What do you think?
Rate this book
Lt. Kate Gazzara #1-3
The Lt. Kate Gazzara Series #1-3
Dive into the Amazon bestselling Lt. Kate Gazzara series with this 3-book set
If you love police procedurals, realism, fast-paced nonstop action, strong women detectives, it's time you met Kate Gazzara, a dedicated female detective in a world dominated by men. Kate's addictive. You can't read just one, so now you can download the first three novels in Blair Howard’s best-selling Lt. Kate Gazzara series of police procedurals.
If you love police procedurals, realism, fast-paced nonstop action, strong women detectives, it's time you met Kate Gazzara, a dedicated female detective in a world dominated by men. Kate's addictive. You can't read just one, so now you can download the first three novels in Blair Howard’s best-selling Lt. Kate Gazzara series of police procedurals.
- GenresMystery
504 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2019
1439 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
287 books342 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 23, 2019
What a great box set. Grab a cold drink and a comfy spot because you'll be there for awhile. Once you begin reading you'll find this set hard to put down. Full of suspense, drama, and danger. Lt Kate will keep you guessing. A great introduction to Lt. Kate Gazzara with three full-length thrillers. A great series that is well-written with likable characters. A joy to read.
July 26, 2021
A chance find, and glad I did!
Came across this set by chance and so glad I do did, a Good way to spend a few hours, well written, good pace and a great lead character, I've already downloaded next three!
Came across this set by chance and so glad I do did, a Good way to spend a few hours, well written, good pace and a great lead character, I've already downloaded next three!
February 22, 2020
Jasmine – I just discovered Lt Kate Gazzara and I am so glad to see there are more in the series. And when I’m done there, I can start on Harry Starke. Kate Gazzara is a gritty, detective with savvy and determination – a character you can’t help but want to follow. Loved the supporting cast of Harry Starke (Which is why I’ll be reading his stories next.) and Kate’s relationship with him. Couldn’t help laughing about John “Dick” Tracy and Kate putting him in his place right from the start. Great plot, too, kept me guessing to the end.
Cassandra – It was sad to discover that Kate no longer has Harry Starke in her life, and in fact hasn’t really got anyone, but she’s still the gritty detective I fell in love with in Jasmine as she doggedly pursues a cold case while fending off her nemesis, Chief Henry Finkle. Enjoyed seeing Mike Willis again and meeting Lonnie, Kate’s new partner.
Saffron – Way to go Kate – Another super plot with twists and turns and a dogged detective on the trail with her side-kick Lonnie. He’s got his problems, too and I spent the whole book rooting for him to come to terms with them. Also cheered for Kate’s ongoing battle with Chief Finkle. Can’t wait to start reading Sapphire.
Cassandra – It was sad to discover that Kate no longer has Harry Starke in her life, and in fact hasn’t really got anyone, but she’s still the gritty detective I fell in love with in Jasmine as she doggedly pursues a cold case while fending off her nemesis, Chief Henry Finkle. Enjoyed seeing Mike Willis again and meeting Lonnie, Kate’s new partner.
Saffron – Way to go Kate – Another super plot with twists and turns and a dogged detective on the trail with her side-kick Lonnie. He’s got his problems, too and I spent the whole book rooting for him to come to terms with them. Also cheered for Kate’s ongoing battle with Chief Finkle. Can’t wait to start reading Sapphire.
April 19, 2020
Jasmine (Lt. Kate Gazzara #1), my sixth read from author Blair Howard and the first in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Previously I'd only read the author's Civil War & Civil War/Western Series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I was been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Angel Clark's narration adds to the book's enjoyment.
Cassandra (Lt. Kate Gazzara #2) my seventh read from author Blair Howard and the second in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Before reading Jasmine (Lt. Kate Gazzara #1), my sixth read from author Blair Howard and the first in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series I'd only read the author's Civil War & Civil War/Western Series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction this book is at least as good. I was been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Renée Maxwell’s narration adds to the book's enjoyment.
Saffron (Lt. Kate Gazzara #3), my eighth read from author Blair Howard and the third in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I look forward to Victoria, the next book in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Cassandra (Lt. Kate Gazzara #2) my seventh read from author Blair Howard and the second in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Before reading Jasmine (Lt. Kate Gazzara #1), my sixth read from author Blair Howard and the first in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series I'd only read the author's Civil War & Civil War/Western Series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction this book is at least as good. I was been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Renée Maxwell’s narration adds to the book's enjoyment.
Saffron (Lt. Kate Gazzara #3), my eighth read from author Blair Howard and the third in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I look forward to Victoria, the next book in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 20, 2020
Blair Howard at his best!
Lt. Kate Gazzara from the Harry Stark mysteries is the lead investigator in three very different murder investigations. The pacing of each story is so quick that it is hard to put the book down. The other characters have sufficient development that the stories unfold with a feeling that the reader is on the scene watching.
Lt. Kate Gazzara from the Harry Stark mysteries is the lead investigator in three very different murder investigations. The pacing of each story is so quick that it is hard to put the book down. The other characters have sufficient development that the stories unfold with a feeling that the reader is on the scene watching.
April 17, 2021
JASMINE
Kate has her first case, without Harry as her partner. The Chief gave her Det Tracy, wonders if he will work out. Everywhere she goes they ask "where's Harry" wonder if that's how it's going to be. Day end, she goes to Harry's, nice way to end a hectic day
Love his books, and his style of writing. This has a nice flow with a woman having the lead.
CASSANDRA
All is quiet this early in the morning for three women, watching the birds, and jotting them down as they see them. A chirping noise is heard, looking she come across a mannequin, no a dead body. Brutal killing, was it jealousy to be stabbed so many times. Killer not caught
Kate 23 years later with partner Lonnie reinterview people, unknowably she now is in danger. Great tense plot, you hope they can solve and justice
is done. Once again he has given us a well descriptive story, that doesn’t disappoints his readers..
SAFFRON
He was now a beggar, wet,miserable and hungry, a knife, an it would be over, or the dumpster. Yield nothing, a few minutes to shut his eyes, awaking to finding himself staring at eyeballs. Kate and her partner called out. interviewing T J, a war hero, but now he looks so lost, and hopelessness. What happened, he had it all, she asked. I know someone who could help. He wants nothing, if he hadn’t found the body, he would of been the body they found. So begins the case for Kate, what a ride we are in for, the pieces don’t want to come, a gut thought, and there has been more female bodies in surrounding areas. The man power, and days, add up. Kate is good, right to the end, we are taken, till it has a closer. When will the next one be out. The plot was tight with tension, you got to know the crew , readers will not be disappointed.
Sent from my iPad
Kate has her first case, without Harry as her partner. The Chief gave her Det Tracy, wonders if he will work out. Everywhere she goes they ask "where's Harry" wonder if that's how it's going to be. Day end, she goes to Harry's, nice way to end a hectic day
Love his books, and his style of writing. This has a nice flow with a woman having the lead.
CASSANDRA
All is quiet this early in the morning for three women, watching the birds, and jotting them down as they see them. A chirping noise is heard, looking she come across a mannequin, no a dead body. Brutal killing, was it jealousy to be stabbed so many times. Killer not caught
Kate 23 years later with partner Lonnie reinterview people, unknowably she now is in danger. Great tense plot, you hope they can solve and justice
is done. Once again he has given us a well descriptive story, that doesn’t disappoints his readers..
SAFFRON
He was now a beggar, wet,miserable and hungry, a knife, an it would be over, or the dumpster. Yield nothing, a few minutes to shut his eyes, awaking to finding himself staring at eyeballs. Kate and her partner called out. interviewing T J, a war hero, but now he looks so lost, and hopelessness. What happened, he had it all, she asked. I know someone who could help. He wants nothing, if he hadn’t found the body, he would of been the body they found. So begins the case for Kate, what a ride we are in for, the pieces don’t want to come, a gut thought, and there has been more female bodies in surrounding areas. The man power, and days, add up. Kate is good, right to the end, we are taken, till it has a closer. When will the next one be out. The plot was tight with tension, you got to know the crew , readers will not be disappointed.
Sent from my iPad
September 28, 2023
A readable set of books.
Kate Gazzara is a Lieutenant detective and is struggling with her new partner John Tracy who is new to homicide after years in narcotics. He doesn’t match up to her previous partner Harry Starke whom she worked with for years and also had an ongoing but not quite committed relationship. Harry had quit the department and set up as a PI after falling out with his superiors. Kate has a similar problem which is exacerbated by sexual harassment.
In this boxed set she has individual complex murders to solve with superiors breathing down her neck to solve them pronto whilst also fighting off the sexual advances of a superior and innuendo from her new partner.
She doesn’t help herself sometimes with her attitude, which wound me up sometimes let alone her superiors, not all of whom is bad!
She manages her cases and her succession of partners in an abrasive and occasionally clever way, which makes her quite likeable.
I really like the way she handles the superior who sexually harasses her.
Not a lot of tension in the stories but they are well thought out and not easy to solve.
I will probably have a rest from the series and read a number of the significant amount of books I have waiting for me to read, before I decide whether to move on to the next boxed set.
Kate Gazzara is a Lieutenant detective and is struggling with her new partner John Tracy who is new to homicide after years in narcotics. He doesn’t match up to her previous partner Harry Starke whom she worked with for years and also had an ongoing but not quite committed relationship. Harry had quit the department and set up as a PI after falling out with his superiors. Kate has a similar problem which is exacerbated by sexual harassment.
In this boxed set she has individual complex murders to solve with superiors breathing down her neck to solve them pronto whilst also fighting off the sexual advances of a superior and innuendo from her new partner.
She doesn’t help herself sometimes with her attitude, which wound me up sometimes let alone her superiors, not all of whom is bad!
She manages her cases and her succession of partners in an abrasive and occasionally clever way, which makes her quite likeable.
I really like the way she handles the superior who sexually harasses her.
Not a lot of tension in the stories but they are well thought out and not easy to solve.
I will probably have a rest from the series and read a number of the significant amount of books I have waiting for me to read, before I decide whether to move on to the next boxed set.
February 5, 2021
I listened to the series on audible. Off the top, I really disliked the narrator for this series to the point of almost not finishing. The narrator had a whiney, singsongy, computerized sounding voice and it irritated me throughout the series.
Lt Gazzara is a spin-off character from the Harry Starke novels. Harry Starke is a legendary character, a retired police officer turned private investigator. There is no question that Blair Howard is one of the most skillful writers in the police/crime genres but unfortunately I think the Kate Gazzara series and the character of Lt Gazzara missed the mark.
Other than occasional appearances by Harry Starke as her friend and sometimes lover, I didn't really get invested in Kate Gazzara. It seems like she was written as the female version of Harry Starke with nothing very unique about her and that disappointed me as well as this entire series.
Lt Gazzara is a spin-off character from the Harry Starke novels. Harry Starke is a legendary character, a retired police officer turned private investigator. There is no question that Blair Howard is one of the most skillful writers in the police/crime genres but unfortunately I think the Kate Gazzara series and the character of Lt Gazzara missed the mark.
Other than occasional appearances by Harry Starke as her friend and sometimes lover, I didn't really get invested in Kate Gazzara. It seems like she was written as the female version of Harry Starke with nothing very unique about her and that disappointed me as well as this entire series.
January 1, 2022
some parts interesting, others really annoying
I gave all three books a try and I’ve decided they were enough. Kate is irritatingly slow and does it display a lot of detective smarts nor much of a killer instinct one would expect of a female homicide detective. Her solution to a problem that appears in books two and three not only doesn’t solve the problem but she’s only looking out for herself and leaving other female officers vulnerable.
The style of the storytelling is strange too. The first two are told in the present tense but are recalling earlier cases. No explanation why. A partner appears in book two we know nothing about. It’s like these three books were cherry picked from a number of books but they are labeled as books 1-3. I felt like I was missing a lot of information, dropped into pre existing situations then plucked back out.
I don’t think I need to know more about Kate Gazzara.
I gave all three books a try and I’ve decided they were enough. Kate is irritatingly slow and does it display a lot of detective smarts nor much of a killer instinct one would expect of a female homicide detective. Her solution to a problem that appears in books two and three not only doesn’t solve the problem but she’s only looking out for herself and leaving other female officers vulnerable.
The style of the storytelling is strange too. The first two are told in the present tense but are recalling earlier cases. No explanation why. A partner appears in book two we know nothing about. It’s like these three books were cherry picked from a number of books but they are labeled as books 1-3. I felt like I was missing a lot of information, dropped into pre existing situations then plucked back out.
I don’t think I need to know more about Kate Gazzara.
Read
January 8, 2022Devious murderers and unsuspecting victims
Each book was enthralling and had me hooked. Kate Gazzara delves into Jasmine's death and makes a bizarre discovery. The murder of Cassandra was unsolved for more than twenty years and was treated as a cold case until Kate was asked to reopen it and find the killer. The body of a young lady, Saffron, was found near a dumpster and other bodies have also been discovered. Kate has to contend with a sadistic killer who covers his tracks. All the books are page turners with a lot of twists.
Each book was enthralling and had me hooked. Kate Gazzara delves into Jasmine's death and makes a bizarre discovery. The murder of Cassandra was unsolved for more than twenty years and was treated as a cold case until Kate was asked to reopen it and find the killer. The body of a young lady, Saffron, was found near a dumpster and other bodies have also been discovered. Kate has to contend with a sadistic killer who covers his tracks. All the books are page turners with a lot of twists.
February 5, 2022
LT Kate Gazzara
I really did like the stories, but it felt like something was missing. In the first book she alluded to some happenings with Harry that weren't explained in the story. They weren't explained in any of the stories. It was all bits of her personal life that were a mystery, but I feel like I missed some books in between. However, these are labeled as books 1, 2, and 3, so it doesn't sound like there are other books in between. Other than that I really enjoyed the stories.
I really did like the stories, but it felt like something was missing. In the first book she alluded to some happenings with Harry that weren't explained in the story. They weren't explained in any of the stories. It was all bits of her personal life that were a mystery, but I feel like I missed some books in between. However, these are labeled as books 1, 2, and 3, so it doesn't sound like there are other books in between. Other than that I really enjoyed the stories.
April 20, 2022
Lt Kate is busy building her career and a new team. More exciting than it sounds if you stick around.
Lt Kate has her hands full. She has a new team that she is trying to build and a Chief backing her as much as he can. But she has made some enemies along the line and they are doing everything they can to undermine her, one of them being the vice chief. Kate has to walk a fine line and she watches her back at all times. Great stories and keeps you on your toes.. Never know what is going to happen next.
Lt Kate has her hands full. She has a new team that she is trying to build and a Chief backing her as much as he can. But she has made some enemies along the line and they are doing everything they can to undermine her, one of them being the vice chief. Kate has to walk a fine line and she watches her back at all times. Great stories and keeps you on your toes.. Never know what is going to happen next.
July 19, 2020
Kate's the name, solving homicides is her job
Author Blair Howard has packaged three great reads in the Lt. Katie Gazzara Series, Books 1- 3. Readers go behind the scenes with the strong, independent homicide detective Katie Gazzara. She not only looks for clues but deals with partners and bosses immersed in departmental politics. I enjoyed the first three books and ready to follow Katie in future books.
Author Blair Howard has packaged three great reads in the Lt. Katie Gazzara Series, Books 1- 3. Readers go behind the scenes with the strong, independent homicide detective Katie Gazzara. She not only looks for clues but deals with partners and bosses immersed in departmental politics. I enjoyed the first three books and ready to follow Katie in future books.
August 5, 2020
Kate"s story.
Interesting to see events from Katie's perspective of life as a female detective.
From being lead in a case - not having Harry's input, to an extent of lacking his barrier between her & occupational creeps like finkle doesn't deserve a capital letter.
Interesting serial killer, who leaves little or no clues, dumps the bodies in random areas gets caught by a special offer & dog grooming.
Interesting to see events from Katie's perspective of life as a female detective.
From being lead in a case - not having Harry's input, to an extent of lacking his barrier between her & occupational creeps like finkle doesn't deserve a capital letter.
Interesting serial killer, who leaves little or no clues, dumps the bodies in random areas gets caught by a special offer & dog grooming.
August 23, 2020
I
I seldom write reviews but in this case I think it's for the good of the author. I don't know about the rest of the readers of police procedure novels but for me I am so tired of the bullshit bosses beating down on their best cops. It's old. It adds nothing but boredom. You write a good book. Stop this. It adds nothing but boredom.
I seldom write reviews but in this case I think it's for the good of the author. I don't know about the rest of the readers of police procedure novels but for me I am so tired of the bullshit bosses beating down on their best cops. It's old. It adds nothing but boredom. You write a good book. Stop this. It adds nothing but boredom.
December 29, 2020
Excellent series of novellas. But for abysmal naming of the characters [Jack Frost, Dick Tracy, etc.], this is a pretty flawless set of police procedurals. No red herrings, just solid pursuit of probable cause and evidentiary sufficiency. Accompanied by good and bad coworker/supervisor relations that help or hinder getting the job done to a competent legal standard. Refreshing.
April 30, 2021
Good read!
This was a good fast moving detective story. The plot kept me interested, as did the characters It had good plot development, and kept me entertained. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor and delivery. There was wisecracking dialogue, but I appreciated that it was over done.
This was a good fast moving detective story. The plot kept me interested, as did the characters It had good plot development, and kept me entertained. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor and delivery. There was wisecracking dialogue, but I appreciated that it was over done.
December 4, 2022
I had a hard time with this story line. Kate Gazzara seemed a bit brash and made it hard for me to stay focused on the story. Her previous partner Harry Starke retired and this is her first case in Homicide as the lead investigator. She came across to me as having a chip on her shoulder. I probably won't read any more of the series.
March 5, 2023
Lt. Kate Gazzara
The first three books of this series are all about cases Kate had after Harry Stark retired from the Police department. Each is unique in itself and gives insight into both Kate and the working of the Police department. Great books giving details not found in the Harry Stark series. Must reads.
The first three books of this series are all about cases Kate had after Harry Stark retired from the Police department. Each is unique in itself and gives insight into both Kate and the working of the Police department. Great books giving details not found in the Harry Stark series. Must reads.
May 5, 2020
Great detective mysteries with excellent storylines and fantastic well developed characters. Contains fast paced non-stop action thrillers that are real page turners. Highly enjoyable stories that I highly recommend. Definitely will be reading this entire series.
March 1, 2021
This is the first Blair Howard book that I have read. I like it all right, but I'm not sure how much. I don't know if I will read any more. There are so many other things that I want to read, that I don't know if it was compelling enough to continue.
May 18, 2021
Amazing
This author makes his characters so real that I feel like I could call them anytime. Of course “tiny “ is an ass but every good story has to have one. Kate is so real and so funny. I want to visit Chattanooga now, even in the winter.
This author makes his characters so real that I feel like I could call them anytime. Of course “tiny “ is an ass but every good story has to have one. Kate is so real and so funny. I want to visit Chattanooga now, even in the winter.
February 14, 2023
Good Read
I enjoyed these 3 books on who done it
They are a good read with investigations taking the stories to completion. No drama involving the crime team. Missed the romance of the first book. Never did find out about that. Will read more in this series. Easy reads
I enjoyed these 3 books on who done it
They are a good read with investigations taking the stories to completion. No drama involving the crime team. Missed the romance of the first book. Never did find out about that. Will read more in this series. Easy reads
April 17, 2023
Great box set
These stories kept you guessing until the end. Loved the fiesty main character Kate. Will definitely read more books in this series. Loved the way the author worked up each case. Good read!
These stories kept you guessing until the end. Loved the fiesty main character Kate. Will definitely read more books in this series. Loved the way the author worked up each case. Good read!
January 20, 2020
Great
I highly recommend these books, Kate Gazzara series are well written and so believable,you want to continue reading to see what happens next, a great read.
I highly recommend these books, Kate Gazzara series are well written and so believable,you want to continue reading to see what happens next, a great read.
February 9, 2020
Great!
Really enjoyed these books. Like Kate. Not usually my type of book but will be reading more. I definitely recommend them.
Really enjoyed these books. Like Kate. Not usually my type of book but will be reading more. I definitely recommend them.
April 5, 2020
Great reads!!
Can always count on you for great reads!!! Thank you! Keep ‘em coming!! Please! These were terrific reads. As always!
Can always count on you for great reads!!! Thank you! Keep ‘em coming!! Please! These were terrific reads. As always!
April 19, 2020
Good books!
Loved Kate...didn't like her boss. I don't think I can recommend these to any one I know cuz it's too graphic.
Loved Kate...didn't like her boss. I don't think I can recommend these to any one I know cuz it's too graphic.
May 9, 2020
I've read all three books in this set, and they are all very well written and with great characters. The books can all be read as stand-alones, but in order in a box like this, is of course smart.
November 13, 2020
A good series but not as good as the Harry Starke series. I really enjoyed reading about Harry and his cases.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews