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Joe Court #4
The Man in the Meth Lab
Detective Mary Joe Court returns in the fourth novel in New York Times' bestselling author Chris Culver’s gripping Joe Court series.
The victim was shot multiple times by a .45-caliber pistol in the living room of a derelict home on the outskirts of St. Augustine county. The home has a meth lab in the bathroom and boxes full of camping supplies in the kitchen. A crib in the back bedroom holds wrinkled sheets and a tiny pacifier, but there’s no baby in the building.
When Detective Joe Court walks into the house for the first time, she already knows who the killer her department’s newest hire, Detective Reuben Terepocki. He claims he shot in self-defense, but Joe isn’t sure.
As she investigates, Joe uncovers a case far more deadly than she imagined. All her life, she’s tried to do the right thing no matter the cost to herself. Now, with an infant missing and a detective who clearly knows more than he lets on, doing the right thing won’t be enough.
If Joe can’t solve this case quickly, the man in the meth lab won’t be the only body St. Augustine has to bury.
The Man in the Meth Lab is twisty thriller with great characters. If you're a fan of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or John Sandford, check out Chris Culver's Joe Court series today!
The victim was shot multiple times by a .45-caliber pistol in the living room of a derelict home on the outskirts of St. Augustine county. The home has a meth lab in the bathroom and boxes full of camping supplies in the kitchen. A crib in the back bedroom holds wrinkled sheets and a tiny pacifier, but there’s no baby in the building.
When Detective Joe Court walks into the house for the first time, she already knows who the killer her department’s newest hire, Detective Reuben Terepocki. He claims he shot in self-defense, but Joe isn’t sure.
As she investigates, Joe uncovers a case far more deadly than she imagined. All her life, she’s tried to do the right thing no matter the cost to herself. Now, with an infant missing and a detective who clearly knows more than he lets on, doing the right thing won’t be enough.
If Joe can’t solve this case quickly, the man in the meth lab won’t be the only body St. Augustine has to bury.
The Man in the Meth Lab is twisty thriller with great characters. If you're a fan of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or John Sandford, check out Chris Culver's Joe Court series today!
- GenresMystery
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2019
1210 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Chris Culver
43 books228 followersChris Culver is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Rashid series of mysteries. After graduate school, Chris taught courses in ethics and comparative religion at a small liberal arts university in southern Arkansas. While there and when he really should have been grading exams, he wrote The Abbey, which spent sixteen weeks on the New York Times bestseller's list and introduced the world to Detective Ash Rashid.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 2, 2020
I've read four of his Joe Court Series now and each one gets progressively better. The plot is always twisty. The characters are always dark. The action never fails. But in the end, good always wins over evil and there is hope!
August 31, 2021
Mary Joe Court's character continues to evolve from a tragic childhood to a traumatic adolescence, which finally led to her adoption by a loving family. With their encouragement she became a police detective. Her latest case involves a new partner and a missing newborn. There are also side issues which she has to deal with. The author is adept at developing her character with each story. I look forward to the next case.
January 1, 2023
My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104. This is my confession. If you're watching this tape, I'm probably dead, murdered by my brother-in-law Hank Schrader. Hank has been building a meth empire for over a year now and using me as his chemist. Shortly after my 50th birthday, Hank came to me with a rather, shocking proposition. He asked that I use my chemistry knowledge to cook methamphetamine, which he would then sell using his connections in the drug world. Connections that he made through his career with the DEA. I was... astounded, I... I always thought that Hank was a very moral man and I was... thrown, confused, but I was also particularly vulnerable at the time, something he knew and took advantage of. I was reeling from a cancer diagnosis that was poised to bankrupt my family. Hank took me on a ride along, and showed me just how much money even a small meth operation could make. And I was weak. I didn't want my family to go into financial ruin so I agreed. Every day, I think back at that moment with regret. I quickly realized that I was in way over my head, and Hank had a partner, a man named Gustavo Fring, a businessman. Hank essentially sold me into servitude to this man, and when I tried to quit, Fring threatened my family. I didn't know where to turn. Eventually, Hank and Fring had a falling out. From what I can gather, Hank was always pushing for a greater share of the business, to which Fring flatly refused to give him, and things escalated. Fring was able to arrange, uh I guess I guess you call it a "hit" on my brother-in-law, and failed, but Hank was seriously injured, and I wound up paying his medical bills which amounted to a little over $177,000. Upon recovery, Hank was bent on revenge, working with a man named Hector Salamanca, he plotted to kill Fring, and did so. In fact, the bomb that he used was built by me, and he gave me no option in it. I have often contemplated suicide, but I'm a coward. I wanted to go to the police, but I was frightened. Hank had risen in the ranks to become the head of the Albuquerque DEA, and about that time, to keep me in line, he took my children from me. For 3 months he kept them. My wife, who up until that point, had no idea of my criminal activities, was horrified to learn what I had done, why Hank had taken our children. We were scared. I was in Hell, I hated myself for what I had brought upon my family. Recently, I tried once again to quit, to end this nightmare, and in response, he gave me this. I can't take this anymore. I live in fear every day that Hank will kill me, or worse, hurt my family. I... All I could think to do was to make this video in hope that the world will finally see this man, for what he really is.
December 8, 2022
Fast paced and feverish.
This book is non stop go, go, go! This edition of the Joe Court series isn’t as dark as the others, but it makes up for that with continuous intrigue, drama and loads of action.
My head was spinning at times trying to keep up with The Who’s Who of nefarious contenders. Joe Court absolutely raises the mark for the next book and her ability to stand strong and impartial when investigating, even one of her own colleagues is astounding although I have to see the glimpses we get of her emotions show that although she has a tough exterior she isn’t impervious to feelings both her own and others.
This is such an insightful read, I was glued to it non stop.
This book is non stop go, go, go! This edition of the Joe Court series isn’t as dark as the others, but it makes up for that with continuous intrigue, drama and loads of action.
My head was spinning at times trying to keep up with The Who’s Who of nefarious contenders. Joe Court absolutely raises the mark for the next book and her ability to stand strong and impartial when investigating, even one of her own colleagues is astounding although I have to see the glimpses we get of her emotions show that although she has a tough exterior she isn’t impervious to feelings both her own and others.
This is such an insightful read, I was glued to it non stop.
April 15, 2024
Fourth in the Mary Joe Court series, The Man in the Meth Lab is right up there with the balance of this series. Taking place in the small town of St. Augustine, MO just outside of St. Louis, we are with Detective Mary Joe Court as she sorts through the fallout from the big city - a kidnapped newborn, meth labs, murderers, and a man shot and killed by her new partner. Lots of intrigue, quick action, and plausible happenings. An excellent continuation of the life and times of Joe Court. And now she has a new addition in her world - Roy!
REVIEWED on April 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
REVIEWED on April 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
October 18, 2019
What a series!!?
Dear Mr. Culver, I am about to read the final book of the series. I felt like a was in on the scenes as they were described. Each novel may about solving a murder BUT each novel was was unique and I felt the grass and wanted to hug "Roger" each time he was sad. As a dog lover, I appreciate the fact that a loving dog was a great part of the series! I could feel so much! Thank you for this series!!! More please and best wishes on your quest for the next novel you write
Dear Mr. Culver, I am about to read the final book of the series. I felt like a was in on the scenes as they were described. Each novel may about solving a murder BUT each novel was was unique and I felt the grass and wanted to hug "Roger" each time he was sad. As a dog lover, I appreciate the fact that a loving dog was a great part of the series! I could feel so much! Thank you for this series!!! More please and best wishes on your quest for the next novel you write
January 11, 2025
A convoluted story
This book has more twists and turns than a mountain road. A good storyline but a few errors. You would not allow the parents of a very sick child to transfer them to another hospital. An ambulance with medical crew would do that. Also, now Joe has a dog run and a Volvo that shows up without explanation. Alot of the same phrases and descriptions are repeated in every book.
This book has more twists and turns than a mountain road. A good storyline but a few errors. You would not allow the parents of a very sick child to transfer them to another hospital. An ambulance with medical crew would do that. Also, now Joe has a dog run and a Volvo that shows up without explanation. Alot of the same phrases and descriptions are repeated in every book.
November 28, 2020
I continue to enjoy reading about Joe Court and her life as a detective. She is growing and evolving throughout the series, healing and moving forward. Chris Culver, the author, has created a believable and intriguing wounded heroine in Joe. This story was really good. Not gory, not over the top, just a well paced, suspenseful mystery/drama that I enjoyed very much.
March 30, 2021
The story keeps building
I think this was a simpler and more straight forward story told in this book as the books who came before. Not that it took anything from the story. Once again a well written book that ties up the cases but gives you more so now I have to read the next book.
I think this was a simpler and more straight forward story told in this book as the books who came before. Not that it took anything from the story. Once again a well written book that ties up the cases but gives you more so now I have to read the next book.
November 18, 2024
Book 4 Detective Joe Court Series. MAN IN METH LAB by Chris Culver. This is a great series. You have to start with the first book to get to know the characters. This one is very involved. A newborn is kidnapped. Try a new series and you’ll be glad you did. Detective Joe has a way of getting to the heart of the issue no matter what the case.
April 23, 2025
Best one yet in the Joe Court thriller series. Part of three attraction of these books by Chris Culver is his knowledge of the Missouri and surrounding states' environs. Mary Joe Court is a brilliant Detective who always goes out of her way to fight for those with few resourses especially children and abused and/or exploited women, both front and center in this book.
August 29, 2019
Excellent
Much better than the others. The characters are fun and there writing is excellent. I'm not sure about the relationship with the sheriff being cordial after being acrimonious but this was fun.
Much better than the others. The characters are fun and there writing is excellent. I'm not sure about the relationship with the sheriff being cordial after being acrimonious but this was fun.
September 8, 2019
The Man in the Meth Lab
I will say the same thing I said about the last book. OMG. This is a great thriller. This is a great series . Can't wait to read the next book in this series . I could not put this book down . I highly recommend this book and series.
I will say the same thing I said about the last book. OMG. This is a great thriller. This is a great series . Can't wait to read the next book in this series . I could not put this book down . I highly recommend this book and series.
September 16, 2019
Keeps You Guessing till the end of book.
I read a lot of books but this series was very well written. The characters come to life and it seems like you know them. There are enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Can't wait till the next one in the series.
I read a lot of books but this series was very well written. The characters come to life and it seems like you know them. There are enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Can't wait till the next one in the series.
December 20, 2019
Great book series
Began reading the series of joe court's and can't stop reading them. Very interesting and hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book series if you like drama mystery books.
Began reading the series of joe court's and can't stop reading them. Very interesting and hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book series if you like drama mystery books.
November 17, 2023
The intensity of this tale is breathtaking. There are bad guys upon bad guys in this story. An innocent newborn is kidnapped leaving the hospital. The story is about the quest to find and rescue the baby.
July 20, 2024
She keeps getting better!
For Book 4, Joe kept me engaged and holding my breath! Pure author knows how to tell a great story and weave together more than one mystery. I look forward to Joe's next case!
For Book 4, Joe kept me engaged and holding my breath! Pure author knows how to tell a great story and weave together more than one mystery. I look forward to Joe's next case!
February 19, 2025
Was a little confusing at first. Too many characters to figure out, but once I got midway thru I figured out the characters, and it was sooóo good. Finished it tonight and loved it. I couldn't put it down til I was done! Now in to #5. Then I'll have to buy the next 6!! Great writing Chris!!
September 23, 2019
And it was a scorcher!
This beautiful book packed a hell of a punch. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are all real, especially Detective Jo. Highly recommend.
This beautiful book packed a hell of a punch. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are all real, especially Detective Jo. Highly recommend.
October 16, 2019
Ebjoyable
Like all her the previous books. Enjoyable fast read. Relaxing fantasies to get to the next one. Totally addicted yes!
Like all her the previous books. Enjoyable fast read. Relaxing fantasies to get to the next one. Totally addicted yes!
October 18, 2019
I love this series
If you like series and good crime solving — you will love Joe. The story is well written and you feel like you are right there and watching it unfold.
If you like series and good crime solving — you will love Joe. The story is well written and you feel like you are right there and watching it unfold.
January 23, 2020
Det. Court keeps getting better
The adventures of Joe Court keep getting better and better. This was a great read. Can't wait to read the next installment.
The adventures of Joe Court keep getting better and better. This was a great read. Can't wait to read the next installment.
February 21, 2020
Good read
Really like Joe Court. Why is her name spelled Joe, the Male version of Jo.
She's really developing as a cop and the story like are interesting.
Really like Joe Court. Why is her name spelled Joe, the Male version of Jo.
She's really developing as a cop and the story like are interesting.
July 14, 2020
A roller coaster
Picked up the pace very early ,and never let up till the end.
Became a bit confused at one stage but everything came together in the end.
Picked up the pace very early ,and never let up till the end.
Became a bit confused at one stage but everything came together in the end.
October 20, 2020
Mixing a good plot with the main character personal feelings usually makes me jump pages.. Thats what i did in this case
May 24, 2021
Detective Joe Court seems to be too mature and too anal for her tender age of 28. Unrealistic and boring.
June 14, 2021
Excellent read
Joe Court is a livable character and you are always rooting for her. The plot in this series is always interesting and suspenseful.
Joe Court is a livable character and you are always rooting for her. The plot in this series is always interesting and suspenseful.
April 3, 2022
I love this series and Joe Court. My only complaint, the author uses “he/she/I tilted his/her/my head to the side way too much.
January 2, 2023
Excellent
Amazing writing, fast paced. Great story. Love the.characters. Joe court is a bad ass. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Amazing writing, fast paced. Great story. Love the.characters. Joe court is a bad ass. Can't wait to see what happens next.
January 29, 2023
Awesome
Love this series, couldn't put it down. This is a must read. Keeps you turning pages. Can't wait to read the next one. Thank you
Love this series, couldn't put it down. This is a must read. Keeps you turning pages. Can't wait to read the next one. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews