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Maggie Novak #2
A Place Called Fear
When cops break the rules, there’s only one detective you can trust to investigate.
Florida homicide detective Maggie Novak should be celebrating: it’s the start of a new year, and her boyfriend has just proposed. But all she can think about is the alarming news she received earlier that evening—her teammate Detective Clayton Young is missing.
With few leads, Maggie heads to the supermarket where Clay was last seen. To her horror, security footage reveals a devastating scene in the parking lot: her colleague has died in fearful circumstances. As the investigation begins, Homicide Squad is rocked by the news that Clay might not be the only intended target, and that any one of them could be next on the killer’s agenda.
Clay’s partner, Detective Andy Stucker, is refusing to answer calls, and Maggie suspects he has a part to play in their colleague’s death. Scanning through Clay’s phone, she finds a message to Stucker with the words “they know.”
Who are “they”? And what do they know? As more secrets come to light, Maggie has good reason to believe the killer is just getting started. She needs to uncover the truth fast. But is it already right in front of her eyes?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2019
1306 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
About the author
Keith Houghton
21 books277 followersMILLION SELLING AUTHOR of the Kindle bestselling Gabe Quinn Thriller Series and the Maggie Novak Thrillers, including Kindle Store #1 books KILLING HOPE and DON'T EVEN BREATHE, as well as psychological standalone thrillers CRASH, NO COMING BACK and BEFORE YOU LEAP - roller-coaster reads with totally unexpected twists and turns - published by Thomas & Mercer.
More than ONE MILLION Crime Thrillers Sold.
100,000+ Audiobooks Sold on Amazon and Audible.
12,000+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Audible.
13 Kindle Store Number Ones and more than 140 individual category bestsellers.
Latest novel TOLEDO BEND is out NOW!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 19, 2020
I just finished my second book by this author and it was a good ride for the most part. The main and secondary characters were good and the story for the most part was good but as good as the first book . The dialogue was good and for the most part the story moved at a good pace it i never really bogged down. I was on the fence about giving it 4 stars but 2 things stopped me from doing that lol. The first being the story fell off the plausibility track in the last 15-20 percent of the book which was a shame. I thought this part off the book a twist was thrown in there and also an ending just did not make it to the top floor. I thought this part of the book could have been much better. When a book falls of the plausibility track hit will take a hit in the ratings that is called tough love. I was not the only read who felt this way about the book. I do say however the book is good enough to give a spin to and I will read the next one in the series.
November 3, 2020
For the most part of the book I really enjoyed it, but the ending in crime fiction is essential, and this one just didn't live up to the expectations set by the first half.
The murderer was indeed unexpected, but not really in a good way, more like, "What? This person? Seriously?" and the motivation seemed weak. The personal problems of the main character also didn't feel interestinh enough.
Other than that, quite good. You can read it and try to come up with yourown ending:)
The murderer was indeed unexpected, but not really in a good way, more like, "What? This person? Seriously?" and the motivation seemed weak. The personal problems of the main character also didn't feel interestinh enough.
Other than that, quite good. You can read it and try to come up with yourown ending:)
December 15, 2020
A great, fast paced mystery. Back with Maggie Novak for her second mystery, this one starts on New Year's eve when Maggie receives a phone call asking if she's seen Clay. She hasn't, but she's been drinking and at a party and took the time off, so although she is a little curious, she isn't worried. Besides, she has some exciting things happening at the party too.
But the mystery starts from there. First you are looking for Clay, then searching to understand why. After murders, car bombs, secret club owners and marriages, you learn so much more about the officers in Maggie's co-workers. It's fast story, one that's hard to put down.
I enjoyed it, although I did hate that the crux of the story hinging on hiding the one thing that everyone was just so scandalized by. It made me sad but I liked Steve's take on it. I wish others felt the same.
But the mystery starts from there. First you are looking for Clay, then searching to understand why. After murders, car bombs, secret club owners and marriages, you learn so much more about the officers in Maggie's co-workers. It's fast story, one that's hard to put down.
I enjoyed it, although I did hate that the crux of the story hinging on hiding the one thing that everyone was just so scandalized by. It made me sad but I liked Steve's take on it. I wish others felt the same.
November 8, 2021
Great writing, loads of suspense. I'm enjoying this series more than I thought I would.
November 9, 2019
A Place Called Fear by Keith Houghton is the second entry in the Maggie Novak series. Maggie is a homicide detective in Florida. When one of her fellow detectives goes missing on a late night run to the store for milk, Maggie is called upon to investigate. Her co worker is soon found, it seems he has committed suicide in his car in the store parking lot. This case will lead Maggie down a dark road where no one can be trusted. This second book advances Maggie’s character very nicely. I can’t wait for more Maggie! This book kept me guessing and filled me with dread until the last moment. Definitely check this series out! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2021
Trigger warning: Suicide, Cop killing.
The flow never stopped for a little rest, it just kept going at full speed but it didn't ruin the plot, in fact it made it more enjoyable as you race along maggie to solve the case.
the deeper you go into the case the worse it becomes till you reach a point where you have to decide whether you want to continue to go forward.
the good thing is that the author managed to insert little happy points to help ease the tension of the story which made me glad to continue.
looking forward to reading the next book.
The flow never stopped for a little rest, it just kept going at full speed but it didn't ruin the plot, in fact it made it more enjoyable as you race along maggie to solve the case.
the deeper you go into the case the worse it becomes till you reach a point where you have to decide whether you want to continue to go forward.
the good thing is that the author managed to insert little happy points to help ease the tension of the story which made me glad to continue.
looking forward to reading the next book.
February 20, 2020
The first 80% - 4 stars. Fast-paced, interesting, Maggie Novak is a great character.
The last 20% - 2 stars. It veered too far off the plausibility track, and the motive behind it all didn't make a lot of sense to me.
So overall, 3 stars.
The last 20% - 2 stars. It veered too far off the plausibility track, and the motive behind it all didn't make a lot of sense to me.
So overall, 3 stars.
February 4, 2020
Weirdly satisfying and unsatisfying
A Place Called Fear is the second book in the Maggie Novak series. Maggie is a detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and she unintentionally becomes a first responder while looking for a colleague. Her college, Clay Young, is found in his car and has committed suicide. With one of their brothers down, everyone is vested into knowing why he killed himself and he set a bomb to harm those that tried to get in his car.
Interesting premise right? I thought so too but Maggie has a habit of putting herself into danger. Where she could call for backup, she goes to places or to meet people by herself. One of your own has seemingly targeted them. Wouldn’t it be smarter to play safe?
Then her relationship with Steve who’s her boyfriend or perhaps fiancé but we’re not sure because she doesn’t remember if she told him yes or no to the proposal. She keeps things from him that in a relationship makes sense to share. I mean a bomb exploded with you there. That seems like pertinent information to share with your loved ones. When he’s in town she never wants to see him but when he’s gone, she laments about him. I don’t think she knows what she wants with him.
Her siblings are another story. Although we’ve learned in both the first and second book that they don’t get along, we don’t get a clear reason why. Yes their parents divorced. Yes there were sides taken. But you’d think after so many years a conversation would be had by all. Not everything has to be perfect but can it not be awkward silences, passive aggressive jabs, and blowouts?
Detective Loomis like always was my favorite. His wit and sarcasm managed to balance Maggie and make me like her although I was cursing her internally.
I know it seems like I absolutely hated the book which isn’t the case. But the things I mentioned made it hard for me to enjoy it like I thought I would. With that being said, I will still read the next book because I have to know if this marriage to Steve will happen; will the siblings ever get along; and what on earth is going on with Maggie’s dad!
A Place Called Fear is the second book in the Maggie Novak series. Maggie is a detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and she unintentionally becomes a first responder while looking for a colleague. Her college, Clay Young, is found in his car and has committed suicide. With one of their brothers down, everyone is vested into knowing why he killed himself and he set a bomb to harm those that tried to get in his car.
Interesting premise right? I thought so too but Maggie has a habit of putting herself into danger. Where she could call for backup, she goes to places or to meet people by herself. One of your own has seemingly targeted them. Wouldn’t it be smarter to play safe?
Then her relationship with Steve who’s her boyfriend or perhaps fiancé but we’re not sure because she doesn’t remember if she told him yes or no to the proposal. She keeps things from him that in a relationship makes sense to share. I mean a bomb exploded with you there. That seems like pertinent information to share with your loved ones. When he’s in town she never wants to see him but when he’s gone, she laments about him. I don’t think she knows what she wants with him.
Her siblings are another story. Although we’ve learned in both the first and second book that they don’t get along, we don’t get a clear reason why. Yes their parents divorced. Yes there were sides taken. But you’d think after so many years a conversation would be had by all. Not everything has to be perfect but can it not be awkward silences, passive aggressive jabs, and blowouts?
Detective Loomis like always was my favorite. His wit and sarcasm managed to balance Maggie and make me like her although I was cursing her internally.
I know it seems like I absolutely hated the book which isn’t the case. But the things I mentioned made it hard for me to enjoy it like I thought I would. With that being said, I will still read the next book because I have to know if this marriage to Steve will happen; will the siblings ever get along; and what on earth is going on with Maggie’s dad!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
I truly don't recall too much from the first Maggie Novak book, but I absolutely LOVED this book! Once I started listening to it, I didn't want to stop! I just HAD to find out what happened!
Maggie Novak is a lone wolf homicide detective. But when she receives a phone call telling her that her teammate, Detective Clayton Young is missing, Novak doesn't stop until she gets the answers they all deserve, even when it means looking in to uncomfortable matters, and pointing the finger at ones that shouldn't be pointed at!
There was a few very good last-minute twists and turns that really made this story awesome! I enjoyed every moment, from begging to end.
The narrator was an excellent choice for this book!
**I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me this book in return for an honest and unbiased review!!
Now I can't wait until Book #3!
Maggie Novak is a lone wolf homicide detective. But when she receives a phone call telling her that her teammate, Detective Clayton Young is missing, Novak doesn't stop until she gets the answers they all deserve, even when it means looking in to uncomfortable matters, and pointing the finger at ones that shouldn't be pointed at!
There was a few very good last-minute twists and turns that really made this story awesome! I enjoyed every moment, from begging to end.
The narrator was an excellent choice for this book!
**I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me this book in return for an honest and unbiased review!!
Now I can't wait until Book #3!
December 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the second Maggie Novak mystery and I really like her, will look forward to reading more about her, good twist to!
February 24, 2020
This instalment of Maggie Novak and her life are very different from the previous case. It is personal in a different way. It all begins with one phone call, at an inopportune moment and Maggie is asked if she has heard from a colleague of hers. Since it is New Year’s eve, Maggie is distracted (as well as a surprising personal matter), but the question becomes more pressing the next day. This then starts an investigation which holds Maggie hostage the next few days. It is constant go, and the great narration and writing manage to convey the restlessness, the tiredness as well as the worry and thought that Maggie pours into the investigation. The ending and one or two of the revelations were not surprising but unravel well enough to be appreciated.
It is an extremely faced paced police procedural with Maggie working against the clock to narrow down the actual sequence of events and to identify the culprit. Her life is threatened more times in this adventure than I had expected.
The thing I liked the most about Maggie’s personal life was this internal dialogue she has about her boyfriend. Her friends and generally exciting storytelling are all against them as a couple. But the way she analysis the situation and the final realization that she has felt a little unique in the era of many well written romantic thrillers with dashing duos fighting crime together.
https://superfluousreading.wordpress....
December 25, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
What a gripping read this is!
A new cop thriller series that is fast paced and full of twists and turns and with a killer I never guessed at until they were revealed.
I love the main character Maggie's character in this series and cant wait to read more about her and more in this gripping, upcoming series.
What a gripping read this is!
A new cop thriller series that is fast paced and full of twists and turns and with a killer I never guessed at until they were revealed.
I love the main character Maggie's character in this series and cant wait to read more about her and more in this gripping, upcoming series.
June 8, 2020
This is a really good series, I am looking forward to the 3rd book coming soon. The characters are well developed keep your interest the story holds you and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There were quite a few plot twists I didn't see coming. I reccommend the series to anyone who enjoys crime dramas.
October 12, 2021
A very interesting and engaging read.
December 28, 2019
Some very serious errors that a real detective would never make.
December 20, 2019
I'm glad that i came across 'A Place Called Fear' as it was such an enjoyable book, full of twists. It didn't matter that this was the second book in the Maggie Novak thrillers, but i do hope to read the first book at some stage. I rarely write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
August 14, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book. This book took a little while to get me hooked. It was off to a slow start and I wasn't sure if I would make it through. But then the action kicked in about 15 percent in and what a wild ride it was. Plenty of suspense and an amazing twist ending. Great read
January 8, 2020
Elevator pitch:
An explosive locked-room/car mystery for a tenacious female detective
Read/Skip:
Read!
A Place called Fear is the second Maggie Novak I read in two months, and it may be even better than Don't Even Breathe. Both books get off to a great start, with a killer premise. An unsolvable riddle that keeps you turning the page. In A Place called Fear, it is almost a Sherlock Holmes-like; a cop dies in a confined space, his car, and manages to kill and wound other people in the process. The explanation seems cut and dry; still, there has to be a story, even if you can look to figure it out, till the impossible start making sense. Like the previous Maggie Novak thriller, A Place called Fear ends with a terrific highstakes action sequence. The rest of the story is almost Connelly-like in a good way. Keith Houghton describes the investigation in the same fluid, relentless, and convincing style.
Florida homicide detective Maggie Novak doesn't sleep much. Her personal life is reduced to snippets at the beginning and end of the book, so not many interruptions in the flow of the story—Maggie is just a hell of an investigating machine. That always hooks me. There are a few chapters from the POV of the one responsible for the explosive consequence of the cop's suicide; (I'm trying not to give away too much.) Fortunately, even if these are superfluous and I hope thriller writers would stop interspersing already great stories with them, luckily in this case, these are few and brief. All the attention is on Maggie chasing the case just like I like my procedural— and she is dogged and smart as they come. The kind of detective that has a long life ahead of her in fiction, if she manages to survive all the genuinely dreadful people she encounters. One side note, once, the conclusion has a 'gay character is screwed up' theme. What is going on with all these books referring to this antiquated notion? Back in Patricia Highsmith's times, it was understandable, but in 2020? But that is the only nitpick I have.
The gist:
When het colleague Detective Clayton Young goes missing on New Year's Eve, homicide detective Maggie Novak tracks him down to the nearby Wallmart, where he was last seen. After checking the monitors inside, she finds his car in the parkinglot and watches a muzzle flash go off on screen. Disturbed, she runs to the car, and when she arrives there, mayhem ensues. Together with her partner Loomis, Maggie tries to piece together her colleague's last days, trying to understand what could drive Clayton to this senseless act a few moments before the clock turned twelve.
An explosive locked-room/car mystery for a tenacious female detective
Read/Skip:
Read!
A Place called Fear is the second Maggie Novak I read in two months, and it may be even better than Don't Even Breathe. Both books get off to a great start, with a killer premise. An unsolvable riddle that keeps you turning the page. In A Place called Fear, it is almost a Sherlock Holmes-like; a cop dies in a confined space, his car, and manages to kill and wound other people in the process. The explanation seems cut and dry; still, there has to be a story, even if you can look to figure it out, till the impossible start making sense. Like the previous Maggie Novak thriller, A Place called Fear ends with a terrific highstakes action sequence. The rest of the story is almost Connelly-like in a good way. Keith Houghton describes the investigation in the same fluid, relentless, and convincing style.
Florida homicide detective Maggie Novak doesn't sleep much. Her personal life is reduced to snippets at the beginning and end of the book, so not many interruptions in the flow of the story—Maggie is just a hell of an investigating machine. That always hooks me. There are a few chapters from the POV of the one responsible for the explosive consequence of the cop's suicide; (I'm trying not to give away too much.) Fortunately, even if these are superfluous and I hope thriller writers would stop interspersing already great stories with them, luckily in this case, these are few and brief. All the attention is on Maggie chasing the case just like I like my procedural— and she is dogged and smart as they come. The kind of detective that has a long life ahead of her in fiction, if she manages to survive all the genuinely dreadful people she encounters. One side note, once, the conclusion has a 'gay character is screwed up' theme. What is going on with all these books referring to this antiquated notion? Back in Patricia Highsmith's times, it was understandable, but in 2020? But that is the only nitpick I have.
The gist:
When het colleague Detective Clayton Young goes missing on New Year's Eve, homicide detective Maggie Novak tracks him down to the nearby Wallmart, where he was last seen. After checking the monitors inside, she finds his car in the parkinglot and watches a muzzle flash go off on screen. Disturbed, she runs to the car, and when she arrives there, mayhem ensues. Together with her partner Loomis, Maggie tries to piece together her colleague's last days, trying to understand what could drive Clayton to this senseless act a few moments before the clock turned twelve.
December 16, 2019
This is book two in the Maggie Novak series, I hadn’t read book one, but this is easy to read as a stand-alone novel, there were a couple of references to something that had happened at Halloween, which I assume was to do with book one, but in no way affected reading this book.
I loved Maggie and her relationship with her partner Loomis, I think each would take a bullet for the other if it came down to it, they worked well together. New Year’s Eve Steve Kinsey, Maggie’s boyfriend proposes to her, you never know what her reply was at the time, she still seems to be thinking of it later in the story, it didn’t seem to me he is the one for her, but I guess time will tell.
Who rents the storage units? What for? Maggie gets calls from Sasha Young wife of a colleague of Maggie’s, Clay, he had gone out for chocolate milk and not returned. The following morning when Maggie is on a run she gets a call saying he still isn’t back, so she goes to the store to see if they have CCTV, they watch Clay buy his milk, then leave for his car, when watching the car Maggie notices a flash, she runs out of the store to Clay’s car, he has just shot himself. From then on it’s all action stations as the drama ramps up.
Messages on Clays phone, what is his partner Andy Stucker hiding? He’s not very forthcoming with information, and seems to know more than he is letting on. Was Clay having an affair? Was he in debt? So many questions and so few answers. Who goes to buy chocolate milk and then shoots them self. Maggie is determined to get to the bottom of things.
This is a well plotted book, a good read with relatable and likeable characters, if you like a police procedural then you will enjoy this, some great dialogue. I am now looking forward to book 3, and have already purchased book one to read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #amazonpublishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
I loved Maggie and her relationship with her partner Loomis, I think each would take a bullet for the other if it came down to it, they worked well together. New Year’s Eve Steve Kinsey, Maggie’s boyfriend proposes to her, you never know what her reply was at the time, she still seems to be thinking of it later in the story, it didn’t seem to me he is the one for her, but I guess time will tell.
Who rents the storage units? What for? Maggie gets calls from Sasha Young wife of a colleague of Maggie’s, Clay, he had gone out for chocolate milk and not returned. The following morning when Maggie is on a run she gets a call saying he still isn’t back, so she goes to the store to see if they have CCTV, they watch Clay buy his milk, then leave for his car, when watching the car Maggie notices a flash, she runs out of the store to Clay’s car, he has just shot himself. From then on it’s all action stations as the drama ramps up.
Messages on Clays phone, what is his partner Andy Stucker hiding? He’s not very forthcoming with information, and seems to know more than he is letting on. Was Clay having an affair? Was he in debt? So many questions and so few answers. Who goes to buy chocolate milk and then shoots them self. Maggie is determined to get to the bottom of things.
This is a well plotted book, a good read with relatable and likeable characters, if you like a police procedural then you will enjoy this, some great dialogue. I am now looking forward to book 3, and have already purchased book one to read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #amazonpublishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
November 9, 2021
Not a very believable plot
Okay, Novak has to be the worst detective in literary history. In just the first two books, she's forgotten her sidearm and cell phone multiple times. She doesn't think before she reacts, she doesn't see what is a patently obvious ambush, she's just not that believable a cop.
And someone must have given Houghton a Word of the Day calendar because his two favorite words throughout the book were obfuscation and hypovolemic. Using fancy words when plain ones would suffice isn't going to make the plot any better.
All in all, this book was less enjoyable than the first one, and I will not be buying numbers three and four. If I want to read about a good cop who knows her job and how to do it successfully, I'll pick up an In Death novel by JD Robb and read about Eve Dallas.
Okay, Novak has to be the worst detective in literary history. In just the first two books, she's forgotten her sidearm and cell phone multiple times. She doesn't think before she reacts, she doesn't see what is a patently obvious ambush, she's just not that believable a cop.
And someone must have given Houghton a Word of the Day calendar because his two favorite words throughout the book were obfuscation and hypovolemic. Using fancy words when plain ones would suffice isn't going to make the plot any better.
All in all, this book was less enjoyable than the first one, and I will not be buying numbers three and four. If I want to read about a good cop who knows her job and how to do it successfully, I'll pick up an In Death novel by JD Robb and read about Eve Dallas.
March 9, 2020
I liked it but figured out a few things
Spoiler alert. Please do not read any more if you haven’t read this book.
STOP READING NOW!
Okay, you’ve been warned....
The first thing that I figured out was that there had to have been someone else in the car. Everyone kept saying he could not have killed himself so obviously he didn’t. So I kept wondering when they were going to review the Walmart tape past the suicide time. It took a while, more than half the book. I just knew this was going to happen. No surprise there.
Then the press tape clearly showed, by his reaction to the bomb, who the guilty person was! Only someone who knew the bomb was there would face the opposite way.
Still had a great time with the story. Looking forward to the next one.
Spoiler alert. Please do not read any more if you haven’t read this book.
STOP READING NOW!
Okay, you’ve been warned....
The first thing that I figured out was that there had to have been someone else in the car. Everyone kept saying he could not have killed himself so obviously he didn’t. So I kept wondering when they were going to review the Walmart tape past the suicide time. It took a while, more than half the book. I just knew this was going to happen. No surprise there.
Then the press tape clearly showed, by his reaction to the bomb, who the guilty person was! Only someone who knew the bomb was there would face the opposite way.
Still had a great time with the story. Looking forward to the next one.
March 19, 2020
I've read both books in this series now and I just don't think it or the author is for me.
First, if you're a regular reader like me you would know that you were never supposed to trust Ramos. Loomis makes an offhand comment about finding him odd in the first book so immediately my guard was up. Honestly it was *too* obvious. If the author was worth his salt that would have been a red herring.
Second, I think the author is a bit of a one trick pony. In both books now there has been a point where Maggie is abducted from her home because there's a threat to her father's life. She even remarks about this herself in the narration. Is there really no other way that he can think of to get to the climax?
The motive is weak. I agree with Steve; a gay dad is preferable to a dead one.
First, if you're a regular reader like me you would know that you were never supposed to trust Ramos. Loomis makes an offhand comment about finding him odd in the first book so immediately my guard was up. Honestly it was *too* obvious. If the author was worth his salt that would have been a red herring.
Second, I think the author is a bit of a one trick pony. In both books now there has been a point where Maggie is abducted from her home because there's a threat to her father's life. She even remarks about this herself in the narration. Is there really no other way that he can think of to get to the climax?
The motive is weak. I agree with Steve; a gay dad is preferable to a dead one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
This is book two in the Maggie Novak series, I hadn’t read book one, but this is easy to read as a stand-alone novel, there were a couple of references to something that had happened at Halloween, which I assume was to do with book one, but in no way affected reading this book.
I loved Maggie and her relationship with her partner Loomis, I think each would take a bullet for the other if it came down to it, they worked well together. New Year’s Eve Steve Kinsey, Maggie’s boyfriend proposes to her, you never know what her reply was at the time, she still seems to be thinking of it later in the story, it didn’t seem to me he is the one for her, but I guess time will tell.
Who rents the storage units? What for? Maggie gets calls from Sasha Young wife of a colleague of Maggie’s, Clay, he had gone out for chocolate milk and not returned. The following morning when Maggie is on a run she gets a call saying he still isn’t back, so she goes to the store to see if they have CCTV, they watch Clay buy his milk, then leave for his car, when watching the car Maggie notices a flash, she runs out of the store to Clay’s car, he has just shot himself. From then on it’s all action stations as the drama ramps up.
Messages on Clays phone, what is his partner Andy Stucker hiding? He’s not very forthcoming with information, and seems to know more than he is letting on. Was Clay having an affair? Was he in debt? So many questions and so few answers. Who goes to buy chocolate milk and then shoots them self. Maggie is determined to get to the bottom of things.
This is a well plotted book, a good read with relatable and likeable characters, if you like a police procedural then you will enjoy this, some great dialogue. I am now looking forward to book 3, and have already purchased book one to read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #amazonpublishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
I loved Maggie and her relationship with her partner Loomis, I think each would take a bullet for the other if it came down to it, they worked well together. New Year’s Eve Steve Kinsey, Maggie’s boyfriend proposes to her, you never know what her reply was at the time, she still seems to be thinking of it later in the story, it didn’t seem to me he is the one for her, but I guess time will tell.
Who rents the storage units? What for? Maggie gets calls from Sasha Young wife of a colleague of Maggie’s, Clay, he had gone out for chocolate milk and not returned. The following morning when Maggie is on a run she gets a call saying he still isn’t back, so she goes to the store to see if they have CCTV, they watch Clay buy his milk, then leave for his car, when watching the car Maggie notices a flash, she runs out of the store to Clay’s car, he has just shot himself. From then on it’s all action stations as the drama ramps up.
Messages on Clays phone, what is his partner Andy Stucker hiding? He’s not very forthcoming with information, and seems to know more than he is letting on. Was Clay having an affair? Was he in debt? So many questions and so few answers. Who goes to buy chocolate milk and then shoots them self. Maggie is determined to get to the bottom of things.
This is a well plotted book, a good read with relatable and likeable characters, if you like a police procedural then you will enjoy this, some great dialogue. I am now looking forward to book 3, and have already purchased book one to read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #amazonpublishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
January 31, 2020
This is a new to me author I discovered on Kindle Unlimited. I've become a very devoted fan of Mr. Houghton's work. Maggie Novak is a cop with alot of baggage. She is soon called to the scene of a suicide of a fellow cop. Events lead to more people hurt. No one can believe that Clay had any reason to take his own life. Soon suspicions fall to this not being a suicide but a murder. And the suspects are people you would think would be friends. Maggie's life is in danger when her suspicions fall to fellow coworkers. This story will keep you reading until you finish every last page. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
December 21, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley - it is the second in the Maggie Novak series. Maggie is a homicide detective and at the beginning of the story she is enjoying NYE when a call about a colleague turns everything she thinks she knows about her team mates on its head.
I did not feel at a disadvantage having not read the first novel in the series. and I would say I would like to read more.
if you like detective novels with a fast pace and likeable characters then this is one for you. I also loved it is set in one of my favourite places to visit
I did not feel at a disadvantage having not read the first novel in the series. and I would say I would like to read more.
if you like detective novels with a fast pace and likeable characters then this is one for you. I also loved it is set in one of my favourite places to visit
March 26, 2020
This is the second instalment of the Maggie Novak detective series. It was a very enjoyable read. On an evening run to the nearest shop her colleague disappears. She sets off on the trail to uncover what happened and discovers that he was killed and she fears that she may be next. The path to his killer uncovers many surprising facts, but the truth is difficult to find and they find that many people are barring their way to getting justice for their colleague. This was a really engaging read and kept me guessing right up until the end. I'm looking forward to the next instalment already.
February 9, 2021
Twists and turns all throughout...
Will keep you reading, never wanting to put it down. Maggie must investigate the suicide of a dear friend and colleague, while she contemplates where her love life is going. But after reviewing the video of the death, she realizes the suicide was actually a possib!e murder. Her detective work leads her to a suspect, who turns out to be an unlikely choice. The actual murderer of her colleague is a most respected and unlikely choice who is out to murder Maggie! Things really speed up in the final chapters so do not put this down!
Will keep you reading, never wanting to put it down. Maggie must investigate the suicide of a dear friend and colleague, while she contemplates where her love life is going. But after reviewing the video of the death, she realizes the suicide was actually a possib!e murder. Her detective work leads her to a suspect, who turns out to be an unlikely choice. The actual murderer of her colleague is a most respected and unlikely choice who is out to murder Maggie! Things really speed up in the final chapters so do not put this down!
December 23, 2019
Maggie Novak Is enjoying New Years' Eve when she receives a phone call from a co-workers wife asking about her husband. Where has he disappeared to? A murder happens and Maggie has to solve it. It is unlike other murders because this involves a co-worker. This makes her questioning her colleagues and what their role in the murder.
I really enjoy this series. Descriptions make me feel like I am there at the locations.
I really enjoy this series. Descriptions make me feel like I am there at the locations.
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed Keith Houghton’s Gabe Quinn thrillers, and somehow missed the arrival of a new series, so I have read 2 Maggie Novak books in a week! Good thriller, I didn’t guess the identity of the killer - although I maybe should have.
Keith Houghton seems to write pretty convincingly about Florida cops, considering that he’s an English writer - this is at least as good as anything I’ve read by similar US writers. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
Keith Houghton seems to write pretty convincingly about Florida cops, considering that he’s an English writer - this is at least as good as anything I’ve read by similar US writers. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
November 22, 2020
Decent police drama, the second that I have read. Parts of it are a bit unbelievable, but there is action and a good mystery. Just a few months before, and in the previous Maggie Novak drama, Officer Ramos was a great guy doing a great job. In just a few months, he fell apart, became a crazed killer, planned a bombing, and used blackmail to tear apart others. When did he have time to sleep, much less show up for work?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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