What do you think?
Rate this book
Zoe Chambers Mysteries #9
Under the Radar
Paramedic and deputy coroner Zoe Chambers responds to a shooting and discovers her longtime friend, Horace Pavelka, has gunned down a man who’d bullied him mercilessly for decades. Ruled self-defense, no charges are filed. When another of his tormentors turns up dead in Horace’s kitchen, Police Chief Pete Adams questions the man’s innocence in both cases…especially after Horace and his girlfriend go into hiding.
While fighting to clear her friend, Zoe is handed the opportunity to finally learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. What starts out as a quick road trip on a quest for answers leads her to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard, where she finds way more trouble than she bargained for.
Pete’s own search for his missing fiancée and a missing murderer ultimately traps him in a web of deception. Face-to-face with one of the most cunning and deadly killers of his law enforcement career, Pete realizes too late that this confrontation may well be his last.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNDER THE RADAR by Annette Dashofy | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.
While fighting to clear her friend, Zoe is handed the opportunity to finally learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. What starts out as a quick road trip on a quest for answers leads her to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard, where she finds way more trouble than she bargained for.
Pete’s own search for his missing fiancée and a missing murderer ultimately traps him in a web of deception. Face-to-face with one of the most cunning and deadly killers of his law enforcement career, Pete realizes too late that this confrontation may well be his last.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNDER THE RADAR by Annette Dashofy | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
61 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Annette Dashofy
28 books505 followersAnnette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of 12 novels in the multi Agatha Award nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. In addition, her standalone, Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack, won the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. The second in her new Detective Honeywell Mystery series, Keep Your Family Close, was released in December 2023. Her upcoming What Comes Around (Zoe Chambers #13) is scheduled for release in May 2024. Annette and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 22, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have enjoyed this series from the start and each book is better than the last and they are all great.
This time there is a lot happening in Zoe’s life.
Zoe and Pete are now engaged and Zoe’s mother is determined to take over all the wedding plans. She is also not pleased that the farmhouse she gave to her daughter is not further along in its renovations.
The highly contested Coroner’s race is just a few days away. If the current coroner is not reelected Zoe will lose her part-time job.
An old friend has come to town with news about a brother Zoe recently found out she has.
And on top of all that a high school friend, Horace Pavelka, fatally shot a man that had been bullying him for years. That was ruled self-defense but when another bully is found dead in Pavelka’s kitchen authorities including Pete believe they may have ruled on the first death too quickly and Horace is getting revenge taking down both men. The fact that both Horace and his girlfriend are missing sure doesn’t help his case.
So with all that on her plate, some that take her away from Pete, things get interesting. And before the story wraps up both Pete and Zoe find themselves in danger. Could this be the end for both of them?
_____
Twists, twists, and more twists! One that almost gave me whiplash!
These characters continue to evolve and get stronger in every book. Ms. Dashofy has created such wonderful characters and gives them all purpose and believable, realistic events and tasks to handle within each story. In Under the Radar, she really turns things inside out and tests the characters we have come to love. It is an emotional roller coaster ride for Zoe but another character has a surprising awakening.
The pace of this story is incredibly quick with plenty of action and suspense that takes the characters traveling around Pennsylvania to get answers. Dashofy is an expert at running right up to the line between cozy mystery and thriller. She gives readers an exciting story while keeping the small-town feel and the amateur sleuth Zoe trying to save her friend while keeping the local law in the loop, at least most of the time. Readers are truly kept on their toes from the start to the finish and then wishing the next book in the series was already out so we could stick with the characters we are not ready to leave.
Under the Radar is an excellent addition to this series. Well-written and skillfully plotted. Once I started reading it was impossible to put down.
The author gives new readers plenty of background to read this book on its own, but to experience that vast character development and drama over the series you really need to start from the beginning.
I have enjoyed this series from the start and each book is better than the last and they are all great.
This time there is a lot happening in Zoe’s life.
Zoe and Pete are now engaged and Zoe’s mother is determined to take over all the wedding plans. She is also not pleased that the farmhouse she gave to her daughter is not further along in its renovations.
The highly contested Coroner’s race is just a few days away. If the current coroner is not reelected Zoe will lose her part-time job.
An old friend has come to town with news about a brother Zoe recently found out she has.
And on top of all that a high school friend, Horace Pavelka, fatally shot a man that had been bullying him for years. That was ruled self-defense but when another bully is found dead in Pavelka’s kitchen authorities including Pete believe they may have ruled on the first death too quickly and Horace is getting revenge taking down both men. The fact that both Horace and his girlfriend are missing sure doesn’t help his case.
So with all that on her plate, some that take her away from Pete, things get interesting. And before the story wraps up both Pete and Zoe find themselves in danger. Could this be the end for both of them?
_____
Twists, twists, and more twists! One that almost gave me whiplash!
These characters continue to evolve and get stronger in every book. Ms. Dashofy has created such wonderful characters and gives them all purpose and believable, realistic events and tasks to handle within each story. In Under the Radar, she really turns things inside out and tests the characters we have come to love. It is an emotional roller coaster ride for Zoe but another character has a surprising awakening.
The pace of this story is incredibly quick with plenty of action and suspense that takes the characters traveling around Pennsylvania to get answers. Dashofy is an expert at running right up to the line between cozy mystery and thriller. She gives readers an exciting story while keeping the small-town feel and the amateur sleuth Zoe trying to save her friend while keeping the local law in the loop, at least most of the time. Readers are truly kept on their toes from the start to the finish and then wishing the next book in the series was already out so we could stick with the characters we are not ready to leave.
Under the Radar is an excellent addition to this series. Well-written and skillfully plotted. Once I started reading it was impossible to put down.
The author gives new readers plenty of background to read this book on its own, but to experience that vast character development and drama over the series you really need to start from the beginning.
June 21, 2020
This series has been a favorite since Book One. Annette Dashofy just gets better and better. The characters are well-written and now, after 9 books, seem like old friends. I couldn’t stop reading this book! Just when I thought I had figured out what was happening, the plot twisted. I highly recommend Under the Radar, and I can’t wait to read Till Death, Book 10 in the series.
February 29, 2020
Under The Radar
Zoe Chambers Mysteries, Book #9
Annette Dashofy
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Paramedic and deputy coroner Zoe Chambers responds to a shooting and discovers her longtime friend, Horace Pavelka, has gunned down a man who’d bullied him mercilessly for decades. Ruled self-defense, no charges are filed. When another of his tormentors turns up dead in Horace’s kitchen, Police Chief Pete Adams questions the man’s innocence in both cases…especially after Horace and his girlfriend go into hiding.
While fighting to clear her friend, Zoe is handed the opportunity to finally learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. What starts out as a quick road trip on a quest for answers leads her to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard, where she finds way more trouble than she bargained for.
Pete’s own search for his missing fiancée and a missing murderer ultimately traps him in a web of deception. Face-to-face with one of the most cunning and deadly killers of his law enforcement career, Pete realizes too late that this confrontation may well be his last.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNDER THE RADAR by Annette Dashofy | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all. (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was in the middle of a blizzard, watching the snow swirling all around me. The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words.
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Zoe and Pete make such a great couple and I look forward to spending time with them. They will do anything for each other and you can tell their love is genuine. The supporting cast of characters add a lot to the story. We got to spend more time with Zoe’s mom, and although most of the time she was a pain in the butt, a few times she felt more likeable and human. I will say that I missed getting to spend time with Pete’s dad, Harry, he is one of my favorite characters.
The mystery in this book is well paced and well plotted. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and there were enough red herrings thrown to make the mystery challenging. And we got to learn a little more about Zoe’s brother, which added to the story.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With fantastic characters, engaging settings and an intriguing mystery, this is a must read series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and Edelweiss, which I greatly appreciate.
Zoe Chambers Mysteries, Book #9
Annette Dashofy
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Paramedic and deputy coroner Zoe Chambers responds to a shooting and discovers her longtime friend, Horace Pavelka, has gunned down a man who’d bullied him mercilessly for decades. Ruled self-defense, no charges are filed. When another of his tormentors turns up dead in Horace’s kitchen, Police Chief Pete Adams questions the man’s innocence in both cases…especially after Horace and his girlfriend go into hiding.
While fighting to clear her friend, Zoe is handed the opportunity to finally learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. What starts out as a quick road trip on a quest for answers leads her to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard, where she finds way more trouble than she bargained for.
Pete’s own search for his missing fiancée and a missing murderer ultimately traps him in a web of deception. Face-to-face with one of the most cunning and deadly killers of his law enforcement career, Pete realizes too late that this confrontation may well be his last.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNDER THE RADAR by Annette Dashofy | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all. (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was in the middle of a blizzard, watching the snow swirling all around me. The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words.
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Zoe and Pete make such a great couple and I look forward to spending time with them. They will do anything for each other and you can tell their love is genuine. The supporting cast of characters add a lot to the story. We got to spend more time with Zoe’s mom, and although most of the time she was a pain in the butt, a few times she felt more likeable and human. I will say that I missed getting to spend time with Pete’s dad, Harry, he is one of my favorite characters.
The mystery in this book is well paced and well plotted. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and there were enough red herrings thrown to make the mystery challenging. And we got to learn a little more about Zoe’s brother, which added to the story.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With fantastic characters, engaging settings and an intriguing mystery, this is a must read series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and Edelweiss, which I greatly appreciate.
February 17, 2020
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/38EXt6w
Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers series is one of my favorites. In this newest release, Under the Radar, the writing is exquisite, characters well drawn, and the mystery spellbinding. Character development is one of the highlights of this series, as we get to know the regulars well and care about them. They are realistically drawn and relatable, people you could expect to meet in your own community.
While the story has elements of cozy mystery genre – small-town setting, murder takes place off screen, amateur involved in the investigation – Under the Radar has more of a traditional mystery or police procedural feel. The action is fast paced with good, solid investigation techniques employed by Zoe, Pete, and his staff. This book is hard to put down, and while I was eager to reach the conclusion, I wanted to savor every word.
Multiple storylines add richness to the story. Pete and Zoe’s wedding is in the planning stages with possible complications from Zoe’s mother. A highly contested race for county coroner could threaten Zoe’s job. Horace, a friend of Zoe’s who has experienced a lifetime of bullying, is a murder suspect. And then there’s word of the existence of Zoe’s half-brother, resulting in a road-trip search and further suspense. I can honestly say that there is nothing predictable about Under the Radar.
I greatly enjoyed Under the Radar and am eager for much more from these characters. Highly recommended.
Note: Readers will find some mild profanity, but the story is otherwise clean.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers series is one of my favorites. In this newest release, Under the Radar, the writing is exquisite, characters well drawn, and the mystery spellbinding. Character development is one of the highlights of this series, as we get to know the regulars well and care about them. They are realistically drawn and relatable, people you could expect to meet in your own community.
While the story has elements of cozy mystery genre – small-town setting, murder takes place off screen, amateur involved in the investigation – Under the Radar has more of a traditional mystery or police procedural feel. The action is fast paced with good, solid investigation techniques employed by Zoe, Pete, and his staff. This book is hard to put down, and while I was eager to reach the conclusion, I wanted to savor every word.
Multiple storylines add richness to the story. Pete and Zoe’s wedding is in the planning stages with possible complications from Zoe’s mother. A highly contested race for county coroner could threaten Zoe’s job. Horace, a friend of Zoe’s who has experienced a lifetime of bullying, is a murder suspect. And then there’s word of the existence of Zoe’s half-brother, resulting in a road-trip search and further suspense. I can honestly say that there is nothing predictable about Under the Radar.
I greatly enjoyed Under the Radar and am eager for much more from these characters. Highly recommended.
Note: Readers will find some mild profanity, but the story is otherwise clean.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 14, 2020
Adoro questa serie! Zoe e Pete sono due personaggi che ti entrano nel cuore, in questo libro, poi, Zoe continua a cercare il fratellastro e sembra dovere, ancora una volta, rimanere delusa dal risultato.
March 8, 2020
UNDER THE RADAR is an absolute must-read. Dashofy nails suspense, darkness - and romance - in a kick-ass story!
February 6, 2020
Paramedic and deputy coroner Zoe Chambers finds her high school friend Horace Pavelka has gunned down Dennis Culp, a man who bullied him mercilessly for decades. Ruled self-defense, no charges are filed and Horace is set free. Dennis's buddies, Stanley and Grant Jennings, return to Horace’s house where one of them is shot dead and Horace and his girlfriend Belinda go into hiding. A fourth man involved in the confrontation at Horace's house, Reese Perkins, has also vanished.
Police Chief Pete Adams and his team have to deal with these murders as well as a string of unsolved home robberies. While wanting to help clear Horace of both deaths, Zoe is distracted when she is approached by freelance reporter Lauren who offers to help her find her half-brother. And then to her dismay, Zoe's mother Kimberly arrives in town with big plans for her and Pete's wedding. When Lauren finds a trail leading to her half-brother's birth mother, Zoe, Kimberly, Lauren and Kimberly's niece Patsy take a road trip north to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard. And then Zoe goes missing after agreeing to meet the newly found Scott Nixon at his house.
Pete has to work on finding Zoe, tracking down Horace and Belinda as well as the elusive and dangerous Reese Perkins. And then Pete makes a near-fatal mistake by checking out another witness alone.
This was another entertaining read with several intriguing plotlines.
I received an eARC from Edelweiss and Henery Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Police Chief Pete Adams and his team have to deal with these murders as well as a string of unsolved home robberies. While wanting to help clear Horace of both deaths, Zoe is distracted when she is approached by freelance reporter Lauren who offers to help her find her half-brother. And then to her dismay, Zoe's mother Kimberly arrives in town with big plans for her and Pete's wedding. When Lauren finds a trail leading to her half-brother's birth mother, Zoe, Kimberly, Lauren and Kimberly's niece Patsy take a road trip north to an unfamiliar city in the middle of a November blizzard. And then Zoe goes missing after agreeing to meet the newly found Scott Nixon at his house.
Pete has to work on finding Zoe, tracking down Horace and Belinda as well as the elusive and dangerous Reese Perkins. And then Pete makes a near-fatal mistake by checking out another witness alone.
This was another entertaining read with several intriguing plotlines.
I received an eARC from Edelweiss and Henery Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
February 19, 2020
Under the Radar is the ninth book in Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers Mysteries series. The storyline is well-plotted, the three-dimensional characters are well developed, and there are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. This is a fast-paced book and hard to put down; however, it’s more intense and contains more adult language than most cozy mysteries. The books in this series can be read as standalones.
Zoe Chambers is a paramedic and deputy coroner for Monongahela County, Pennsylvania. She loves horses and owns a farm where she houses her horse, but is currently living with her boyfriend, Vance Township’s Police Chief, Pete Adams, while trying to make the falling down farmhouse her mother, Kimberly Chambers Jackson, gifted her livable. Zoe responds to an emergency call made by her childhood friend, Horace Pavelka, who shot and killed a man. The deceased is Dennis Culp, who has bullied and harassed Horace for decades but has recently escalated his behavior to the point where Horace kept a weapon in his vehicle. The death is ruled self-defense, but when the body of Grant Jennings, who also harassed Horace, is discovered shot in the back in Horace’s house, Horace and his girlfriend, Belinda Turner, go into hiding. Zoe is certain Horace is innocent and wants to clear his name. Meanwhile, Zoe is approached by her friend and reporter, Lauren, a meeting, but things don’t go as planned.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss/Above the Treeline and voluntarily reviewed it.
Zoe Chambers is a paramedic and deputy coroner for Monongahela County, Pennsylvania. She loves horses and owns a farm where she houses her horse, but is currently living with her boyfriend, Vance Township’s Police Chief, Pete Adams, while trying to make the falling down farmhouse her mother, Kimberly Chambers Jackson, gifted her livable. Zoe responds to an emergency call made by her childhood friend, Horace Pavelka, who shot and killed a man. The deceased is Dennis Culp, who has bullied and harassed Horace for decades but has recently escalated his behavior to the point where Horace kept a weapon in his vehicle. The death is ruled self-defense, but when the body of Grant Jennings, who also harassed Horace, is discovered shot in the back in Horace’s house, Horace and his girlfriend, Belinda Turner, go into hiding. Zoe is certain Horace is innocent and wants to clear his name. Meanwhile, Zoe is approached by her friend and reporter, Lauren, a meeting, but things don’t go as planned.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss/Above the Treeline and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 22, 2020
Zoe juggles a murder, a marriage, and a missing half-brother in Under the Radar.
Zoe is a paramedic and a part-time deputy coroner in western Pennsylvania. Plus her boyfriend, Pete, is the local police chief. So you can see why she gets involved in so many mysteries.
In this entry in the series, Zoe is called out to a shooting. Her childhood friend Horace is the shooter but he has an excuse. The victim has been bullying Horace for years and today was no exception. Horace is let off on self-defense. However, when another enemy of Horace is killed and Horace goes missing, Pete is suspicious. However, Zoe believes in Horace and tries to solve the crime herself.
In the meantime, Zoe and Pete are planning their wedding as is Zoe’s meddling mother. In addition, Zoe is looking for her long-time missing half-brother.
There is an abundance of plots and sub-plots within Under the Radar. However, the author keeps the flow going by seamlessly switching back and forth between them. This book, and the series in general, also engages the reader with realistic characters who you want to get to know better. This a great entry in this long-running cozy mystery series. 4 stars!
Thanks to Henery Press, Edelweiss+, and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Zoe is a paramedic and a part-time deputy coroner in western Pennsylvania. Plus her boyfriend, Pete, is the local police chief. So you can see why she gets involved in so many mysteries.
In this entry in the series, Zoe is called out to a shooting. Her childhood friend Horace is the shooter but he has an excuse. The victim has been bullying Horace for years and today was no exception. Horace is let off on self-defense. However, when another enemy of Horace is killed and Horace goes missing, Pete is suspicious. However, Zoe believes in Horace and tries to solve the crime herself.
In the meantime, Zoe and Pete are planning their wedding as is Zoe’s meddling mother. In addition, Zoe is looking for her long-time missing half-brother.
There is an abundance of plots and sub-plots within Under the Radar. However, the author keeps the flow going by seamlessly switching back and forth between them. This book, and the series in general, also engages the reader with realistic characters who you want to get to know better. This a great entry in this long-running cozy mystery series. 4 stars!
Thanks to Henery Press, Edelweiss+, and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2019
Yes, yes, yes! Under the Radar is such an awesome book! Annette Dashofy has once again created a tale that held me in thrall. From concern over the tightly contested election for county coroner to need to work on wedding plans, Zoe's life is busy enough before an old friend gets in hot water and you know Zoe is going to be right in the middle of things. The return of a new friend brings some unexpected news that leads Zoe on a treasure hunt of sorts. Even if she finds that special treasure, it may be of great value to her, or it may turn to dross. An unwanted visit from Zoe’s mother brings the usual frustrations but it also produced some unexpected moments. From the death of a long-time bully, to a kidnapping, to a shoot-out, unpredictable was the word of the day for Zoe Chambers throughout Under the Radar including the answer to the question of who the murderer could be.
I received an ARC of Under the Radar from Henery Press via Edelweiss. This book is too good NOT to shout about!
I received an ARC of Under the Radar from Henery Press via Edelweiss. This book is too good NOT to shout about!
February 9, 2020
Zoe, a paramedic and deputy coroner, responds to a shooting to find a dead body and her friend, Horace, confessing to the crime. Horace claims he was defending himself - the victim attacked him with a baseball bat when Horace drove into his own driveway, hitting the car repeatedly until Horace shot him through a hole the man had made in the windshield. The dead man had not come alone, but the other men did not help Horace and ran when Horace took the shot. The victim had bullied Horace for decades and the abuse had recently escalated. When the shooting is ruled self-defense, the man's friends show up at Horace's home again, and yet another person ends up dead in his kitchen. Horace disappears, making the police question his culpability in both deaths, but the other suspects are also in the wind.
Zoe is certain Horace is innocent and she wants to clear his name. But she's also just been given new information that could lead her to learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. A road trip to follow this lead turns up family secrets she may regret.
Under the Radar is fast paced and well-written with interesting characters. You do not need to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but there are spoilers for a prior book.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Zoe is certain Horace is innocent and she wants to clear his name. But she's also just been given new information that could lead her to learn what really happened to her long-lost sibling. A road trip to follow this lead turns up family secrets she may regret.
Under the Radar is fast paced and well-written with interesting characters. You do not need to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but there are spoilers for a prior book.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
January 19, 2020
Excellent character development in the latest in this series!
As if being a paramedic wasn't enough stress, Zoe Chambers is engaged to a cop, is a part time deputy coroner, has a demanding mother who gifted her with a falling down farm house, and now Zoe discovers she has an adult half-brother she never knew existed.
When Zoe's childhood friend Horace Pavelka's tormentor is killed, Zoe feels obligated to prove Horace is not a murderer. Other crimes keep Pete busy while Zoe's Mom. Kimberly, descends with over the top wedding plans.
Characters face in-depth issues yet keep the story light and moving quickly, which make this a must read series.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Henery Press.
As if being a paramedic wasn't enough stress, Zoe Chambers is engaged to a cop, is a part time deputy coroner, has a demanding mother who gifted her with a falling down farm house, and now Zoe discovers she has an adult half-brother she never knew existed.
When Zoe's childhood friend Horace Pavelka's tormentor is killed, Zoe feels obligated to prove Horace is not a murderer. Other crimes keep Pete busy while Zoe's Mom. Kimberly, descends with over the top wedding plans.
Characters face in-depth issues yet keep the story light and moving quickly, which make this a must read series.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Henery Press.
March 7, 2020
This is the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last: it's fast paced, well written, with a complex and entertaining plot.
It a bit darker and more action packed than the average cozy and I liked the well thought cast of characters and the mystery that kept me guessing.
I can't wait for the next instalment and will surely read the other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It a bit darker and more action packed than the average cozy and I liked the well thought cast of characters and the mystery that kept me guessing.
I can't wait for the next instalment and will surely read the other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book as much as the others in this series. Zoe's friend is being suspected of murder and she helps to find the real killer. I love this series for many reasons not only is there a mystery but there is a good side story. I love the characters and love revisiting them. I also love that not only do you see this through Zoe's eyes but you get Pete's view.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing. I will definitely continue on with this series.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing. I will definitely continue on with this series.
December 13, 2019
Although I enjoyed the mystery, what I really like about this series are the characters. They are so well developed and realistic that I feel like I could walk into the town and actually meet them. I want to keep reading to see where their lives are going. And this book really surprised me. I even wound up liking Zoe’s mother.
If you like really well written police procedurals or are looking for a change from cookie cutter cozy mysteries, I would really recommend the Zoe Chambers series.
If you like really well written police procedurals or are looking for a change from cookie cutter cozy mysteries, I would really recommend the Zoe Chambers series.
February 23, 2020
Fast paced mystery with hometown like characters that are so believable they could possibly be your own neighbors and so many twists that it will definitely keep the reader on the edge of their seats!
The ninth book in the series this one has a lot going on with Zoe, a wedding to plan, a meddling mother to deal with, a brother she never knew existed, and that's just the family issues! Toss in an old childhood friend confessing to murder and we have full blown icing on the cake so to speak!
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The ninth book in the series this one has a lot going on with Zoe, a wedding to plan, a meddling mother to deal with, a brother she never knew existed, and that's just the family issues! Toss in an old childhood friend confessing to murder and we have full blown icing on the cake so to speak!
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2024
Zoe has zero luck with family. Her mother alone is enough for a lifetime of therapy bills.
December 6, 2019
Zoe and Pete are engaged. But Zoe's mother insists on planning the wedding and it's not what Zoe wants.And Zoe's friend, Horace Pavelka, is involved in the deaths of two men who had bullied him all his life. Zoe is also still trying to find her half-sibling, whom she has never met. Well written. Great characters.
November 10, 2020
The plots are good. The characters are a little too stereotypical for me. The verbiage is around 8th grade reading level.
February 16, 2020
This was another great addition to the Zoe Chambers Mystery series. I have said it before, but I love this series. It is what I call a "smart cozy". Zoe is not an amateur sleuth, she is a paramedic and deputy coroner. She is also engaged to the chief of police. She has a reason to be at a crime scene as well as to do some investigating. Unfortunately, she doesn't always know where the line is that she should not cross and that is when she runs into difficulty. She is still looking for her half-brother and her friend, reporter Lauren wants to help her find him. While doing that, she is also trying to plan her wedding. When the local bully is shot and killed by her friend, mild-mannered Horace, she wants to help him get cleared by sharing some information from high school that is very sensitive and emotional. When a friend of the bully is shot and killed in Horace's house, he runs because he is sure he will be arrested for his murder. Zoe steps in to try and help. All of this comes together with a brilliant conclusion.
I love Zoe as the protagonist of this series. She is smart, independent, stubborn, intuitive, tough and caring. Her mother arrives in town to "help plan" her wedding and she is hilarious. I love the interactions between Kimberly and just about anyone. She is that demanding, sarcastic, privileged woman who can go all Mama Bear when her daughter is threatened. Pete plays a big role in this series, not only as the Police Chief, but as Zoe's fiance. He is also a wonderful character who is smart and relies on his gut. He has a hard time saying no to Zoe when it comes to investigating, which I find funny, she pretty much has him wrapped around her finger, but not in a henpecked way. The secondary characters are all well developed and add much to the story. The story was very well-written with a well developed plot. I thought I had things figured out, then there was a twist or a red herring that sent me thinking in a different direction. There were several reveals in this story because of the different cases and mysteries, which I enjoy. Police often have many cases being investigated simultaneously and this was very realistic. The final reveal came fast and furious and I was totally shocked, although looking back, there had been clues. Once again, Annette Dashofy has penned a wonderful mystery that held my attention from the first page to the last. I do not hesitate to recommend this book and series to lovers of mysteries, cozy and others. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I love Zoe as the protagonist of this series. She is smart, independent, stubborn, intuitive, tough and caring. Her mother arrives in town to "help plan" her wedding and she is hilarious. I love the interactions between Kimberly and just about anyone. She is that demanding, sarcastic, privileged woman who can go all Mama Bear when her daughter is threatened. Pete plays a big role in this series, not only as the Police Chief, but as Zoe's fiance. He is also a wonderful character who is smart and relies on his gut. He has a hard time saying no to Zoe when it comes to investigating, which I find funny, she pretty much has him wrapped around her finger, but not in a henpecked way. The secondary characters are all well developed and add much to the story. The story was very well-written with a well developed plot. I thought I had things figured out, then there was a twist or a red herring that sent me thinking in a different direction. There were several reveals in this story because of the different cases and mysteries, which I enjoy. Police often have many cases being investigated simultaneously and this was very realistic. The final reveal came fast and furious and I was totally shocked, although looking back, there had been clues. Once again, Annette Dashofy has penned a wonderful mystery that held my attention from the first page to the last. I do not hesitate to recommend this book and series to lovers of mysteries, cozy and others. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
March 30, 2020
I have read all nine titles in the Zoe Chambers mystery series by Annette Dashofy. There are several reasons that I follow a series. One is a writing style that has a flow which draws the reader into the novel, another is unique, clever plotting, and, most importantly for me, are characters that seem like real human beings with whom I want to spend time. Zoe, a paramedic and deputy coroner, and Pete, the chief of police, the main characters, and the various supporting characters in these novels feel like real people to me. In fact, I consider them to be friends, making me want to know what is going on in their lives.
In this latest installment of the series, Zoe and Pete are looking forward to their upcoming wedding, but first there is a puzzling mystery to be solved when a friend of Zoe’s appears to have committed a murder. If I had any criticism of this book, it is that the coincidences that tie together story lines that seem unrelated, are becoming predictable. Almost every time a new character is introduced, it is because there is a tie to the mystery. Not everything in a series need to be related to the current story. I’d prefer to see story lines that aren’t always resolved, but instead carry forward to future books.
My favorite title in this series is still Fair Game with a welcome maturing of Pete and Zoe’s relationship and a mystery whose solution was heart-wrenching, However, Under the Radar is a worthy sequel and makes me look forward to the next book.
In this latest installment of the series, Zoe and Pete are looking forward to their upcoming wedding, but first there is a puzzling mystery to be solved when a friend of Zoe’s appears to have committed a murder. If I had any criticism of this book, it is that the coincidences that tie together story lines that seem unrelated, are becoming predictable. Almost every time a new character is introduced, it is because there is a tie to the mystery. Not everything in a series need to be related to the current story. I’d prefer to see story lines that aren’t always resolved, but instead carry forward to future books.
My favorite title in this series is still Fair Game with a welcome maturing of Pete and Zoe’s relationship and a mystery whose solution was heart-wrenching, However, Under the Radar is a worthy sequel and makes me look forward to the next book.
March 4, 2020
Annette Dashofy has gone and done it again! I'm not sure how she makes each book a little bit better, but I do know her success is tied to her incredibly rich and complex characters. Each new book feels like coming home to visit old friends I've missed desperately. In this book, Annette tackles the very real issue of bullying - a reminder that it isn't something that only happens between kids. The high level of action and suspense kept me guessing all the way until the end. It also made me pout every time I had to set the book down, like to go to sleep because I had to get up for work the next day, or get back to work at the end of my lunch hour. I also happen like and appreciate the family dysfunction. Not everyone gets to grow up in Mayberry.
I have enjoyed every single book in this series. I may have to go back and read them all over again so that I can binge read them, because now that I've finished this book in less than 48 hours, I'm right back to suffering withdrawal from my good friends Zoe and Pete!
Fingers drumming on my desk... hey Annette, how far along did you say you were in the process of getting the next installment to us?! ;)
I have enjoyed every single book in this series. I may have to go back and read them all over again so that I can binge read them, because now that I've finished this book in less than 48 hours, I'm right back to suffering withdrawal from my good friends Zoe and Pete!
Fingers drumming on my desk... hey Annette, how far along did you say you were in the process of getting the next installment to us?! ;)
July 8, 2020
With a full-time job with the Monongahela County EMS and a “part-time gig as deputy coroner,” Zoe Chambers has reason to be on the scene when bad things happen. In Annette Dashofy’s Under the Radar, murders abound. Zoe’s friend from high school, the much bullied Horace, turns himself in for the murder of long-time tormentor Dennis Culp. Did Horace snap under the continued violent harassment?
Under the Radar contains lots of twisty paths in the criminal investigations with several major surprises along the way. In addition to murder and burglaries, there are personal issues as Zoe plans her wedding to Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams. She somehow manages to become involved in a deadly scenario while trying to track down a half brother she has never met. There is a little comic relief via Zoe’s interactions with her mother Kimberly and a “girls’ road trip.” Local politics works its way into the story as Zoe’s boss has to compete for his job, and the election results could also affect Zoe’s employment.
The books in this series are page turners and Under the Radar is no exception.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Under the Radar contains lots of twisty paths in the criminal investigations with several major surprises along the way. In addition to murder and burglaries, there are personal issues as Zoe plans her wedding to Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams. She somehow manages to become involved in a deadly scenario while trying to track down a half brother she has never met. There is a little comic relief via Zoe’s interactions with her mother Kimberly and a “girls’ road trip.” Local politics works its way into the story as Zoe’s boss has to compete for his job, and the election results could also affect Zoe’s employment.
The books in this series are page turners and Under the Radar is no exception.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
What a great cozy mystery! This is the second book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are a cozy mystery lover don’t miss this one!
Zoe Chambers is off to more sleuthing adventures while still being an ems worker and deputy coroner in Pennsylvania. Her fiancé police chief Pete Adams helps Zoe as she tries to solve several murders and expose a burglary ring.
You’ll love the many characters and hometown setting of the book. There are lots of small side stories in the book that add to the action and adventure.
I liked that Zoe had a heart for her friend Horace, her relationship with her mom was tenuous at times and the quest to find a missing step brother. There was also stress and pressure in an upcoming election that could cause Zoe to lose her coroner job. and Zoe and Pete’s upcoming wedding. You will be turning the pages fast and furiously to get to the surprise ending.
Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down.
Zoe Chambers is off to more sleuthing adventures while still being an ems worker and deputy coroner in Pennsylvania. Her fiancé police chief Pete Adams helps Zoe as she tries to solve several murders and expose a burglary ring.
You’ll love the many characters and hometown setting of the book. There are lots of small side stories in the book that add to the action and adventure.
I liked that Zoe had a heart for her friend Horace, her relationship with her mom was tenuous at times and the quest to find a missing step brother. There was also stress and pressure in an upcoming election that could cause Zoe to lose her coroner job. and Zoe and Pete’s upcoming wedding. You will be turning the pages fast and furiously to get to the surprise ending.
Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down.
March 12, 2020
Under the Radar is a fast-paced mystery laced with a bit of romance. There is also an underlying theme about the effects of bullying.
Author Annette Dashofy does a beautiful job interweaving the different levels of this well written story. I was immersed in trying to figure out the “who done it” part of this book as well as in following the personal relationships between family, friends, and lovers.
This was, for me, a hard book to put down. I read more cozy mysteries, so it was fun to find a story where the mystery was more of a priority than the romance.
Although this is the first book I have read by this author, and I understand that it is part of a series, I did not have the feeling that I was missing anything by not reading the others first. However, I am now interested in going back and reading earlier books in this series.
Author Annette Dashofy does a beautiful job interweaving the different levels of this well written story. I was immersed in trying to figure out the “who done it” part of this book as well as in following the personal relationships between family, friends, and lovers.
This was, for me, a hard book to put down. I read more cozy mysteries, so it was fun to find a story where the mystery was more of a priority than the romance.
Although this is the first book I have read by this author, and I understand that it is part of a series, I did not have the feeling that I was missing anything by not reading the others first. However, I am now interested in going back and reading earlier books in this series.
March 22, 2020
Annette Riggle Dashofy's UNDER THE RADAR kept me reading until 4 a.m. -- yes, THAT good! It’s twisty and full of conflicts and uncertainties, none of which will I spoil. There are burglary, bullying, a blizzard, and bridal planning woes. (Is there a word like “bridezilla” for the mother of?) Oh, and there is news of a new half-brother, as well as serious questions about whom to trust, and a too-close-for-comfort election for coroner. Is it any wonder my attempts to sleep failed? Add to that a smoothly flowing writing style, which looks effortless, but we English teachers know is the result of careful revision and editing. This book is a pleasure, the continuation of an excellent series, and there will be another soon.
(Purchased and read during Corona isolation closing of libraries — thank goodness for the invention of e-books!)
(Purchased and read during Corona isolation closing of libraries — thank goodness for the invention of e-books!)
January 14, 2026
Another winner in a series that continues to get better with each book. I love Zoe and Pete and their interesting and intermingling lives! This intermingling of worlds is only going to intensify as they are now engaged to be married. When the baker Zoe has talked to about making their wedding cake shoots, a guy hassling him and smashing his car, while it sits in his driveway with him in it, is that self defense or murder? To add to the drama, Seth and Abby are sitting on a local task force to try and figure out a new series of break ins, Zoe's mom Kimberly shows up from Florida with her ideas about how the wedding should go and Lauren, the reporter is back and convinced she can find Zoe's real brother. What could possibly go wrong? Hang on to your hats and come along for several wild rides! #UndertheRadar #AZoeChambersMystery #AnnetteDashofy #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
March 4, 2020
Loved this book!! Zoe's quiet friend, Horace, has killed a man in self defense after being bullied by the man and his friends. Horace is released from jail and the man's friends are not happy. The bullies are suddenly being killed and Horace and his girlfriend, Belinda, are on the run. Zoe is confident that Horace is innocent, but Pete and Detective Baronick have to investigate. In the meantime, Zoe, along with her reporter friend, Lauren; her mother; and her cousin, Patsy, set out to find Zoe's half-brother. Lots of twists and turns and intrigue that made this story wonderful. I definitely did not see a lot of the twists coming. I highly recommend this series!! I hope there will be more books and I look forward to seeing what's next for Zoe and Pete!!
February 24, 2020
I am so glad that I found this series! Under the Radar is the 9th book in the Zoe Chambers Mystery series, but it’s the first I’ve read. It can easily be read as a stand alone book. I think there are only a couple of “spoilers” from the prior books. The first would be the fact that Zoe and Pete are engaged, but you can see that in the synopsis. The other would just take away a bit of surprise from a prior book. Regardless, I’ll be going back to read the prior books because I enjoyed this one so much.
Under the Radar is set in SW Pennsylvania which is about 3 hours from where I am Ohio. So? So, I know how to pronounce Monongahela. I’m pretty proud of that random tidbit.
The characters in this book are very well fleshed out. I really appreciated that even though I haven’t read the prior books, I could get a good feel for even the minor characters. And since the author is from the area she writes about and worked the job the main character does, the book feels very real. It’s got a lot of action and excitement. The plot is well-paced and keeps you reading. It was not easy for me to figure out whodunit until very close to the end which made it all the more exciting. Believe me, you won’t want to put this down!
Under the Radar is definitely a book you’ll want to add to your TBR piles now!
Under the Radar is set in SW Pennsylvania which is about 3 hours from where I am Ohio. So? So, I know how to pronounce Monongahela. I’m pretty proud of that random tidbit.
The characters in this book are very well fleshed out. I really appreciated that even though I haven’t read the prior books, I could get a good feel for even the minor characters. And since the author is from the area she writes about and worked the job the main character does, the book feels very real. It’s got a lot of action and excitement. The plot is well-paced and keeps you reading. It was not easy for me to figure out whodunit until very close to the end which made it all the more exciting. Believe me, you won’t want to put this down!
Under the Radar is definitely a book you’ll want to add to your TBR piles now!
July 11, 2020
As always, I preface my remarks regarding the Zoe Chambers mysteries with the fact that the author, Annette Dashofy, is a friend.
Again, Pete and Zoe’s personal lives wedge into their professional lives as Zoe leaps to the defense of an old friend Pete has arrested for murder. Meanwhile she’s contending with her mother’s interference in her wedding plans while Pete deals with a rash of burglaries.
I believe this is the best in the series so far. I got caught up in the story right from the start and tore through it in a little over a day. The tension leading to the climax is almost palpable.
Keep ’em coming, Annette.
Again, Pete and Zoe’s personal lives wedge into their professional lives as Zoe leaps to the defense of an old friend Pete has arrested for murder. Meanwhile she’s contending with her mother’s interference in her wedding plans while Pete deals with a rash of burglaries.
I believe this is the best in the series so far. I got caught up in the story right from the start and tore through it in a little over a day. The tension leading to the climax is almost palpable.
Keep ’em coming, Annette.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews