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Lt. Kate Gazzara #7
Cassidy
A string of murders. A killer on the hunt. A detective that can’t let go.
When a farmer discovers a man’s body in the passenger seat of his own car, Captain Kate Gazzara is called in to lead the murder investigation. A simple carjacking gone wrong? That’s what it looks like but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. So Kate probes deeper and quickly discovers that her victim isn't the first, but only the latest in a string of murders going back over five years.
A page-turner you won’t be able to put down. Fans of John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, Gillian Flynn, and Lisa Gardner love Detective Kate Gazzara.254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2020
319 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
289 books343 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 11, 2020
This is the most engrossing of the Kate Gazzara series. The action and suspense continue through the story, and tragedy definitely strikes. The murderer was a unique individual, warped early in life by another person. You won't be able to put this down because there is just too much to be revealed.
March 6, 2020
Kate and her team face an individual who is deeply unhappy with their lot in life, and this person has chosen to express their discontent through theft, destruction, and death.
The costs of this pursuit are high, and very personal.
Kate is forced to face the effects of her loss of Harry Starke as a friendly partner on the force, and her shying away from his resources since his then recent wedding
An intense action, suspense and psychological thriller
The costs of this pursuit are high, and very personal.
Kate is forced to face the effects of her loss of Harry Starke as a friendly partner on the force, and her shying away from his resources since his then recent wedding
An intense action, suspense and psychological thriller
January 10, 2020
Another fantastic book in the brilliant Kate Gazzara series, although this is a standalone book I sincerely advise you to start at the beginning and get to know all the lovely characters.
Kate Gazzara is a fairly new captain in the Chattanooga PD, she was taught by the best - Harry Starke.
The story kicks off with a body found in a car with a bullet in the side of his head and another through the back, his money has gone from his wallet but his credit cards left... was this a robbery or something more sinister ?
Kate eventually uncovers clues that lead to the body count escalating over a wide area, all with the same MO and sadly one very close to home,
Kate puts her drive to find the perpetrator of these murders before anything else, could this be a mistake ? will her guilt lead to her downfall ?
As the story proceeds Kate's inability to find a lead becomes palpable, there is suspense, intrigue, murder, violence and an unexpected twist in the identity of the murderer.
I love the way Blair Howard does his research in every element of his stories, the forensic medicine, weapons used, police procedures etc. I must admit that I missed Harry Starke in Kate's life but could she be about to embark on another chapter of her life,,,,,I can't wait to find out.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review which I have given.
Kate Gazzara is a fairly new captain in the Chattanooga PD, she was taught by the best - Harry Starke.
The story kicks off with a body found in a car with a bullet in the side of his head and another through the back, his money has gone from his wallet but his credit cards left... was this a robbery or something more sinister ?
Kate eventually uncovers clues that lead to the body count escalating over a wide area, all with the same MO and sadly one very close to home,
Kate puts her drive to find the perpetrator of these murders before anything else, could this be a mistake ? will her guilt lead to her downfall ?
As the story proceeds Kate's inability to find a lead becomes palpable, there is suspense, intrigue, murder, violence and an unexpected twist in the identity of the murderer.
I love the way Blair Howard does his research in every element of his stories, the forensic medicine, weapons used, police procedures etc. I must admit that I missed Harry Starke in Kate's life but could she be about to embark on another chapter of her life,,,,,I can't wait to find out.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review which I have given.
January 19, 2020
Cassidy - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Kate Gazzara's Novel series Book 7 by the great author Blair Howard, is called Cassidy. In it we learn that Kate is now the Captain of the precinct - a career move that is far from plain sailing. Promotion still means relying on the friendship and co-operation of her fellow officers and being answerable to the irascible Chief Johnstone.
The first murder victim Jack Logan, is found head-shot twice in his car on Rural Route 18.
The witness who phoned 911 is Hank Reese and Kate and her Sergeant, Janet Tolliver go to question him at the site of this seemingly random act. Kate and another of her officers, Ann Robar go to question the ex-wife, who denies any involvement.
Other murders follow soon afterwards, in other locations, but with shatteringly similar effect...nothing but cash was taken each time. But why?
Who is the stranger linking the killings? How can Kate and the team find out what's behind them?
Read and enjoy Cassidy - a highly-intelligent police murder investigation that's the cream of the crop, with engaging, well-developed characters, believable, yet hard-to-solve plot and all action thrills, that are sure to make you a fan. More please Mr Howard!
Kate Gazzara's Novel series Book 7 by the great author Blair Howard, is called Cassidy. In it we learn that Kate is now the Captain of the precinct - a career move that is far from plain sailing. Promotion still means relying on the friendship and co-operation of her fellow officers and being answerable to the irascible Chief Johnstone.
The first murder victim Jack Logan, is found head-shot twice in his car on Rural Route 18.
The witness who phoned 911 is Hank Reese and Kate and her Sergeant, Janet Tolliver go to question him at the site of this seemingly random act. Kate and another of her officers, Ann Robar go to question the ex-wife, who denies any involvement.
Other murders follow soon afterwards, in other locations, but with shatteringly similar effect...nothing but cash was taken each time. But why?
Who is the stranger linking the killings? How can Kate and the team find out what's behind them?
Read and enjoy Cassidy - a highly-intelligent police murder investigation that's the cream of the crop, with engaging, well-developed characters, believable, yet hard-to-solve plot and all action thrills, that are sure to make you a fan. More please Mr Howard!
August 7, 2020
Turn,turn, turn
Captain Kate Gazzara is called out to a homicide. The !middle aged male victim was found in the passenger seat of his care, two shots to the head.
Then there is another identical killimg, she remembers down in the archives she has a hunch here is a possible serial killer. Contacting departments far & wife she has two hits, they all match. It is a serial killer, if the word gets out there will be panic.
A weird guy comes into the department ranting & raving about his ex girlfriend abusing him, he leaves when Ann & Kate are distracted and slashed all of Ann's car tyres .
They put a bolo out for him, but discover the name he gave was fake.Someone gives them the real identity.
Janet is seriously assaulted and ends up in hospital, Miller gives Kate a lift home and is found shot dead to the side of her apartment, a doorbell video catches the act & it is the tyre slasher.
The real identity of the cop killer is tied to the four car murders, an ex marine - and the identity is a real surprise to the team.
Good read, some nice twists and Kate gets a date for once. Off to read the next one.
Captain Kate Gazzara is called out to a homicide. The !middle aged male victim was found in the passenger seat of his care, two shots to the head.
Then there is another identical killimg, she remembers down in the archives she has a hunch here is a possible serial killer. Contacting departments far & wife she has two hits, they all match. It is a serial killer, if the word gets out there will be panic.
A weird guy comes into the department ranting & raving about his ex girlfriend abusing him, he leaves when Ann & Kate are distracted and slashed all of Ann's car tyres .
They put a bolo out for him, but discover the name he gave was fake.Someone gives them the real identity.
Janet is seriously assaulted and ends up in hospital, Miller gives Kate a lift home and is found shot dead to the side of her apartment, a doorbell video catches the act & it is the tyre slasher.
The real identity of the cop killer is tied to the four car murders, an ex marine - and the identity is a real surprise to the team.
Good read, some nice twists and Kate gets a date for once. Off to read the next one.
January 14, 2020
A Super tense and fat paced plot!
This is yet another brilliant Kate Gazzara story with a tense and clever story were a farmer accidently finds a dead man shot twice in the head in the passenger seat.
What starts off as a possible carjacking soon turns out to be a possible serial killer in town. But it soon transpires that it could be a team of two a man and a women, or is it? A wonderful well written tense takes Kate through clues and investigation and both her and her team uncover clues which takes in murders from the past five years which are linked. The characters are both believable and lifelike there are some sad devastating outcomes that will change both Kate and her team.
Just brilliant, a turn paging book that gives more than you are expecting from the previous Kate Gazzara books and into a new era. Just can’t recommend it more than I have. You would enjoy this more if you read the previous Kate books but can be read as a standalone.
I received the book as a free download in exchange for an honest review
This is yet another brilliant Kate Gazzara story with a tense and clever story were a farmer accidently finds a dead man shot twice in the head in the passenger seat.
What starts off as a possible carjacking soon turns out to be a possible serial killer in town. But it soon transpires that it could be a team of two a man and a women, or is it? A wonderful well written tense takes Kate through clues and investigation and both her and her team uncover clues which takes in murders from the past five years which are linked. The characters are both believable and lifelike there are some sad devastating outcomes that will change both Kate and her team.
Just brilliant, a turn paging book that gives more than you are expecting from the previous Kate Gazzara books and into a new era. Just can’t recommend it more than I have. You would enjoy this more if you read the previous Kate books but can be read as a standalone.
I received the book as a free download in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2020
I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What a ride Blair Howard has created with this story. It most definitely hits the ground running and never slows down. There is no surfeit of action and tension once this story gets started. And be forewarned, this one made me cry TWICE! That's not even right. But I have to admit, it was worth every bit! Oh, and another warning, this is going to be one of those books your family doesn't like because once you get started on it you aren't going to want to stop until the last page and things like food and clean clothes will be such a bother. At least I'm retired and don't have to worry about somebody wanting me to stop reading and come to work. As I have said in other reviews, I enjoy Mr. Howard's style when he is telling Kate Gazzara and Harry Starke stories. It feels like you are sitting around listening to Kate or Harry tell war stories from some of their best exploits. Be sure and check out all of Blair Howard's books. They are all winners!
January 10, 2020
A string of murders. A killer on the hunt. A detective that can’t let go.
When a farmer discovers a man’s in the passenger seat of his car, Captain Kate Gazzara is called in to lead the murder investigation. A simple carjacking gone wrong? That’s what it looks like but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. So Kate probes deeper and quickly discovers that her victim isn't the first, but only the latest in a string of murders going back over five years.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
When a farmer discovers a man’s in the passenger seat of his car, Captain Kate Gazzara is called in to lead the murder investigation. A simple carjacking gone wrong? That’s what it looks like but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. So Kate probes deeper and quickly discovers that her victim isn't the first, but only the latest in a string of murders going back over five years.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 27, 2020
An apparently straightforward murder of a man in his own car turns out to be anything but, and is actually the work of a previously undetected serial killer.
Kate is pushed to her limits to find out who is responsible in this fascinating, involved and exciting story which has a genuinely believable plot and is peopled by well written, three dimensional characters.
Kate herself continues to develop as a character, and it great to see her pulling further away from the author's other main character Harry Starke, and relying on her own skill and intuition.
This book makes a very enjoyable stand-alone read, but it definitely benefits from being read as part of the Kate Gazzara series, which gives a lot of background to Kate and her development.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Kate is pushed to her limits to find out who is responsible in this fascinating, involved and exciting story which has a genuinely believable plot and is peopled by well written, three dimensional characters.
Kate herself continues to develop as a character, and it great to see her pulling further away from the author's other main character Harry Starke, and relying on her own skill and intuition.
This book makes a very enjoyable stand-alone read, but it definitely benefits from being read as part of the Kate Gazzara series, which gives a lot of background to Kate and her development.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
April 30, 2020
Cassidy by Blair Howard
As in all of the stories about Lt. Kate Gazzara Cassidy in no different: I want to keep reading until I complete the story. Cassidy is the seventh book in this series. Even though each book is a stand alone story you need to go back to Book 1 to understand Kate Gazzara and the other characters in the book.
A dead body is found in the passenger seat of someone else’s car. Kate is called in to solve the murder and the mystery behind it. In true Blair Howard style you are keep guessing along with Kate. You will not solve this murder before she does.
Blair Howard writes in a style that is easy to follow yet keeps your entranced by the storyline. If you have read the first six, then go get your copy of Cassidy. If you haven’t, then go back and get Book 1 and start reading. You will not be disappointed.
02.11.2020
As in all of the stories about Lt. Kate Gazzara Cassidy in no different: I want to keep reading until I complete the story. Cassidy is the seventh book in this series. Even though each book is a stand alone story you need to go back to Book 1 to understand Kate Gazzara and the other characters in the book.
A dead body is found in the passenger seat of someone else’s car. Kate is called in to solve the murder and the mystery behind it. In true Blair Howard style you are keep guessing along with Kate. You will not solve this murder before she does.
Blair Howard writes in a style that is easy to follow yet keeps your entranced by the storyline. If you have read the first six, then go get your copy of Cassidy. If you haven’t, then go back and get Book 1 and start reading. You will not be disappointed.
02.11.2020
January 15, 2020
Great Changes in the Series
Writing a series is a challenge for both the author and the reader. If there is too much reliance on events in past books, the new reader suffers. If there are too many, the one who had read everything in order can get bored. Author Blair Howard has struck a great balance in this book. There are enough back-references to provide familiarity and continuity. However, the story doesn’t rely on having read any other book. Even Harry Starke and his team are color for the story but have no active role. That is one of the exciting turns in this book.
Detective Captain Kate Gazzara has her own fleshed-out team with many familiar players and some new blood. This murder takes them into unfamiliar territory. Without being too much of a spoiler, even the title is a great change. Instead of being the name of the first murder victim, it is one name for the murderer. The action is great and the real work of being a detective is prominent in the story.
The changes, the familiar, and an intriguing murder mystery kept me reading and fully engaged in the story until the end. This is another book by Blair that you really should read.
Writing a series is a challenge for both the author and the reader. If there is too much reliance on events in past books, the new reader suffers. If there are too many, the one who had read everything in order can get bored. Author Blair Howard has struck a great balance in this book. There are enough back-references to provide familiarity and continuity. However, the story doesn’t rely on having read any other book. Even Harry Starke and his team are color for the story but have no active role. That is one of the exciting turns in this book.
Detective Captain Kate Gazzara has her own fleshed-out team with many familiar players and some new blood. This murder takes them into unfamiliar territory. Without being too much of a spoiler, even the title is a great change. Instead of being the name of the first murder victim, it is one name for the murderer. The action is great and the real work of being a detective is prominent in the story.
The changes, the familiar, and an intriguing murder mystery kept me reading and fully engaged in the story until the end. This is another book by Blair that you really should read.
September 21, 2020
Wow Kate has a different kind of case in this book, and it was so interesting trying to come up with who could be guilty. I love that Kate is standing on her own in this story without Harry and hope that it will continue like this although a visit from Harry is nice once and a while. I am really starting to think that Janet may be the youngest and newest to Kate's team but she brings in sunshine. Although neither her or Kate are wearing sunglasses this story for the sunshine! I need to get on my computer and see what the next book is and whether it's available yet. I'm really enjoying this whole series!
I received a free download of this book from Audiobooks Unleashed. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from Audiobooks Unleashed. This review is my own honest opinion.
February 15, 2021
This story has Kate attending a death that brings to mind events that occurred earlier. It made her bring up a cold case file that she was involved with earlier. As she dug into the old case, she sent out a request to find out if any other areas of the country had cases with similar findings. As it happened, she received responses from two other areas with similar case. Kate then knew she had a serial killer. As the investigation progressed, they made progress slowly until they ran into a specific person.
As the zeroed in on this person, Kate became a target and another event happened which raised the importance of locating this individual. In the end, they were finally able to locate her, but only by luck did Kate get through it.
To discover the reasoning and the individual who was responsible, then you need to read this book. The ending sums it up nicely.
As the zeroed in on this person, Kate became a target and another event happened which raised the importance of locating this individual. In the end, they were finally able to locate her, but only by luck did Kate get through it.
To discover the reasoning and the individual who was responsible, then you need to read this book. The ending sums it up nicely.
January 27, 2020
Kate’s latest case is a doozy but to me the book but more about Kate this time. She seems different, not quite so tough and badass as before. As usual she gets her “man” but this time her man almost gets her. We see a lot of her team and she seems to rely on them more. She shows a lot of emotion, even in public, and stress is getting the best of her. She shows that she’s human after all. And I think she really misses Harry. I want to thank Blair Howard for allowing me to read an advance copy. I love his easily readable writing style and his wonderful characters. I look forward to seeing more of Kate Gazzara and her team.
February 15, 2020
I like Howard's series, both Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara. It allows him to really explore the city, Chattanooga and its surrounds. He uses Kate to explore issues like sexual harassment, the glass ceiling and the difficulties of personal relationships when you are an up and coming cop. In this one Howard explores, at least on the periphery, the plight and world of a transgender suspect. While Harry Starke has found his love interest in the Starke series, Gazzara is still searching for hers but, at the end of this story, there are hints that possibly, she may have found someone who will capture her heart. Remains to be seen.
April 23, 2020
Cassidy (Lt. Kate Gazzara #6), my twelfth read from author Blair Howard and the seventh in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction, each book in the series better than the last. If I can find any fault it's that this book is somewhat shorter than the last 2, I enjoyed the extra length and the space for story development it offers. I was been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Renée Maxwell's narration again adds to the book's enjoyment. I look forward to the next book in this series when it's published. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 12, 2020
Captain Kate Gazzara is back with her crack team on the Chattanooga Police Department. A possible car jacking gone bad appears to be much more than a simple robbery murder. Before all the cards are played Kate and her Team will face a twisted adversary. Will they be able to solve this case before anyone else dies? Another great addition to the continuing saga of Captain Kate Gazzara. As usual, author Blair Howard delivers a great story full of action and surprises. As an ARC reader for Blair Howard, I was given an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
January 14, 2020
Blair Howard has a talent for creating a twisted and exciting story told through the eyes of an incredibly strong woman. I like that Kate does the next indicated not always the next right thing and works with the results. Blair's ability to create such a believable and engaging lead character is exceptional. The other characters just enhance the real life since of the novel. This was a charged novel and in an effort to avoid a spoiler I won't say more. It is a great read that I highly recommend.
January 17, 2020
I just finished reading the latest "Kate" book - number 7. I believe I have read every book in this series and I have enjoyed every one. Each book helps the reader better understand who Kate is and why she's such a great cop. This book really helps us to get to know all the members of her team and it's easy to fall in love with all of them. If you love constant action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you'll love this book. As long as Blair Howard keeps writing this series, I'll keep reading!
January 31, 2020
Kate and her team get called in by Chief Johnston to investigate the murder of someone he knew. Jack Logan's car is found abandoned on the side of the road with him in the passenger seat. But how did he get there and why was he in the passenger seat?
There are surprises and twists that come up along the way to solving the murder. And the danger level is ratcheted up in this story. You won't be able to put the book down until you solve the mystery of who was responsible. This series keeps getting better.
There are surprises and twists that come up along the way to solving the murder. And the danger level is ratcheted up in this story. You won't be able to put the book down until you solve the mystery of who was responsible. This series keeps getting better.
January 30, 2020
Captain Kate Gazzara is back with her team on the Chattanooga Police Department. She gets a case that appears to be a carjacking gone wrong. But there is also something strange about the case that has Kate and others puzzled. But what is it? Will there be more or is this just a one time thing? The book has lots of action, with twists and turns. It really keeps you involved and wondering what will come next. Looking forward to the next one.
January 14, 2020
An outstanding murder mystery with great characters and an excellent storyline. The characters are realistic and we'll developed. The story is action packed and full of suspense. A real page turner that was hard to put down. Highly recommend this book and series. Hooked on Kate and looking for more. The best Kate Gazzara novel yet.
January 15, 2020
These books keep getting better and better, I love the way Mr. Howard pulls me in from the beginning and keeps me on the edge of my seat until the end. It’s like I can actually see through Kate’s eyes.
I’ve been mad at Harry since he cheated on Kate but the ending of this book gives me hope for her, can’t wait to learn more about the Gunny. Kate deserves some love!
I’ve been mad at Harry since he cheated on Kate but the ending of this book gives me hope for her, can’t wait to learn more about the Gunny. Kate deserves some love!
January 15, 2020
Good story with some surprising twists. Gazzara leads her team to catch a killer and they will find some shocking discoveries and heartache. Cassidy is an unusual character and one can’t help but dislike this character. I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
Again another author who keeps on producing great books one after another. Captain Gazzara is one feisty female and anyone who has read any of my reviews knows that I like feisty females. I just cannot think of anymore platitudes about this author that haven’t been said already. As one of the other reviewers have already said it is the best one yet. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2020
Kate Gazzara is now a captain with her own team. A man is shot dead in his car with a bullet in the left temple and in the back of his head. He is seated in the passenger seat. Through the investigation it looks like there are other murders with the same MO. They may be dealing with a serial killer. This book is a thrill ride, page turning, with a nail biting finish.
January 30, 2020
Blair Howard has done it again. Another nail biting thriller. They just keep getting better.
Lt Kate Gazzara really has a big problem this time. What appeared to be a carjacking gone wrong, turned into a murder with more going back over 5 years.
An excellent story that really deserves five stars.
Lt Kate Gazzara really has a big problem this time. What appeared to be a carjacking gone wrong, turned into a murder with more going back over 5 years.
An excellent story that really deserves five stars.
January 30, 2020
Kate and her squad find SOP doesn't work with crazies.
The author puts Detective Gazzara into situation after situation but some things just don't work the way they are expected and it almost gets her killed. A great read with many false leads. Good police work unravels the clues but doesn't always lead to the expected perf. Highly recommended.
The author puts Detective Gazzara into situation after situation but some things just don't work the way they are expected and it almost gets her killed. A great read with many false leads. Good police work unravels the clues but doesn't always lead to the expected perf. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2020
Brilliant
Another Kate Gazzara book, a man found shot dead twice in the head in the passenger seat. At first looks like just another murder but Kate remembers a old case which was very similar. it turns out there is a serial killer on the loose. This book is just a brilliant read and keeps the reader gripped throughout the book.
Denise
Another Kate Gazzara book, a man found shot dead twice in the head in the passenger seat. At first looks like just another murder but Kate remembers a old case which was very similar. it turns out there is a serial killer on the loose. This book is just a brilliant read and keeps the reader gripped throughout the book.
Denise
February 1, 2020
This is the first story I have read about Kate and I find I like her better than the Harry Starke series. This is the 7th book in the series but can be read alone. The characters were well written and the story kept my interest. It was a very good mystery. I look forward to reading more of Kate's stories.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews