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Sam Blackman #7
Murder in Rat Alley
In this unusual spin on the classic spy novel, murder strikes from our wartime pasts…
Iraq War veteran Sam Blackman with his prosthetic leg and his no-nonsense private eye partner Nakayla Robertson love their investigations which always carry a thread from the past―and they love each other. An interracial couple in the new South, the Asheville, NC, pair has surrounded themselves with a terrific support team including an unorthodox lawyer and a veteran cop. They deploy humor both to bind them together and to deflect insults. Plus, it helps deal with the tragedies their work uncovers.
Such a tragedy interrupts a meeting between the PIs and the neighboring law office when a body is unearthed from the grounds of the nearby Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. During the Cold War it monitored developing space programs. Today it plays a vital role gathering weather and climate data. The body has been in the ground a long time. Why would its discovery spark off a new murder in Asheville's mountain music scene, the victim found amid the garbage of dark, dank Rat Alley?
She was the fiancée of the man murdered long ago. But surely this case is more than a domestic drama playing out over time….
The Blackman Agency Investigations excel at merging past and present, bringing little-known history to light, and are perfect for fans of James Lee Burke, Stephen Mack Jones, Margaret Maron, and Robert B. Parker.
Iraq War veteran Sam Blackman with his prosthetic leg and his no-nonsense private eye partner Nakayla Robertson love their investigations which always carry a thread from the past―and they love each other. An interracial couple in the new South, the Asheville, NC, pair has surrounded themselves with a terrific support team including an unorthodox lawyer and a veteran cop. They deploy humor both to bind them together and to deflect insults. Plus, it helps deal with the tragedies their work uncovers.
Such a tragedy interrupts a meeting between the PIs and the neighboring law office when a body is unearthed from the grounds of the nearby Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. During the Cold War it monitored developing space programs. Today it plays a vital role gathering weather and climate data. The body has been in the ground a long time. Why would its discovery spark off a new murder in Asheville's mountain music scene, the victim found amid the garbage of dark, dank Rat Alley?
She was the fiancée of the man murdered long ago. But surely this case is more than a domestic drama playing out over time….
The Blackman Agency Investigations excel at merging past and present, bringing little-known history to light, and are perfect for fans of James Lee Burke, Stephen Mack Jones, Margaret Maron, and Robert B. Parker.
- GenresMystery
272 pages, Hardcover
Published December 31, 2019
About the author
Mark de Castrique
30 books168 followersMark de Castrique is an author, playwright, public speaker, and television producer living in Charlotte.
Through his company MARK et al., he writes, shoots, and edits projects for a variety of clients.
His work has earned CLIO, TELLY, and EMMY awards.
Mark has scripted stories aired on PBS and commercial network affiliates, as well as created video presentations for major corporations.
Through his company MARK et al., he writes, shoots, and edits projects for a variety of clients.
His work has earned CLIO, TELLY, and EMMY awards.
Mark has scripted stories aired on PBS and commercial network affiliates, as well as created video presentations for major corporations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 21, 2019
MURDER IN RAT ALLEY by Mark de Castrique is a well-written mystery set in and around Asheville, North Carolina. This novel is the seventh book in the Sam Blackman series and can be read as a standalone. The author is a native of western North Carolina and this showed up in how well he depicted the area. The story was well researched and the Author’s Note at the end of the book sheds light on the factual elements included in the story.
Sam Blackman, an Iraq War veteran with a prosthetic leg and his business and romantic partner Nakayla Robertson are private investigators. They often work with the individuals in a nearby law office. When a body is found at the nearby Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, they are enlisted to help find out what happened. When the death from the past is linked to current criminal activities, a tangled web of possibilities and culprits come to light.
The plot was intriguing and paced well. I felt that Sam’s character was well-developed but wished for more insight into Nakayla. Perhaps this occurred in earlier books in the series. Overall, the story was enjoyable and twisty.
This is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read other books in this series as well as try his political thrillers and young adult mysteries.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, Mark de Castrique and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Sam Blackman, an Iraq War veteran with a prosthetic leg and his business and romantic partner Nakayla Robertson are private investigators. They often work with the individuals in a nearby law office. When a body is found at the nearby Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, they are enlisted to help find out what happened. When the death from the past is linked to current criminal activities, a tangled web of possibilities and culprits come to light.
The plot was intriguing and paced well. I felt that Sam’s character was well-developed but wished for more insight into Nakayla. Perhaps this occurred in earlier books in the series. Overall, the story was enjoyable and twisty.
This is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read other books in this series as well as try his political thrillers and young adult mysteries.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, Mark de Castrique and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
December 8, 2024
Mark de Castrique’s Blackman and Robertson novels invariably involve a cold case’s repercussions (usually involving murder) into the present. It may sound derivative, but I have loved every novel, and this seventh novel is no exception.
This latest book featuring one-legged veteran Sam Blackman and his partner in work and love, Nakayla Robertson, begins with the discovery of the body of Frank DeMille, a kindly NASA computer genius who disappeared in 1971. Someone clearly wanted DeMille’s murder to stay buried, and the murderer goes to great lengths to stop the investigation. I don’t want to reveal too much except to say to longtime readers that Frank’s niece is paralegal secretary Cory DeMille, a close, close friend of Sam and Nakayla’s, so the pair of detectives are into the investigation for the long haul. A teaser: The investigation veers off into a direction I would never have predicted. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
This latest book featuring one-legged veteran Sam Blackman and his partner in work and love, Nakayla Robertson, begins with the discovery of the body of Frank DeMille, a kindly NASA computer genius who disappeared in 1971. Someone clearly wanted DeMille’s murder to stay buried, and the murderer goes to great lengths to stop the investigation. I don’t want to reveal too much except to say to longtime readers that Frank’s niece is paralegal secretary Cory DeMille, a close, close friend of Sam and Nakayla’s, so the pair of detectives are into the investigation for the long haul. A teaser: The investigation veers off into a direction I would never have predicted. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
November 29, 2019
Sam Blackman and his partner Nakayla Robertson investigate a death linked to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute near Asheville. The man's remains were found when equipment was brought in to help with current operations. He had been missing for decades. His former fiancee does not trust federal officials to get to the bottom of things because she thinks PAGI and other agencies covered up his disappearance. In the meantime someone burns Nakayla's home. Sam and Nakayla must work with several jurisdictional law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of the case. I enjoy the series, but this installment did not hold my attention as much as some, likely because of some espionage elements. I learn odd bits of Western North Carolina history because of this series. The setting always delivers! This review is based on an advance review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2019
I never would have known how interesting a spot Asheville, North Carolina is if not for Mark de Castrique's Sam Blackman mysteries. de Castrique is a master at blending past and present into engrossing tales, and Murder in Rat Alley is certainly no exception.
Much of the action revolves around the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, a real place that monitored space programs during the Cold War and now plays a vital role in gathering weather and climate data. The dead man was a computer genius who worked there, and the dead woman was his fiancée. Everyone assumed that the dead man just got cold feet and disappeared one night, but the discovery of his body close to the Institute buildings tells Sam and Nakayla that something more sinister is afoot. The two begin teasing out clues to what happened with some hair-raising results. When the killer was revealed, I told myself that I should have known-- much, much earlier the character had said something that should have made my clue detector go TILT.
I really enjoy this series for what I learn about Asheville's history and for the mysteries that are always fun to solve, but the glue that holds everything together is the team of Sam and Nakayla, an interracial couple who are first-rate investigators. They also have a great sense of humor and a fantastic support group that includes an eccentric lawyer and a veteran cop-- and a coonhound named Blue who likes to sleep a lot.
Whenever I know there's a new Sam Blackman mystery, I start packing my bags for Asheville. If you like the perfect blend of mystery, history, humor, and characterization, you should join me.
Much of the action revolves around the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, a real place that monitored space programs during the Cold War and now plays a vital role in gathering weather and climate data. The dead man was a computer genius who worked there, and the dead woman was his fiancée. Everyone assumed that the dead man just got cold feet and disappeared one night, but the discovery of his body close to the Institute buildings tells Sam and Nakayla that something more sinister is afoot. The two begin teasing out clues to what happened with some hair-raising results. When the killer was revealed, I told myself that I should have known-- much, much earlier the character had said something that should have made my clue detector go TILT.
I really enjoy this series for what I learn about Asheville's history and for the mysteries that are always fun to solve, but the glue that holds everything together is the team of Sam and Nakayla, an interracial couple who are first-rate investigators. They also have a great sense of humor and a fantastic support group that includes an eccentric lawyer and a veteran cop-- and a coonhound named Blue who likes to sleep a lot.
Whenever I know there's a new Sam Blackman mystery, I start packing my bags for Asheville. If you like the perfect blend of mystery, history, humor, and characterization, you should join me.
May 14, 2020
Nothing real deep here, but a good mystery set in places that I know like PARI (Pisgah Astromomical Research Center) and Grove Arcade). For me, that makes the story feel real. One potential mistake, I think the author has one of the sheriff's replaced by a special election. That is not generally, how one replaces a sheriff before the end of the term.
January 27, 2020
My first read of this author - this book is fine as a stand alone as well.
We have a pair of private investigators ex Veterans who somehow find themselves surrounded by the mystery of dead bodies and in this case the body is decades old. Missing from his work station, Frank was a quiet, hard working man a computer geek at the time of the computers infancy, he had no enemies and was an unassuming man. When body parts were discovered in the grounds of a space station the odds of a murder being committed there were very high what with security being tight but slowly unraveling the mystery we find it connected to a murder in Vietnam of another veteran and the involvement of a family and current criminal activities, the pace hots up.
Very good characterization, a fast pace and well thought out plot and story this held my interest throughout. I will be looking out for this author in the future as well.
We have a pair of private investigators ex Veterans who somehow find themselves surrounded by the mystery of dead bodies and in this case the body is decades old. Missing from his work station, Frank was a quiet, hard working man a computer geek at the time of the computers infancy, he had no enemies and was an unassuming man. When body parts were discovered in the grounds of a space station the odds of a murder being committed there were very high what with security being tight but slowly unraveling the mystery we find it connected to a murder in Vietnam of another veteran and the involvement of a family and current criminal activities, the pace hots up.
Very good characterization, a fast pace and well thought out plot and story this held my interest throughout. I will be looking out for this author in the future as well.
January 10, 2020
When a skeleton is found in a park that used to be part of a NASA installation, Sam Blackman's friend almost faints--her uncle disappeared in the area long before she was born, and her father spent his life looking for his brother. DNA tests confirm her conjecture, and forensic evidence says that it was a case of murder. Sam and his partner and girlfriend Nikayala investigate, as a favor, until Nikayala's house is torched--then it becomes personal. The trail leads Sam to a few Vietnam veterans, who lost a friend to the same conspiracy that killed the man in North Carolina. Unusually for the Blackman books, there is no literary component in this.
August 8, 2020
I drink a lot of tea. Cup after cup, trying different blends. Once in a great while, a tea will jump up, and my mind and taste buds will say "Oh Yes! This is the right one." I had the same experience reading Mark de Castrique for the first time. De Castrique, is a well known mystery writer. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina (Charlotte) teaching The American Mystery. This reader hopes he includes his series in his syllabus. The Sam Blackman series is that good.
Who is Sam Blackman? He is someone who tells his story to us. Sam is a private detective, partnered with Nakayla Robertson. Their office is in Asheville NC. Sam, a veteran of the Iraq engagement, lost his left leg below his knee. He wears a prosthetic device. Throughout the series, de Castrique has used disability vs ability to recover as one of the underlying themes in these mysteries. Blackman could be considered a hero warrior, except that thought would invite a raspberry from the protagonist. Instead, he is tenacious, sardonic, determined, and very wise. He knows who to choose for his family of heart. Of course, Nakayla is at the top of the pyramid, she is both his professional partner and partner of his heart. Others include the members of the law firm that is housed next door to his practice, and several good guy members of the Asheville police department. For readers who are animal lovers, Blue, the hound is also part of his family.
In book one of this series, de Castrique introduced a mystery that was linked to a 90 year old death.
This plot hook has become one of the markers for the Blackman novels. In Murder in Rat Alley, the body has been missing for since 1971. Frank DeMille, a uncle of one of the law firms employees, went missing during a crucial lunar landing. He worked for the Pisgah NASA tracking station. The forensic evidence shows he was murdered. Uncovering Franks associates from that period, Sam and Nakayla interview Lorraine, a member of a family singing group, and the Frank's finance. Very shortly after this interview, Lorraine is found garroted in Rat Alley (hence the title). The threat has now moved to the present.
By staying with Blackman's voice, the reader follows the investigation through his eyes. Logical guesses to unraveling the puzzle, along with intuitive leaps are related through character interviews. Blackman's often wry observations, coupled with Nakayla's loving banter enhance the narration. This well thought out plot has enough layers, that a fire bomb serves as a secondary feature. As much a why done it as a who done it, de Castrique is showing no signs of finishing
Sam's story. This is a good thing. I look forward to the next installment.
Who is Sam Blackman? He is someone who tells his story to us. Sam is a private detective, partnered with Nakayla Robertson. Their office is in Asheville NC. Sam, a veteran of the Iraq engagement, lost his left leg below his knee. He wears a prosthetic device. Throughout the series, de Castrique has used disability vs ability to recover as one of the underlying themes in these mysteries. Blackman could be considered a hero warrior, except that thought would invite a raspberry from the protagonist. Instead, he is tenacious, sardonic, determined, and very wise. He knows who to choose for his family of heart. Of course, Nakayla is at the top of the pyramid, she is both his professional partner and partner of his heart. Others include the members of the law firm that is housed next door to his practice, and several good guy members of the Asheville police department. For readers who are animal lovers, Blue, the hound is also part of his family.
In book one of this series, de Castrique introduced a mystery that was linked to a 90 year old death.
This plot hook has become one of the markers for the Blackman novels. In Murder in Rat Alley, the body has been missing for since 1971. Frank DeMille, a uncle of one of the law firms employees, went missing during a crucial lunar landing. He worked for the Pisgah NASA tracking station. The forensic evidence shows he was murdered. Uncovering Franks associates from that period, Sam and Nakayla interview Lorraine, a member of a family singing group, and the Frank's finance. Very shortly after this interview, Lorraine is found garroted in Rat Alley (hence the title). The threat has now moved to the present.
By staying with Blackman's voice, the reader follows the investigation through his eyes. Logical guesses to unraveling the puzzle, along with intuitive leaps are related through character interviews. Blackman's often wry observations, coupled with Nakayla's loving banter enhance the narration. This well thought out plot has enough layers, that a fire bomb serves as a secondary feature. As much a why done it as a who done it, de Castrique is showing no signs of finishing
Sam's story. This is a good thing. I look forward to the next installment.
December 4, 2019
Murder in the Carolinas
This is the seventh in the Sam Blackman series but each is a stand-alone murder/mystery so each can be read out of sequence.
Sam Blackman is an ex-military guy who lost a leg serving his country. He is a private detective and works with his very close friend Nakayla Robertson and coonhound, Blue. The plot is based in and around the Carolinas although the story encompasses events much further afield.
A skeleton has been discovered on the grounds of Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) and it’s clearly murder. Once its identity (Frank DeMille) has been determined the investigation into the perpetrator draws both Sam and Nakayla into a convoluted plot where more murders abound. There are many leads but which are red herrings, and which will lead to the truth as to why Frank died?
It’s clear that there is a backstory to Sam and Nakayla’s relationship but not knowing it does not detract from the enjoyment of this particular narrative. The characters are well-drawn and it’s easy to identify with the main protagonists. The dialogue is also believable and clearly shows the author’s experience and talent.
On the downside, as a reader from the UK, I found reference to all the different agencies and their jurisdictions difficult to comprehend and it made me thankful I live in a country where far fewer have any involvement. Additionally, I felt that some of the descriptive passages not only patronised the reader but there was far too much of it which was unnecessary and not used for scene-setting or to establish atmosphere but just to fill the pages.
Overall though, the story has merit and despite being flat and lifeless at times it culminates in a predictable yet exciting finale.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book for review
This is the seventh in the Sam Blackman series but each is a stand-alone murder/mystery so each can be read out of sequence.
Sam Blackman is an ex-military guy who lost a leg serving his country. He is a private detective and works with his very close friend Nakayla Robertson and coonhound, Blue. The plot is based in and around the Carolinas although the story encompasses events much further afield.
A skeleton has been discovered on the grounds of Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) and it’s clearly murder. Once its identity (Frank DeMille) has been determined the investigation into the perpetrator draws both Sam and Nakayla into a convoluted plot where more murders abound. There are many leads but which are red herrings, and which will lead to the truth as to why Frank died?
It’s clear that there is a backstory to Sam and Nakayla’s relationship but not knowing it does not detract from the enjoyment of this particular narrative. The characters are well-drawn and it’s easy to identify with the main protagonists. The dialogue is also believable and clearly shows the author’s experience and talent.
On the downside, as a reader from the UK, I found reference to all the different agencies and their jurisdictions difficult to comprehend and it made me thankful I live in a country where far fewer have any involvement. Additionally, I felt that some of the descriptive passages not only patronised the reader but there was far too much of it which was unnecessary and not used for scene-setting or to establish atmosphere but just to fill the pages.
Overall though, the story has merit and despite being flat and lifeless at times it culminates in a predictable yet exciting finale.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book for review
March 21, 2020
#7 in the Sam Blackman series. This 2019 series entry by author Mark de Castrique is an intriguing addition to a series that combines murder mystery with the history of Western North Carolina, specifically the environs of Asheville. This time out, Sam and Nakayla are asked to look into the death of Frank DeMille, whose skeletal remains have just been unearthed. Frank disappeared in 1971 when working on the Apollo space mission. The investigation leads to more deaths in Asheville and questions about the 1971 death of Frank's brother-in-law in Vietnam. An interesting blend of modern private detectives with cold war dirty tricks.
The skeletal remains of a body are found near Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, once a NASA tracking station but now a weather research center, outside Asheville, N.C. When the bones are identified as those of Frank DeMille, a software engineer who disappeared in 1971 while working on the Apollo space mission, the FBI is called in to handle the case. Cory DeMille, Frank's niece, approaches her PI friends, Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson, and asks them to investigate, as she's certain that the FBI will stonewall her. Sam and Nakayla agree to assist. The subsequent murder of Loretta Case, who was Frank's girlfriend and the secretary for the head of PARI back in 1971, raises the stakes.
The skeletal remains of a body are found near Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, once a NASA tracking station but now a weather research center, outside Asheville, N.C. When the bones are identified as those of Frank DeMille, a software engineer who disappeared in 1971 while working on the Apollo space mission, the FBI is called in to handle the case. Cory DeMille, Frank's niece, approaches her PI friends, Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson, and asks them to investigate, as she's certain that the FBI will stonewall her. Sam and Nakayla agree to assist. The subsequent murder of Loretta Case, who was Frank's girlfriend and the secretary for the head of PARI back in 1971, raises the stakes.
December 20, 2019
3.75 stars
Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson are back in another entertaining adventure. Sam was wounded and lost a leg in Iraq but now he and Nakayla are private investigators in Asheville, NC. The earlier series books would provide background on the characters but this would work as a standalone.
Much of the action centers around PARI, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, an actual place. Sam and Nakayla's friend finds out her uncle, who disappeared from there while at work years ago, was apparently murdered and his body has just been uncovered.
The unravelling of the mystery is fairly complex, involving espionage, the Cold War, Vietnam and a lot of different threads. The original murder case soon expands when several obviously related killings occur. What secrets is someone worried about keeping hidden?
Sam and Nakayla's relationship is solid and equal and their humor and easiness with each other is appealing. This is a great series, and this entry was nicely paced and interesting, if somewhat complex in the plotting.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson are back in another entertaining adventure. Sam was wounded and lost a leg in Iraq but now he and Nakayla are private investigators in Asheville, NC. The earlier series books would provide background on the characters but this would work as a standalone.
Much of the action centers around PARI, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, an actual place. Sam and Nakayla's friend finds out her uncle, who disappeared from there while at work years ago, was apparently murdered and his body has just been uncovered.
The unravelling of the mystery is fairly complex, involving espionage, the Cold War, Vietnam and a lot of different threads. The original murder case soon expands when several obviously related killings occur. What secrets is someone worried about keeping hidden?
Sam and Nakayla's relationship is solid and equal and their humor and easiness with each other is appealing. This is a great series, and this entry was nicely paced and interesting, if somewhat complex in the plotting.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2019
A forest fire near PARI (the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) reveals the body of a computer scientist who went missing years earlier. He is the uncle of a young woman working in the same office as Sam and Nakayla and they promise to investigate his death. The links lead them to a murder in Vietnam, the former girlfriend and her backwoods family, former colleagues, computer data storage, and spies, linking the past to the present. Jurisdiction becomes a nightmare...two separate police departments, the Army, and the FBI all become involved, but Sam and Nakayla operate on their own. I feel like I can see the area from the descriptions, and I enjoy the relationships between the friends and colleagues. The mystery was complicated and fascinating, keeping me reading all day to reach the conclusion.
January 7, 2020
This is a strong addition to an entertaining series of regional crime novels set in and around beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. PI and romantic partners Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson are ready to assist when a friend's long-missing uncle is identified as the remains found near the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. As usual in a Blackman-Robertson case, things become complicated quickly. It becomes clear that the decades-old homicide has ties to Cold War intrigues, secret operations during the Vietnam conflict, and a clannish family of local musicians, and someone is willing to use lethal force in order to prevent revelations about the nature of those relationships. This is fast-paced light reading featuring appealing characters and a strong sense of place. Note: The publisher supplied an advance reading copy in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
August 31, 2019
Rat Alley is another great installment in the Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson mystery series. I have read all of them and each one is having a murder from the past that blends with a current mystery. Mark De Castrique writes a good series.
Sam is a former chief warrant officer and Nakayla is a former insurance investigator. They are an interracial couple who have their own private PI business in the wonderful town of Ashville.
This one is close to home. One of their friends who works for the lawyer they have offices next to finds out that her uncle’ body who went missing years ago is discovered. The book is fresh and very well written. I was very excited to be chosen to voluntary read and review this book. Thank you, Net Galley.
Sam is a former chief warrant officer and Nakayla is a former insurance investigator. They are an interracial couple who have their own private PI business in the wonderful town of Ashville.
This one is close to home. One of their friends who works for the lawyer they have offices next to finds out that her uncle’ body who went missing years ago is discovered. The book is fresh and very well written. I was very excited to be chosen to voluntary read and review this book. Thank you, Net Galley.
June 8, 2020
I enjoyed this a good bit, but it somehow lacked that little extra spark that would have made me rave about it. The detection was right on target--the detective (private) was smart, human, and even a little amusing. The only whoppingly huge coincidence occurred near the end and helped the book propel to an exciting finish. I don't blame the author for introducing it, but I couldn't help roll my eyes and say, oh, right.
The cover makes a point of mentioning the detective and his partner's interracial partnership, but I don't remember it coming up in the book. Which is fine. The detective's prosthetic leg does come up, and it gave the character a welcome bit of humanity. I would say comic relief, but it's not polite to laugh at disability.
The cover makes a point of mentioning the detective and his partner's interracial partnership, but I don't remember it coming up in the book. Which is fine. The detective's prosthetic leg does come up, and it gave the character a welcome bit of humanity. I would say comic relief, but it's not polite to laugh at disability.
August 14, 2019
This is a solid mystery/thriller about two PIs, the local police department, the FBI, and very old secrets. While at first I though the author was pushing the Asheville names and places a little hard (in full disclosure, I grew up there), this eased off a bit as the action got underway. The characters aren't terribly well developed, and the banter between Nakayla and romantic and PI partner Sam is often of the put-down kind, which I loathe, but most of the book is well-written and very cleverly conceived. I'll be recommending the series to Asheville friends and family, as well as others who know the area well.
June 6, 2022
A deadly secret that won't stay buried is uncovered while fighting fires around the Pisgah Astronomical Research Facility. As multiple teams of government teams and local PIs try to solve this murder, others happen, which brings the intensity of the search full circle as the dead are all related in some way.
What could be happening then and now to cause the conspiracy? Read and find out.
I was lost in the alphabet game played by the government. There isn't a group of letters they don't seem to like, and they mean something to those in the know. Trying to learn on the run was a bit challenging for me.
What could be happening then and now to cause the conspiracy? Read and find out.
I was lost in the alphabet game played by the government. There isn't a group of letters they don't seem to like, and they mean something to those in the know. Trying to learn on the run was a bit challenging for me.
May 6, 2022
Really enjoy this series, and always learn something along the way.
In this case it was the NOAA information and once again the discovery of bones during or after a forest fire.
I have plans to visit this area in the fall, all because it is so lovingly described in this series.
Be sure to read the author notes at the end to find out what part is fact and which is fiction.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
In this case it was the NOAA information and once again the discovery of bones during or after a forest fire.
I have plans to visit this area in the fall, all because it is so lovingly described in this series.
Be sure to read the author notes at the end to find out what part is fact and which is fiction.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
June 25, 2020
This book, (book 7 in a series, but easily read as a standalone) was a quick read (250 pages) by an author previously unknown to me. While it started out as an investigation into the 50 year old death of a friend’s uncle, it morphed into much more. The story took place in North Carolina, mostly near Asheville, and included some of the area’s history. It was entertaining.
February 18, 2020
Others have said it all so well before. Fans of the series are sure to relish this latest one and it is an easy stand alone PL story for new soon to be fans. Lovely describes the joys of Asheville and great places to eat there.
April 26, 2020
Excellent
Fast moving murder mystery - excellent research to provide historical perspective and interesting facts about Asheville, NC area; highly recommended if you enjoy suspense.
Fast moving murder mystery - excellent research to provide historical perspective and interesting facts about Asheville, NC area; highly recommended if you enjoy suspense.
September 19, 2023
Sam Blackman and his partner Makayla Robertson are private detectives who get involved in the investigation of a decades old murder. Their investigation triggers additional murders as they close in on the murderers.
August 31, 2019
I loved this book. It was a good fast paced mystery. I loved the setting and the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
April 2, 2020
Really good read.
June 28, 2020
Ok book- all in Asheville- hard to get into because a woman upset about an uncle she never knew,died before she was born was all upset over that- easy enough read,but not my favorite
October 18, 2020
5 stars gives you my opinion.
This statement was repeated a few times toward the end of the case; "Disinformation creates doubt, chaos breeds confusion." Certainly sums up today's world.
This statement was repeated a few times toward the end of the case; "Disinformation creates doubt, chaos breeds confusion." Certainly sums up today's world.
June 1, 2021
A buddy read with my friend Kim before we visit Asheville. I enjoyed the setting and local flavor and the relationship between Sam and Nakayla.
October 4, 2021
Just plain fun. I would read more of these. Loved the Asheville references
August 10, 2022
Always enjoy reading this North Carolina author.
July 21, 2023
Very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews