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Lee Callaway #7
The Guilty Spouse
Is it murder if there is no dead body?
Alex Whitehead was last seen three days ago at a gas station, and many believe that he has run away. But his sister, Kathleen, is convinced that something far worse has happened to him. Detective Fisher is uncertain whether this is a murder investigation or a missing persons case, as all evidence seems to point to the latter. Meanwhile, Detective Holt is haunted by an old case in which his actions caused a woman to lose her unborn child. Desperate to make things right, Holt is determined to find a way to redeem himself. Private Investigator Lee Callaway is approached by a man who wants him to find out who attacked his son. As Callaway investigates, he begins to suspect that something is off about the case.
Alex Whitehead was last seen three days ago at a gas station, and many believe that he has run away. But his sister, Kathleen, is convinced that something far worse has happened to him. Detective Fisher is uncertain whether this is a murder investigation or a missing persons case, as all evidence seems to point to the latter. Meanwhile, Detective Holt is haunted by an old case in which his actions caused a woman to lose her unborn child. Desperate to make things right, Holt is determined to find a way to redeem himself. Private Investigator Lee Callaway is approached by a man who wants him to find out who attacked his son. As Callaway investigates, he begins to suspect that something is off about the case.
- GenresMystery
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
About the author
Thomas Fincham
77 books156 followerspen name for Mobashar Qureshi
THOMAS FINCHAM holds a graduate degree in Economics. His travels throughout the world have given him an appreciation for other cultures and beliefs. He has lived in Africa, Asia, and North America. An avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, he decided to give writing a try. Several novels later, he can honestly say he has found his calling. He is married with two kids, and he lives in a hundred-year-old house. He is the author of LEE CALLAWAY series, the HYDER ALI series, the MARTIN RHODES series, and the ECHO ROSE series.
THOMAS FINCHAM holds a graduate degree in Economics. His travels throughout the world have given him an appreciation for other cultures and beliefs. He has lived in Africa, Asia, and North America. An avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, he decided to give writing a try. Several novels later, he can honestly say he has found his calling. He is married with two kids, and he lives in a hundred-year-old house. He is the author of LEE CALLAWAY series, the HYDER ALI series, the MARTIN RHODES series, and the ECHO ROSE series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 31, 2019
What a thrilling story, a private investigator, two hard-working cops and things that happen as they go about doing their jobs, the Best way they can!! A woman, Kathleen,has been looking for her brother Alex, who was last seen several days ago. Worried that something happened to him she approaches Detective Fisher to look for him. But he is a grown man, there is No body,so a search really can not be legally started. Fisher decides to keep looking by herself...Her partner, Detective Holt is still torn up about an old case, where he was after a drug dealer but shot his pregnant girlfriend who lost the baby and ability to have children. This case haunts him,he wants to assist the woman and make things better..But What can he Do?
Then there is P.I. Lee Callaway, sought out by a man who wants him to find just who attacked his son, leaving him in a disabled state, no longer able to care for himself or understand what is happening around him...Wow, our favorite justice fighters sure have their hands, and minds, over flowing..Can they help anyone, especially themselves as things take over their thoughts, and fast easy cases become a complicated mess?!
I received an ARC from the author and thank him for a thrilling read, I give you my honest and true feelings in this review! Any who enjoy legal action stories be ready to Grab this book January 1,2020!!
Then there is P.I. Lee Callaway, sought out by a man who wants him to find just who attacked his son, leaving him in a disabled state, no longer able to care for himself or understand what is happening around him...Wow, our favorite justice fighters sure have their hands, and minds, over flowing..Can they help anyone, especially themselves as things take over their thoughts, and fast easy cases become a complicated mess?!
I received an ARC from the author and thank him for a thrilling read, I give you my honest and true feelings in this review! Any who enjoy legal action stories be ready to Grab this book January 1,2020!!
February 13, 2021
Highly recommended author
I have been listening to this series and the books are pretty good. Mr. Finch makes sure that the reader is updated in each new book of the series. I love the way that this author can write good clean detective stories without all the explicit sex scenes that other writers think that they have to use. He also has not used any swearing in any of his books that I have read.
I have been listening to this series and the books are pretty good. Mr. Finch makes sure that the reader is updated in each new book of the series. I love the way that this author can write good clean detective stories without all the explicit sex scenes that other writers think that they have to use. He also has not used any swearing in any of his books that I have read.
January 20, 2020
This was the first time I read anything by this author. I really enjoyed it and already downloaded the first 3 books in the series. The book kept my interest, was well written and tied up all loose ends. Yay, found a new author to read.
May 4, 2026
The Guilty Spouse is a tense and layered mystery that balances two separate investigations while steadily building suspense toward a satisfying conclusion. As the seventh installment in the Lee Callaway series, the novel does an excellent job of weaving together police procedural elements, private investigator work, emotional baggage, and small-town secrets without becoming overwhelming. Fincham keeps the pacing sharp throughout, constantly shifting between Dana’s investigation into Alex’s disappearance and Lee’s complicated search surrounding Jamie’s attack and Baxter’s disappearance. The alternating storylines help maintain momentum because every chapter seems to uncover another secret, another lie, or another suspicious connection.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how grounded the characters feel. Dana’s determination and instincts make her investigation compelling, especially once the blood evidence confirms that Alex likely met with foul play. Her scenes with Gregory are particularly engaging because both characters carry emotional weight from past mistakes, especially Gregory’s guilt surrounding Brigitte and the disastrous raid that changed multiple lives forever. That lingering guilt adds depth to what could have simply been a standard detective subplot. Gregory’s obsession with protecting Brigitte from Richard and the Rathburn family creates tension separate from the main case while still reinforcing the book’s themes of guilt, responsibility, and consequences.
Lee’s storyline provides a different energy that works well alongside Dana’s more serious investigation. His reluctant transition into driving for Tripp, his awkward but heartfelt interactions with Patti and Nina, and his tendency to stumble into dangerous situations all make him likable and human. The mystery involving Leonard Burke initially feels disconnected, but Fincham slowly reveals the truth piece by piece until the emotional impact lands hard. Leonard’s affair, Jamie’s attack, and the confession near the end create one of the book’s strongest sequences because the reveal feels believable instead of overly dramatic. The mystery unfolds naturally through Lee’s persistence rather than sudden unbelievable twists.
Charlotte’s role in the story becomes increasingly unsettling as the novel progresses. At first she appears to simply be a struggling business owner, but Fincham gradually peels back layers until her involvement becomes horrifying. The reveal that she murdered both Alex and Enrique (and was prepared to kill Dana as well) creates a genuinely intense climax. Dana’s captivity scenes are suspenseful without relying on excessive shock value, and Gregory arriving in time to save her gives the finale a satisfying emotional payoff.
Another strength of the novel is how effectively Fincham handles atmosphere. The overgrown property, hidden blood trails, scrapyards, surveillance footage, conspiracy theories, and abandoned leads all contribute to a constant feeling that something dark is lurking beneath everyday life. Even smaller moments, like Lee noticing someone staring at him or Dana finding the hidden hard drive, add to the tension. Fincham understands how to make ordinary places feel ominous.
The book also succeeds because the mysteries are interconnected through emotion rather than convenience. Nearly every major character is carrying guilt, hiding something, or trying to escape consequences from the past. Whether it is Gregory’s regret, Leonard’s affair, Charlotte’s resentment, or Lee’s lingering feelings for Patti, the emotional conflicts strengthen the investigative plotlines instead of distracting from them.
Overall, The Guilty Spouse is a compelling and fast-moving thriller with strong character dynamics, effective pacing, and multiple mysteries that remain engaging until the very end. Thomas Fincham delivers a satisfying blend of detective fiction and psychological suspense while continuing to develop the personal lives of recurring characters in meaningful ways. Fans of procedural mysteries with emotional depth and steadily escalating tension will likely find this one difficult to put down.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how grounded the characters feel. Dana’s determination and instincts make her investigation compelling, especially once the blood evidence confirms that Alex likely met with foul play. Her scenes with Gregory are particularly engaging because both characters carry emotional weight from past mistakes, especially Gregory’s guilt surrounding Brigitte and the disastrous raid that changed multiple lives forever. That lingering guilt adds depth to what could have simply been a standard detective subplot. Gregory’s obsession with protecting Brigitte from Richard and the Rathburn family creates tension separate from the main case while still reinforcing the book’s themes of guilt, responsibility, and consequences.
Lee’s storyline provides a different energy that works well alongside Dana’s more serious investigation. His reluctant transition into driving for Tripp, his awkward but heartfelt interactions with Patti and Nina, and his tendency to stumble into dangerous situations all make him likable and human. The mystery involving Leonard Burke initially feels disconnected, but Fincham slowly reveals the truth piece by piece until the emotional impact lands hard. Leonard’s affair, Jamie’s attack, and the confession near the end create one of the book’s strongest sequences because the reveal feels believable instead of overly dramatic. The mystery unfolds naturally through Lee’s persistence rather than sudden unbelievable twists.
Charlotte’s role in the story becomes increasingly unsettling as the novel progresses. At first she appears to simply be a struggling business owner, but Fincham gradually peels back layers until her involvement becomes horrifying. The reveal that she murdered both Alex and Enrique (and was prepared to kill Dana as well) creates a genuinely intense climax. Dana’s captivity scenes are suspenseful without relying on excessive shock value, and Gregory arriving in time to save her gives the finale a satisfying emotional payoff.
Another strength of the novel is how effectively Fincham handles atmosphere. The overgrown property, hidden blood trails, scrapyards, surveillance footage, conspiracy theories, and abandoned leads all contribute to a constant feeling that something dark is lurking beneath everyday life. Even smaller moments, like Lee noticing someone staring at him or Dana finding the hidden hard drive, add to the tension. Fincham understands how to make ordinary places feel ominous.
The book also succeeds because the mysteries are interconnected through emotion rather than convenience. Nearly every major character is carrying guilt, hiding something, or trying to escape consequences from the past. Whether it is Gregory’s regret, Leonard’s affair, Charlotte’s resentment, or Lee’s lingering feelings for Patti, the emotional conflicts strengthen the investigative plotlines instead of distracting from them.
Overall, The Guilty Spouse is a compelling and fast-moving thriller with strong character dynamics, effective pacing, and multiple mysteries that remain engaging until the very end. Thomas Fincham delivers a satisfying blend of detective fiction and psychological suspense while continuing to develop the personal lives of recurring characters in meaningful ways. Fans of procedural mysteries with emotional depth and steadily escalating tension will likely find this one difficult to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
The Guilty Spouse by T. Fincham has lived to my expectations. After reading books 1 through to 6 in the Lee Callaway Series, I couldn't wait to dig through book #7. I like the development of the characters, especially PI Lee, and how Mr. Fincham develops his plots and is able to bring parallel stories (investigations) without loosing the reader along the way.
I have never understood the drive behind serial killers actions. The cold heartedness doesn't make sense to me, but I know for sure, such people exist.
I am giving it 4 star because it brings our a lot of background information on Lee Callaway and the other key characters that we had read in the previous books in the series. Also, having more than two plots going on in the same book can be confusing.
Overall, it was a good read. A true page-turner
I have never understood the drive behind serial killers actions. The cold heartedness doesn't make sense to me, but I know for sure, such people exist.
I am giving it 4 star because it brings our a lot of background information on Lee Callaway and the other key characters that we had read in the previous books in the series. Also, having more than two plots going on in the same book can be confusing.
Overall, it was a good read. A true page-turner
April 2, 2026
Alex Whitehead was last seen three days ago at a gas station, and many believe that he has run away. But his sister, Kathleen, is convinced that something far worse has happened to him. Detective Fisher is uncertain whether this is a murder investigation or a missing persons case, as all evidence seems to point to the latter.
Meanwhile, Detective Holt is haunted by an old case in which his actions caused a woman to lose her unborn child. Desperate to make things right, Holt is determined to find a way to redeem himself.
Private Investigator Lee Callaway is approached by a man who wants him to find out who attacked his son. As Callaway investigates, he begins to suspect that something is off about the case.
Meanwhile, Detective Holt is haunted by an old case in which his actions caused a woman to lose her unborn child. Desperate to make things right, Holt is determined to find a way to redeem himself.
Private Investigator Lee Callaway is approached by a man who wants him to find out who attacked his son. As Callaway investigates, he begins to suspect that something is off about the case.
November 1, 2024
If this was the 1st book I'd listened to in the series, it would be the last. This narrator, David Anthony Roche, sounds like he's reading a text book to 6th graders. Why Mr. Fincham chose to quit using Adam Verner for the series is beyond my imagination. He is a fantastic reader who brought Lee Callaway to life. I loved Callaway in the previous books & don't even like him in this one. How a narrator can make or break a book is something writers should pay attention to. I will finish this book because I don't want to waste a borrow. But, this is it for me. I'll check future narrations next time
January 13, 2020
Who are the villains?
Thomas Fincham has written a very good who dunit. The characters and plot well developed. The two different major cases had nothing to do with one another, yet with each chapter he jumps from case to case without the reader losing track of what they already know. The ending was quite a surprise. Well done, Mr. Fincham - it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thomas Fincham has written a very good who dunit. The characters and plot well developed. The two different major cases had nothing to do with one another, yet with each chapter he jumps from case to case without the reader losing track of what they already know. The ending was quite a surprise. Well done, Mr. Fincham - it was thoroughly enjoyable.
January 21, 2020
I love the connection of this book to other series that Thomas Fincham has written. I’ve read other Lee Callaway books and enjoy discovering new crime series. Parallel stories occur and blend together into a thrilling read, that was hard to put down, and leaves me wanting more. If you like crime and mystery pick this book up!
I received an ARC of this book, this is a voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, this is a voluntary and honest review.
January 30, 2020
The best part is the unexpected turns and the many characters in this case. I enjoyed this book very much. Anyone who loves mysteries will love this one.
Highly recommend this book. It is definitely a must read. I enjoyed reading all of the Led CALLAWAY series can't wait for next one.
Highly recommend this book. It is definitely a must read. I enjoyed reading all of the Led CALLAWAY series can't wait for next one.
April 9, 2020
Very good reading
At the beginning it was difficult because you have three different stories and main characters. You never guess how they interweave. But this is very entertaining as you seem to be reading different books at the same time. Different writing plots but they are really good.
At the beginning it was difficult because you have three different stories and main characters. You never guess how they interweave. But this is very entertaining as you seem to be reading different books at the same time. Different writing plots but they are really good.
July 15, 2020
Wow!!!
I couldn't stop reading, I have read the whole series in one week. I have loved every book. I have done a review on every book I have read, I really enjoyed this series. I can't believe the ending!! I never can guess the motives. If you want an amazing series to read during the summer, you've found it.
I couldn't stop reading, I have read the whole series in one week. I have loved every book. I have done a review on every book I have read, I really enjoyed this series. I can't believe the ending!! I never can guess the motives. If you want an amazing series to read during the summer, you've found it.
January 3, 2020
So many leads
Love the Callaway series and have been following faithfully. What I notice is that Lee is sharing the stage with more players, but he is still my favorite semi-loser P.I. Great afternoon escape.
Love the Callaway series and have been following faithfully. What I notice is that Lee is sharing the stage with more players, but he is still my favorite semi-loser P.I. Great afternoon escape.
January 22, 2020
4star
The book was interesting but I’m not a bid fan of jumping back and forth through multiple stories lines... it’s confusing going from one story to another especially every chapter.
The book was interesting but I’m not a bid fan of jumping back and forth through multiple stories lines... it’s confusing going from one story to another especially every chapter.
February 17, 2020
MURDER DESTROYS EVERYTHING
I disliked the fact of three different stories going on at the same time. It was a good mystery book; it was just hard for me to follow. I liked the characters and how each of them were caught
I disliked the fact of three different stories going on at the same time. It was a good mystery book; it was just hard for me to follow. I liked the characters and how each of them were caught
August 2, 2020
The Guilty Spouse
This is a great mystery book. This series really keeps you in suspense until the very end. This book is as good as all the rest in this series. I highly recommend this book and series. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This is a great mystery book. This series really keeps you in suspense until the very end. This book is as good as all the rest in this series. I highly recommend this book and series. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 27, 2022
Do you really know your FAMILY???????
This is one story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!! Hard to put down!! Shocking and suspenseful!!! You have to read this story, P.!. Callaway DETS. Fisher and Holt all do it again!!!
This is one story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!! Hard to put down!! Shocking and suspenseful!!! You have to read this story, P.!. Callaway DETS. Fisher and Holt all do it again!!!
March 24, 2022
Serial Daughter Killer
Do not like the repetition explaining main characters life in each book. This was full of turns and twists in the story line. Good book holds your attention.
Do not like the repetition explaining main characters life in each book. This was full of turns and twists in the story line. Good book holds your attention.
April 18, 2023
Noticing a pattern
The first few books were good but now its just constant repeating of things we already know to fill out a thin story.
I'll finish out the series but I won't be reading anything else from this author.
The first few books were good but now its just constant repeating of things we already know to fill out a thin story.
I'll finish out the series but I won't be reading anything else from this author.
September 12, 2023
A time well spent reading
This book will keep your interest in this story line with a surprise ending. I would definitely recommend reading this book. This author has never disappointed me.
This book will keep your interest in this story line with a surprise ending. I would definitely recommend reading this book. This author has never disappointed me.
December 7, 2025
Guilty Spouse
Love his books and Lee Callaway stories? Think I have read so many I now have figured out some of the guilty people. ☹️. I still continue to read as many of Fincham books as I can.
Love his books and Lee Callaway stories? Think I have read so many I now have figured out some of the guilty people. ☹️. I still continue to read as many of Fincham books as I can.
January 15, 2020
Do not typically read mysteries
Wowie... this thriller kept me reading from start to finish. Great characters and storyline was fascinating. Very good read indeed!
Wowie... this thriller kept me reading from start to finish. Great characters and storyline was fascinating. Very good read indeed!
January 18, 2020
Didn't see that coming!
What a good book! It keeps you guessing, you can never put the pieces together until the end! Great read!
What a good book! It keeps you guessing, you can never put the pieces together until the end! Great read!
January 21, 2020
Excellent
Wow! This book was great from page one to the end. A lot of twists and turns that kept you reading to the end. This book will not disappoint.
Wow! This book was great from page one to the end. A lot of twists and turns that kept you reading to the end. This book will not disappoint.
January 26, 2020
Great Read
This held my interest until the very end. I loved the ending. I didn’t see it coming. I love a good mystery.
This held my interest until the very end. I loved the ending. I didn’t see it coming. I love a good mystery.
February 17, 2020
Review
This was a very different story but none the less it kept you wanting to continue reading. Many surprising parts.
This was a very different story but none the less it kept you wanting to continue reading. Many surprising parts.
September 15, 2020
Very good!
I enjoyed this story very much. I'm also a noting this high-energy series. Dana, Greg and Lee are cool characters.
I enjoyed this story very much. I'm also a noting this high-energy series. Dana, Greg and Lee are cool characters.
March 2, 2021
Unknown who did It.
The suspense to the end on who did it. Unsurprising ending with a lot to twist and turns to keep your attention. Well written.
The suspense to the end on who did it. Unsurprising ending with a lot to twist and turns to keep your attention. Well written.
November 13, 2021
book was great keep them coming
November 17, 2021
As always.... Excellent
I have come to really enjoy thisseries . It keeps you on your toes and guessing until the very end. I can't wait to read the next one
I have come to really enjoy thisseries . It keeps you on your toes and guessing until the very end. I can't wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews