When the fiancée of a prominent attorney is murdered, Dr. Pepper Hunt joins forces again with Detective Beau Antelope of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department to search for the killer.
Prosecutor Connor Collins’ dreams are shattered when Stacy Hart is found strangled in their home a month before their wedding. He’s convinced Jack Swailes, the contractor who found the body, killed her in a jealous rage. And Jack looks guilty when he mysteriously disappears later that day.
The investigation takes a different turn when Pepper uses her clinical skills to probe below the surface of the perfect couples’ lives. Chilling secrets and sinister motives that lead back to unsolved crimes with a direct link to Stacy’s murder are finally brought to light.
The stark and haunting landscape of Wyoming’s high desert is the inspiration for JL Doucette’s mystery novels, which focus on human experience at the intersection of psychology and law.
She is a member of the Wyoming Writers Organization and the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
Doucette is currently working on Book 2 in the Dr. Pepper Hunt Series, On a Quiet Street.
I am so happy this bookish world and community exists, because if it didn't I would never have known about this book and fall in love with it and Dr. Pepper Hunt! Thanks to BookSparks for putting these kind of mystery novels out there for us readers to be introduced to.
This story was the perfect mystery for me, with well developed characters that made you instantly hooked to this family drama and connection to both past and present for everyone involved in this story will have you unable to put the book down.
Dr. Pepper Hunt is a psychiatrist. Specifically Max Hart's. Max, Tim, and Conner grew up together. They were childhood best friends, went to the same school, church and even lived close by with their siblings that were also friends. The boys went on a hike with their church, which was an annual thing for them to do outdoors with one another. Father Bellamy, who is not just a priest, but also an expert hiker/mountaineer took the boys to the mountain that they would climb down from, while assisting them with tying their ropes and making sure they are safe. Unfortunately, something did go wrong, and not all boys came back. One died, one ended up in a coma and the other didn't have a scratch on him.
Many years later, all grown up and finally putting the past behind them. Conner and Stacey Hart (Max's sister) are getting married. Max recovered from his coma, with a most memory lost but still intact, left him to go see Dr. Pepper Hunt in hopes to regain more of his memory by talking about it and how he feels today as the boy who survived that awful tragedy. Now dealing with the death of Stacey Hart, everything starts to implode. Everyone's wondering who killed Stacey, because it's always the husband they say...But who really would want Stacey dead? Her husband loved her and has been with her since childhood, her brother and her were always close, she had the same best friend, Kelly who was practically family after her brother Tim died in the fall...So why is Stacey Hart dead?
While Max is slowly starting to regain his memories after the death of Stacey, he has flash backs to times when they were just boys with their priest's. Max slowly realizes what really happened inside that church all those years ago. Now with Max unbelievably aware of the truth the lies within him, he goes to confront Conner about it and while Conner is trying to grieve Stacey's death, and deal with the police and work, he brushes Max off saying, "leave it in the past",but Max doesn't listen and he decides to take matters into his own hands...
If I say anymore I will give it away!! This mystery will have you on edge. From both past and the present lining up while revealing itself for all its truth and evils will shed a light on this family that has gone through so much. I highly recommend this book and hope to be able to read the first book in this Dr. Pepper Hunt mystery!
This book was seriously so bad. First of all each chapter was from a different POV and you have to figure out on your own which POV it is each chapter.. and all the chapters are short. So the majority of this book was spent just trying to figure out who tf was narrating. Also every time the clinical psychologist was talking I wanted to throw up in my mouth, she was so cringy and dramatic
A quick page-turning mystery novel! I really enjoyed the short chapters that propelled the story along. I haven’t read the first Dr Pepper Hunt mystery but I thought this one was really well written! The characters are flawed, realistic, and unique, and the multiple perspectives make for a very well-rounded and interesting story! However, I did have a little trouble connecting with the characters and the second half of the novel tended to drag in places where it shouldn't have. This would be enjoyable to anyone looking for a well-written “who done it” rather than a thriller with a ton of suspense.
Thank you to She Writes Press and Booksparks/Booksharks for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
#BookReview 3/5 stars: “On a Quiet Street.” The consistently short chapters made for a very quick read. The plot begins from a third person omniscient point of view and mainly follows detective Antelope’s investigation into Stacey Hart’s murder. The author does a great job creating realistic characters and bringing them to life for the reader. They are all very flawed and disturbed in their own way- with unfortunate tragic events that tangled up their minds. There’s something about this kind of character profile that can be intriguing for the reader. Unfortunately, I found the novel to lack a particular mood. There was not a strong feeling of anything created for me and it also lacked suspense. The plot puts a huge emphasis on the Catholic Church and the role it played in the characters’ lives. This did NOT bother me at all, though I imagine it could be unsettling to very religious people that believe in organized religion. Sprinkled throughout the book, the plot randomly switches to first person point of view from the perspective of Dr. Pepper. This was odd to me and off putting because it was so random and it made the structure feel inconsistent. But anyone that loves trying to figure out the “who done it” will enjoy this book very much.
What would you do if you discovered that someone in your life was not the person you always thought they were? ON A QUIET STREET—book two in the Dr. Pepper Hunt series—has an ingenious plot that keeps you guessing until the end and memorable characters that stay with you long after turning the last page.
3.5 stars. Solid enough story. It’s the second in the series but you don’t need to have read the first to appreciate it. There is a good buildup to the finale. There’s some flip flop between perspectives with the chapters and it can be difficult to decipher who is talking at first.
No spoilers in the review or synopsis, but once you hit the "triggers" section at the end some could be considered mini-spoilers.
Loss of stars for me due to being a "slow burn" - I am into fast paced, heart pounding thrillers that give nightmares. This is more for fans of thrillers without the gore.
Synopsis - Stacy Hart has the perfect life: a great job, a perfect fiancé, a beautiful house. Then, Stacy is murdered. But if her life was so perfect then why was she murdered? Detective Beau Antelope is teaming up with Dr. Pepper Hunt to find out why.
Review Let me just say first, I loved Detective Antelope’s character. He is a Native American officer who left the reserve to pursue the thing he is best at: solving murders. In this book, he teams up with Dr. Pepper Hunt (from the first book, Last Seen) but he does most of the talking. The narrative of this book is different from the first. In Last Seen, Dr Hunt is the lead character. In this sequel, there are a lot of alternating points of view, but Detective Antelope is the main character. He refers often but also superficially to his ancestry as a reason for his moods and behavior. He is a serious but respectful cop with a dry sense of humor. He also seems real – not an over the top action-movie cop, but one who is instead uses his brain. (and when he hits a dead end he does what any smart person would do-he asks a woman!)
Detective Antelope is the leading character in On A Quiet Street. He is pursuing several people of interest in the murder of Stacy Hart. First, Jack Swailes. He was Stacy’s contractor for home improvement, and per her fiancé he was also interested in Stacy as a love interest. That brings us to Connor Collins, Stacy’s hot shot Assistant District Attorney fiancé. As we all know from every true crime documentary ever, the significant other is usually the killer. Of course, Dr. Hunt is also helping – she is brought on a psychological expert with the police department. She is also the therapist for the third person of interest, Max Hunt, Stacy’s brother.
These are just a few of the POVs we see throughout the book, which seems overwhelming until you start reading and realize that they are perfect for this slow burn of a murder mystery. On A Quiet Street builds very slowly, bringing more and more people into the case, some from over 15 years before. The alternating POVs are short spurts of chapters which make for a relatively quick read. There a few loose ends which I believe are Easter eggs for the third book. For example (not a spoiler but interesting), we are told that Val Campion (Jack Swailes’ uncle) has a rather sordid history that he doesn’t want anyone looking into but at the same time he owns all the seedy joints in town. As you can see there is a lot going on in this book.
Then ending is wrapped up both satisfactorily and unsatisfactorily in my opinion. Of course, we get our final showdown with the killer, but it seemed a little unrealistic to me in how the killer revealed his/herself. BUT, a major theme in this book is sociopathic and narcissistic behavior so it could be completely accurate. (Maybe I just like a lot more drama?) On the other hand, a lot of the loose ends are tied up very nicely which I like. Then there are the ones that were not, which is characteristic of a series. I do believe there will be more books…thus more murder and blood for us thriller lovers!
Triggers * * *Could be considered mini-spoilers* * * This book contains sexual abuse references. It also references abuse from church priests with young boys.
Thank you She Writes Press and J.L. Doucette for a copy of On a Quiet Street in exchange for my honest review. I received this book as a part of the Book Sparks book tour.
It seemed like Stacey Hart couldn’t have been happier that summer--engaged to the love of her life. District Attorney Connor Collins; living her passion in her job as an advocate for victims of domestic violence; and renovating a beautiful, historic home. Everything was perfect--until she was murdered a month before the wedding. Now, forensic psychologist Pepper Hunt and Detective Beau Antelope must probe beyond a facade Stacey created to discover the sordid secrets and diabolical motives that led to the inevitable, fatal moment--and try to catch the killer.
Typically, I enjoy police procedural TV shows like Blue Bloods that follow cases in great detail. Typically, I do not choose to read police procedural novels. They always fall flat to me. This one is the exception. The strongest aspect of this novel were the sharp and defined details of figuring out a murder investigation. It is rare for legal or police dramas to be written to such extent. Doucette does well to create a world that seems like we are part of the investigation as a detective. This added more to the story line and made the events more well-rounded. The short chapters make for a quick read as well.
One downfall of this novel is the main character. Dr. Pepper Hunt is the headliner as the book focuses on a mystery she intends to solve through her forensic science background. Her partner, Detective Beau Antelope makes for a much more compelling main character. Hunt is not as well-rounded or developed. I cared to learn more about and hear more from other characters in the story. There were also several chapters that seemed to serve no purpose and a few characters that were thrown in that were not intriqual to the plot as a whole and could have been left out.
Overall, I rate this novel 4/4 stars. I would highly recommend this book for any police procedural or forensic files fans who are looking for a quick read to pass time on a flight or vacation.
It was a mystery like no other. It was so hard to put down. “On A Quiet Street” by J.L. Doucette had me on my toes from the very first page wondering who killed Stacey and if Dr. Pepper and Detective Antelope would ever be able to narrow down the daily growing list of suspects. Could it be Stacy’s fiancée Conner; Max her own brother; Jack the contractor hired to work on the house that she was having an affair with; her Best friend Kelly?.....the list goes on!
There’s a backstory thrown in about Stacy’s brother Max and his two friends who were sexually molested by a priest as young boys. And these same boys were in a questionable climbing accident that may not have been an accident at all.
There are so many different stories developing that intertwine and eventually all connect leading up to the thrilling conclusion but not without some another murder, secrets from the past and even a little romance along the way.
This book is told from the different viewpoints of several main characters but it is easy to keep focused and at the edge of your seat for the new developments as told by each character.
If you like a good mystery/ then you can’t afford to pass this one up. It is definitely a 5/5 for me! ****************************************************** Is it a Perfect Life...or a Perfect Nightmare?
Stacey Hart’s life couldn’t have been better! She was newly engaged to the love of her life, District Attorney, Connor Collins. She was living her dream job and fulfilling her passion as an advocate for victims of domestic violence; also while renovating a beautiful historic home.
Things couldn’t have been more perfect...that is until she was murdered a month before the wedding!! Now, forensic psychologist, Pepper Hunt & Detective Beau Antelope must dig behind the facade that Stacey had created and discover the sordid secrets & diabolical motives that led to the fatal moment...and catch Stacey’s killer!
I received this ARC book from Publisher for honest Review. What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good! The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story. This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story. Everything all in one book. It was just perfect! I highly recommend everybody get this and read it. What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG! Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good! Can't wait for her next book.
I really enjoyed this book! It hits the ground running from page 1 and you can’t put it down. It starts off so intense with finding Stacy’s body then throws you into a whirlwind of questions. Just about every chapter is a new POV and you get introduced to so much very quickly. Normally books like this you figure out pretty quickly who the villain is, but with so many secrets and characters it was hard to tell. I really enjoyed all the different characters in the town and how they were all connected. I thought this book was well planned and thought out. My only complaint is that I wanted to know more about Stacey before she was murdered. Since this is shown on page 1 you don’t really get a feel for her, only what other characters mention.
Other than that I thought this was a great read. A perfect book to curl up and read with a cup of coffee! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves murder mysteries. Thank you booksparks for sending this to me.
The fiancee of the local prosecutor is found dead and the search for the murder leads to secrets from the past. Stacey Hart seemed to have everything in life, but when someone kills her, there are plenty of suspects. As Detective Antelope and psychologist Pepper Hunt search for clues they encounter sexual abuse by priests and murder made to look like and accident. An excellent and tangled mystery.
I won this through Goodreads giveaway. I was intrigued even though I hadn't read the first book in this series. I found in this particular book that Dr. Pepper Hunt seemed more like a minor character than the others. All the other characters both living & dead seemed to have more prominence and more appeal than Dr. Hunt
I don't know why but I just didn't get into these characters, maybe because everyone was so messed up, some of their own making and most because of other's interference with them. I guess what I learned from this too long story is that you can't judge a book by its cover - you always have to look beyond before knowing who the person really is.
More like 3 and a half stars. The whodunit kinda came out of left field. And the characters were somewhat 2 dimensional. Not the best I've ever read, but it was entertaining for a couple of days.