenes have all the ingredients known to Ms. Hill: they are hot, sensual and romantic all at the same time.
The landscape of Corpus Christi (Texas Gulf Coast) with its beautiful beaches and bay area is a frequent feature in Ms. Hill's romances. By setting this novel during winter time with its foggy and cloudy days, however, the author sets the perfect tone for the mystery. The depiction of the impoverished neighbourhoods where most of the action takes part also contributes towards an eerie backdrop and makes a great contrast with the most affluent areas which the Gulf Coast is known for.
Even though the case is completely resolved and the main romance has a satisfying conclusion, there is room for a sequel to this novel. I hope that Ms. Hill decides to write a book that features Dee more prominently and develops Finley's relationship with her estranged mother. I wouldn't hesitate to read book 2.
Overall, a very entertaining and page-turning mystery with a sweet, slow-burn romance at the side. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 17, 2020
Since I liked Gillette Park so much, I went straight on to Moonlight Avenue, once again following LezReviewBooks’ Gaby’s recommendation. I had added it to my audiobook library after reading her review, and the time had come to listen to it.
After her father was murdered by her mother’s lover, Finley (Finn) Knight forgot about law school and became a cop. A few years later, a visit from the private investigator her father had hired before his death led to another career change. Now Finn is the PI hired by a husband to confirm his wife’s affair. When her client is murdered, the similarities with what Finn’s family had to go through are the least troubling aspect of the story. Dee Woodard is the detective assigned to the investigation and worms her way into Finn’s solitary life. Then Rylee Moore, a young PI wannabe, convinces Finn to hire her.
For a rather long time, I had no idea where this book was going but I didn’t mind at all. I liked the atmosphere and the characters I was meeting. The mystery kept pulling me in many directions (as it should) and I wasn’t sure where the romance would come from. I never knew what to expect, which, in itself, is brilliant. The murder plot is multilayered, with surprising twists and unexpected turns, and everything a mystery should be. As usual, what’s most important for me is the characters, and I really liked that, this time, there were three of them, three badass women, with very different personalities and skills that complement one another. In the course of the story, both friendship and romance flourish. The romance is excellent, with fantastic chemistry between the two women involved, in one of the hottest slow-burns I’ve read. I definitely want more of all three characters, preferably still as a team.
I chose to listen to the audiobook and the narration was really good. I sometimes had to focus a little on the dialogue to get which woman was talking (in particular between Dee and Finn), but I think my lack of concentration is more to blame than Cassandra York’s performance. I liked her tone, her pace, her voices (including the male characters), how Rylee sounded distinctively younger than the other two MCs.
In a few words: excellent mystery, hot romance, awesome narration.
After her father was murdered by her mother’s lover, Finley (Finn) Knight forgot about law school and became a cop. A few years later, a visit from the private investigator her father had hired before his death led to another career change. Now Finn is the PI hired by a husband to confirm his wife’s affair. When her client is murdered, the similarities with what Finn’s family had to go through are the least troubling aspect of the story. Dee Woodard is the detective assigned to the investigation and worms her way into Finn’s solitary life. Then Rylee Moore, a young PI wannabe, convinces Finn to hire her.
For a rather long time, I had no idea where this book was going but I didn’t mind at all. I liked the atmosphere and the characters I was meeting. The mystery kept pulling me in many directions (as it should) and I wasn’t sure where the romance would come from. I never knew what to expect, which, in itself, is brilliant. The murder plot is multilayered, with surprising twists and unexpected turns, and everything a mystery should be. As usual, what’s most important for me is the characters, and I really liked that, this time, there were three of them, three badass women, with very different personalities and skills that complement one another. In the course of the story, both friendship and romance flourish. The romance is excellent, with fantastic chemistry between the two women involved, in one of the hottest slow-burns I’ve read. I definitely want more of all three characters, preferably still as a team.
I chose to listen to the audiobook and the narration was really good. I sometimes had to focus a little on the dialogue to get which woman was talking (in particular between Dee and Finn), but I think my lack of concentration is more to blame than Cassandra York’s performance. I liked her tone, her pace, her voices (including the male characters), how Rylee sounded distinctively younger than the other two MCs.
In a few words: excellent mystery, hot romance, awesome narration.
April 20, 2019
Interesting and compelling relationships. Great chemistry and lots of romantic tension between leads; Strong female friendships. Good mystery and investigative procedural. The plot though. Started off good but then gradually went off the rails. It devolved from a promising murder mystery to being not very plausible 🤨 , then unbelievable🙄 and then just plain ridiculous 🤯 Maximum suspension of disbelief required.
4.25 for the characters and relationships.
2.5 for the plot.
4.25 for the characters and relationships.
2.5 for the plot.
April 4, 2019
Yup.... She's done it again. Who doesn't like Gerri Hill? Very very good story. Slow burn romance, good MC's and good story line.
Hopefully this is the first of a series? :) Love to know what happens to Dee....
Hopefully this is the first of a series? :) Love to know what happens to Dee....
March 27, 2019
Again. Perfect. The previous reviews says it all. Read it, well worth it.
April 6, 2023
Another good Gerri Hill book.
September 14, 2020
Gerri Hill writes wonderful thrillers. I enjoy reading this book a lot. Finley is a former cop turned private investigator who's a loner estranged from her mother after her father was murdered 10 years ago. She was hired to investigate a cheating spouse which turned more complicated when her client was found murdered. Through this, she met Dee, the detective investigating the case. They became friends as they work through the case. The whole thing turned out to be more complex than infidelity. Then there's Rylee, who came to Finn, asking for a job as her assistant/apprentice. I love these characters. They each have their own emotional baggage and I love how their relationships evolve. I also found the mystery compelling. It kept me turning the page as we struggle to figure things out.
December 1, 2021
Gerri Hill is equally adept at writing romances and crime thrillers. And generally there's romance as part of the latter, which makes them even more appealing to me. Usually I read her books before listening to the audio, but not always. In that case I hadn't, so experienced it for the first time through the voice of narrator Cassandra York - who was a new narrator for me.
I've become so spoiled with great voice actors that while I found her work on this to be fine, it was just like having someone who is a really good reader tell the story, as opposed to bringing it to life. If anything, it made me more anxious to read Gerri's words directly as I feel like it will be an even better experience. Not that it was a bad one by any means.
The story itself is interesting and complex. Police detective Fin Knight leaves the force and opens a private investigation agency. A loner in every sense of the word, it's a one-person operation until Rylee Moore appears on her doorstep seeking an apprenticeship and won't take no for an answer. When one of Fin's clients ends up dead, she, Riley and Police Detective Dee Woodard work together to unravel a criminal operation that is breathtaking in scope.
There are some unresolved issues in this book that makes me think that Gerri always planned to write a sequel. But one was pretty distracting at the end. When there was two minutes left in the audiobook I even said out loud, "But what about....?????" And then it was mentioned in a roundabout way but not resolved. Unusual.
While I enjoyed this a lot, I think I may enjoy the book better. Will wait a while and give it a read. This is likely just a personal preference for me with the narrator as I know many have given it strong reviews. Gerri Hill continues to be one of my favorites and she keeps cranking out one solid read after another!
I've become so spoiled with great voice actors that while I found her work on this to be fine, it was just like having someone who is a really good reader tell the story, as opposed to bringing it to life. If anything, it made me more anxious to read Gerri's words directly as I feel like it will be an even better experience. Not that it was a bad one by any means.
The story itself is interesting and complex. Police detective Fin Knight leaves the force and opens a private investigation agency. A loner in every sense of the word, it's a one-person operation until Rylee Moore appears on her doorstep seeking an apprenticeship and won't take no for an answer. When one of Fin's clients ends up dead, she, Riley and Police Detective Dee Woodard work together to unravel a criminal operation that is breathtaking in scope.
There are some unresolved issues in this book that makes me think that Gerri always planned to write a sequel. But one was pretty distracting at the end. When there was two minutes left in the audiobook I even said out loud, "But what about....?????" And then it was mentioned in a roundabout way but not resolved. Unusual.
While I enjoyed this a lot, I think I may enjoy the book better. Will wait a while and give it a read. This is likely just a personal preference for me with the narrator as I know many have given it strong reviews. Gerri Hill continues to be one of my favorites and she keeps cranking out one solid read after another!
January 7, 2023
I adore Gerri Hill's romance mystery novels and Moonlight Avenue is another to add to the favourite list. The mystery storyline is really strong and I loved following along with the investigation. The romance between Finn and Rylee is lovely - they have fantastic chemistry and I loved their backstory.
Once I finished, I immediately looked to see if there was another book in the series. I loved Dee as a character and would love to read a book featuring her. A girl can dream that this could/would eventuate.
Pick this up if you love a great romance mystery novel too!
Once I finished, I immediately looked to see if there was another book in the series. I loved Dee as a character and would love to read a book featuring her. A girl can dream that this could/would eventuate.
Pick this up if you love a great romance mystery novel too!
May 28, 2021
Wow! I read through many of the reviews on Moonlight Avenue before purchasing it and now I know what all of the fuss was about. Hill did an excellent job intertwining the “murder mystery” and “romance” genres. The blend of the two was simply perfect. The romantic moments flowed beautifully back into the investigation, and vice versa. I don’t recall having any moments of “boredom” where I plainly skimmed through to the more exciting material...I was 100% captured by this story from start to finish.
Overall, the story was beautiful/exciting, the character development was well-constructed, and all loose ends were tied up nicely in the conclusion (one of my pet peeves when ignored or rushed). If you’re looking for an enticing, lesfic read, I recommend giving this one a shot!
Overall, the story was beautiful/exciting, the character development was well-constructed, and all loose ends were tied up nicely in the conclusion (one of my pet peeves when ignored or rushed). If you’re looking for an enticing, lesfic read, I recommend giving this one a shot!
Read
March 28, 2019With Moonlight Avenue, Gerri Hill has created a classic Noir style detective novel, similar in many ways to the old lone wolf detective novels that have become their very own genre. Even though Moonlight Avenue is set in modern day and has a mostly lesbian cast, the feel of the dark, gloomy, evil-lurking-in-the-shadows and fog filled streets atmosphere is the perfect setting for this type of drama filled story. I am actually in awe at the way Ms. Hill uses the descriptions of the setting all through the story. I remember one scene where she describes the fog rolling over the bay and swirling through a broken window into the room. It was vivid enough to send chills down my spine.
There are three main characters in the book, which is unusual, but here it works perfectly. Finley Knight is the main character. She is the lone wolf private investigator with the sad, rather violent past who doesn’t want anyone to be close to her in any way. Her only friend at the beginning of the story is Sammy, the elderly gentleman who lives in the apartment above her office which is located in an old warehouse building on a dark dead end street called Moonlight Avenue. Then you Have Dee Woodard, the police detective with her own distressing past who becomes friends with Finn as they both try to solve the murder mystery they become involved in. The third main character is Rylee Moore, who shows up looking for a job and refusing to take no for an answer until Finn finally hires her, not as the apprentice as Rylee wants, but as her receptionist.
This is predominantly a murder mystery, but for those of you looking for romance, there is an undercurrent running through the book. The love interest reads like a smoldering fire through most of the story. You will occasionally see a little spark or feel a bit of the heat of the fire, but it doesn’t burst into a blaze until near the end of the tale. It is most definitely a slow-burn romance, but well worth reading to the end.
Instead of reading the ebook or paperback version, I listened to the Audible version of this book, narrated by Cassandra York. I believe that listening to this story first may have influenced how I view the book itself. The Audible version reminded me of the old Sam Spade/ Philip Marlow stories that used to be performed on the radio shows of the thirties and forties. And no, I don’t remember them directly. I’m not quite that old. I must commend the narrator for her rendition of the book, as well as Ms. Hill for her excellent writing.
The wonderfully dark setting, well-developed characters, and exceptionally well written story make this book one of the best I’ve read/listened to in quite a while. Don’t let this one pass you by.
There are three main characters in the book, which is unusual, but here it works perfectly. Finley Knight is the main character. She is the lone wolf private investigator with the sad, rather violent past who doesn’t want anyone to be close to her in any way. Her only friend at the beginning of the story is Sammy, the elderly gentleman who lives in the apartment above her office which is located in an old warehouse building on a dark dead end street called Moonlight Avenue. Then you Have Dee Woodard, the police detective with her own distressing past who becomes friends with Finn as they both try to solve the murder mystery they become involved in. The third main character is Rylee Moore, who shows up looking for a job and refusing to take no for an answer until Finn finally hires her, not as the apprentice as Rylee wants, but as her receptionist.
This is predominantly a murder mystery, but for those of you looking for romance, there is an undercurrent running through the book. The love interest reads like a smoldering fire through most of the story. You will occasionally see a little spark or feel a bit of the heat of the fire, but it doesn’t burst into a blaze until near the end of the tale. It is most definitely a slow-burn romance, but well worth reading to the end.
Instead of reading the ebook or paperback version, I listened to the Audible version of this book, narrated by Cassandra York. I believe that listening to this story first may have influenced how I view the book itself. The Audible version reminded me of the old Sam Spade/ Philip Marlow stories that used to be performed on the radio shows of the thirties and forties. And no, I don’t remember them directly. I’m not quite that old. I must commend the narrator for her rendition of the book, as well as Ms. Hill for her excellent writing.
The wonderfully dark setting, well-developed characters, and exceptionally well written story make this book one of the best I’ve read/listened to in quite a while. Don’t let this one pass you by.
March 22, 2019
Woohoo! I'm in every book lover's paradise right now! This author gave me one of the best mystery/thrillers I have read for the year and I am giving her the coffee cup honor because I was reluctant to put down my kindle and go to bed. Finley also known as Finn, stole my heart from the first page because she is the epitome of the strong, silent and super confident professional private eye. If I had to be a fictional character, I would definitely be Rylee because she loves food as much as I do! She is the perfect investigating sidekick and I adore everything about her. There isn't a dull moment in this book and I am pretty sure that I wasn't the only one to lose sleep because I got caught up in Finn and Riley's world. I can't wait to read another captivating story from this superb author!
April 20, 2019
A Noir Private Eye romantic suspense.
It's not too bad just not all that original.
I've read this book a 100 times before and honestly this book is neither better or worse than those other offerings.
It's an entertaining book to kill some time. I'm sure I'll be reading some more Gerri Hill at some point in the future but I won't be buying her entire collected works tomorrow.
It's not too bad just not all that original.
I've read this book a 100 times before and honestly this book is neither better or worse than those other offerings.
It's an entertaining book to kill some time. I'm sure I'll be reading some more Gerri Hill at some point in the future but I won't be buying her entire collected works tomorrow.
September 17, 2021
Awesome read from A to Z.
I love the fact that readers know early on of a romantic situation and we are led on and on in a very sensible way even when we meet the possible interest. In addition, the author creates good foundation for friendships as well as sound investigative ponderings and actions.
I really loved every bit of it.
My only observation is that the book feels like a sequel...I mean we have Finn's family and work history which whilst well introduced still makes me feel perhaps a prior book had more to say. In addition to this observation, is the mysterious key and Finn's relation to Detective Spark.
Hopefully this will be a series because I believe there's a lot more in the well.
I love the fact that readers know early on of a romantic situation and we are led on and on in a very sensible way even when we meet the possible interest. In addition, the author creates good foundation for friendships as well as sound investigative ponderings and actions.
I really loved every bit of it.
My only observation is that the book feels like a sequel...I mean we have Finn's family and work history which whilst well introduced still makes me feel perhaps a prior book had more to say. In addition to this observation, is the mysterious key and Finn's relation to Detective Spark.
Hopefully this will be a series because I believe there's a lot more in the well.
May 22, 2019
The romance is pretty bad. (Insta-lust and obsession and unbalance with one becoming the boss of the other.)
Happily, 85 percent of the book isn't about romance but about three lonely women going tothe bottom of a murder story. And it's pretty entertaining. It's a bit slow and repetitive and has a pretty Hollywood end, but it's nice story.
The audio was okay at first but the story was so slow that I jumped to Kindle version for the last 25 percent ^^
Happily, 85 percent of the book isn't about romance but about three lonely women going tothe bottom of a murder story. And it's pretty entertaining. It's a bit slow and repetitive and has a pretty Hollywood end, but it's nice story.
The audio was okay at first but the story was so slow that I jumped to Kindle version for the last 25 percent ^^
October 1, 2021
I was pretty disappointed in this book. Especially since I tend to love Gerri Hill. This one was a super slow burn. To be frank, it was actually pretty boring. Will I keep reading Hill? Of course. They can’t all be awesome.
February 14, 2021
3.5 stars. I'm a bit surprised myself I didn't rate this higher, but to be honest, I got stuck in the middle and didn't continue this until weeks later and ah didn't really feel I'd have missed out on something if I hadn't.
This is a crime/mystery and a romance book, with a slight focus on the crime aspect.
It starts off with Finn, ex cop turned private investigator. When murders occur in her vicinity related to one of her cases, she's on it. Detective Dee is slowly becoming a friend.
It turns out that the murder case is bigger than everyone thought, and Riley suddenly turns up, wannabe private investigator and Finn fangirl. Finn takes pity on her, first letting her work as her receptionist. Both realize they've actually met before: They had a one night stand a couple of weeks back.
What I liked in the beginning of the book were the storyline and I really wanted to find out out the crime. I also liked Dee, a secondary character that I wished would have had a bigger part, and Riley was very refreshing.
Finn I liked not so much. Her age and the age gap (30 versus 40 years) played a huge part, but it didn't lead to any power dynamics, just to whining on Finn's part, or so I felt. She's more the introvert type, which is fine by me, but whereas Riley had some development, I didn't really see that for I
Finn, other that she does acquiesce to a relationship in the end. It left me with a weird feeling and actually I didn't care one bit for this couple.
All in all, a decent and fast paced book though. I would have enjoyed it more if I had listened to it without stopping.
This is a crime/mystery and a romance book, with a slight focus on the crime aspect.
It starts off with Finn, ex cop turned private investigator. When murders occur in her vicinity related to one of her cases, she's on it. Detective Dee is slowly becoming a friend.
It turns out that the murder case is bigger than everyone thought, and Riley suddenly turns up, wannabe private investigator and Finn fangirl. Finn takes pity on her, first letting her work as her receptionist. Both realize they've actually met before: They had a one night stand a couple of weeks back.
What I liked in the beginning of the book were the storyline and I really wanted to find out out the crime. I also liked Dee, a secondary character that I wished would have had a bigger part, and Riley was very refreshing.
Finn I liked not so much. Her age and the age gap (30 versus 40 years) played a huge part, but it didn't lead to any power dynamics, just to whining on Finn's part, or so I felt. She's more the introvert type, which is fine by me, but whereas Riley had some development, I didn't really see that for I
Finn, other that she does acquiesce to a relationship in the end. It left me with a weird feeling and actually I didn't care one bit for this couple.
All in all, a decent and fast paced book though. I would have enjoyed it more if I had listened to it without stopping.
March 31, 2019
Three POVs, now that was new. I loved this book because I love Gerri's work. And the characters are also interesting. From Gerri's, she said that she loves all the characters but Finn is her favorite. Now for me, Dee is my favorite. She just is, I feel like I would have enjoyed the book MORE had there been more scenes for Dee.
At first, I shipped Dee and Finn but when Gerri made it clear that they weren't happening, I knew I was gonna be a little bit sad. But I liked Finn and her girlfriend.
THE MENTION OF CJ JOHNSTON RANKS AS MY HIGHEST POINT in the book
The whole drug thing was so well written and complicated but very easy to follow. All those wild guesses had me guessing stuff too.
CJ JOHNSTON, I SCREAMED WHEN I SAW HER NAME. SHE'S MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE. I love that Gerri does that, In The Locket, she mentioned HUNTER AND SAMANTHA and I almost lost my cool. I can't wait for them to ever team up. I WILL BE DOWN FOR THAT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
Moonlight Avenue was an interesting book but not enough romance for me. I connected with the characters and found them pretty likable. I would have liked a little more on why Fin had never gotten involved with anyone but not knowing didn't affect my reading experience.
I liked Dee, the detective but Rylee seemed to be a little younger than 30 at times. However, the mystery was there and it was an entertaining read.
I liked Dee, the detective but Rylee seemed to be a little younger than 30 at times. However, the mystery was there and it was an entertaining read.
October 29, 2021
I love a Gerri Hill novel especially when it is a suspense type thriller with a growing love story in the background. This book did not disappoint in any way. I would love to see a continuation of this story in a book 2.
Gerri Hill is the main reason why I read lesfic since reading her novel Snow Falls back in 2014 (after not reading a book in a decade) I have become an ardent reader of this genre and read a book at least once a week. I get so excited when a new book gets announced all the way until it is published and read (devoured really)...I squeal with excitement eeeeeeeeee
Gerri Hill is the main reason why I read lesfic since reading her novel Snow Falls back in 2014 (after not reading a book in a decade) I have become an ardent reader of this genre and read a book at least once a week. I get so excited when a new book gets announced all the way until it is published and read (devoured really)...I squeal with excitement eeeeeeeeee
August 24, 2022
Another winner for Gerri Hill
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: not a romance, full-time writer, favorite trope, out of your comfort zone, possibly other categories
A private investigator got caught up in a twisted and dangerous investigation after solving a related case of a cheating wife. A former one-night stand showed up at her office, looking for PI training, not knowing that they were each other's "mystery woman" from that encounter. A detective officially involved in the tied cases became friends with the PI, and got pulled deeper into trying to bust a crime syndicate involving significant politicians and leaders from the city. The three women worked together and built trust in each other to break and solve several murders resulting from the major crimes. The PI and her trainee might have found their "one night to forever" love, but could lose each other in the cross-fire. Great thriller!
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: not a romance, full-time writer, favorite trope, out of your comfort zone, possibly other categories
A private investigator got caught up in a twisted and dangerous investigation after solving a related case of a cheating wife. A former one-night stand showed up at her office, looking for PI training, not knowing that they were each other's "mystery woman" from that encounter. A detective officially involved in the tied cases became friends with the PI, and got pulled deeper into trying to bust a crime syndicate involving significant politicians and leaders from the city. The three women worked together and built trust in each other to break and solve several murders resulting from the major crimes. The PI and her trainee might have found their "one night to forever" love, but could lose each other in the cross-fire. Great thriller!
July 26, 2019
Gosh. I really enjoyed this. Proper mystery, good, slow-burn chemistry between the mains (with the minimum of familial pseudo-baggage), and an interesting wider circle of characters.
Reading other reviews reminded me that the very first lesfic book I read (on a long plane ride) and the one that kinda taught me that this is a genre I can enjoy guilt-free, was a Gerri Hill book. For that alone I’d be grateful but also for this book. I like a story in amongst the romance and this hit the spot.
Reading other reviews reminded me that the very first lesfic book I read (on a long plane ride) and the one that kinda taught me that this is a genre I can enjoy guilt-free, was a Gerri Hill book. For that alone I’d be grateful but also for this book. I like a story in amongst the romance and this hit the spot.
March 28, 2019
YAY! this time is about private investigator! another good read as usual from Gerri Hill =)
#clap! well written! page turner! <3 love the audiobook too! Thank You Gerri Hill! for another FANTASTIC READ F/F Thriller book!!!! Don't ever stop writing!!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!! :D
#clap! well written! page turner! <3 love the audiobook too! Thank You Gerri Hill! for another FANTASTIC READ F/F Thriller book!!!! Don't ever stop writing!!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!! :D
March 24, 2019
This is Gerri Hill at her finest. This book is really good.. a little predictable is some ways but in others not. Great chemistry between the mains. Always look forward to her next.
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