Our Stolen Pieces

North and Martin Abduction Mystery #1

by James Hunt

When the morning after a slumber party reveals two missing girls, a newly minted Detective and a young veteran are assigned the case. Recently partnered, the pair of detectives must set aside their troubled pasts to recover the pair of girls who may have been coerced by a stranger who had kidnapped before.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Amazon, Crime, Murder Mystery, Audiobook

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.

James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

310 pages

4 stars

Two young girls go missing during a slumber party at a friend's house. There were seven girls in total present.

Two detectives, Jim North and Kerry Martin, new partners and new to the police station out of which they work take the case. They both have some things in their pasts they wish to forget.

As they set about getting used to one another and investigating the girls' families, they discover some secrets that the parents are hiding. They discover some similarities in the girls' lifestyle – I will refrain from saying too much for that might give something away. Suffice it to say that the girls want to live what they deem a better life.

For a debut novel, this book is very good. We learn about the traumas suffered by the detectives, but do we really get to know them? Perhaps that is coming as the characters are developed in subsequent books? There were a couple of areas in the book in which the information given was a little short on background. The pacing in the book was good and the tension was built nicely. All in all, a very nice introduction to a great team of detectives.

I look forward to reading more of Mr. Hunt's novels.

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad.

Hunt pulled this mystery kidnapping in nice an tight. Bring two people together with different pasts to work together with out questions.

[Elaine St-Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was captivating I could not put it down. The story was intense made my heart beat faster at times. Jim and his partner Kerry when first encountered had their own stories and were both looked at as losers. Kerry because of her father being a cop killer and Jim because he did the right thing and turned some of his fellow officers into I.A .
He was a Rat. as time past and they got to know each other they shared some of their stories and had a lot in common. As the story continues it became very intense and exciting the battles they had both experienced through the lives began to surface and a bond between them made them both stronger and able to start trusting each other.
The story continues and so do their battles with the past and the future as partners. Read the book it's intense and worth every minute of your time

[Ronny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just this side of readable. One long cliche. Ending predictable.
I am suspicious that all these 5 star reviews are fake.....

[Jana Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery!

I love crime mysteries and this one is great! In addition to the mystery, you have the dynamic between 2 characters that I would like see more of!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did get involved in the story and it was an interesting story and I wanted to know more - I liked the conflict and how that got resolved. The character flaws were different than normal (well to be fair haven't read that character development in a while so it was refreshing).

All in all a good listen and I would fully recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a slumber party two of the girls decide to leave. The new partnership of detectives Jim North and Kerry Martin investigate. They must leave behind their troubled past to function as a team, if the girls are to be found alive, unlike the bodies that are soon unearthed.
An interesting read, a good start to a new series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book & A fast read.

[Donna Parcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book through either BookBub or Robin Reads and this is an honest review. This novel starts with a bang (two little girls missing from a sleep-over) nobody saw them leave and nobody knows where they went or why. Did someone coerce them or did they go willingly.

Two detectives with (each with a lot of baggage) learn to work together in order to try to find them before it is too late. They find that the parents of each child also have a lot of secrets and some of them may have something to do with the disappearances.

This novel will keep you up until the early hours of the morning, with it twists, turns, and surprises, it is also full of suspense and will keep you wondering will they get to the girls in time?

[Susan Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the paper it's written on.

Turgid. Characters not well formed and not well written. Heaven help me, yet another, I had rotten childhood and moan about it at every opportunity. Please write a straightforward forward book where the story is the main and major thing and that does not have flawed characters littering the !and scale and spoiling everything.

[Jan Frisch · Rating 2 out of 5]

My main problem with this book was the character development - or lack thereof. Tough guy detective cries at the drop of a hat to his new partner (I don't think so). Also, quickly bares his darkest secrets to his new partner (I don't think so).
But, it would be a good "beach read".

[Helen Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh- not very much pace to this and very shallow character development. Thoroughly predictable outcomes. Not for me.

[Mella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two newly partnered detectives investigate the disappearance of two young girls from a slumber party.

Newly promoted detective, Kerry Martin has tread a rough path to get to detective - her father was a dirty cop and she's had to work hard to prove that she's not the same. Years of being judged for someone else's actions have left her with an open mind and ready to give everyone a chance. Recent transfer, Detective Jim North needs that chance. A good cop with a high success rate, he's been labelled a rat and shunned ever since he turned in his last partner to Internal Affairs. Partnering the two outcasts could be a disaster - or it could be the best thing that ever happened for the department.

I really enjoyed this. It was a strong mystery with good characters. Kerry and Jim are a great pair even if a somewhat unusual one. I liked that there doesn't seem to be a romantic relationship in the works - Kerry is married with two children and Jim is currently single. Kerry is about a decade older than Jim and it was an interesting dynamic. Kerry seems to be a bit mothering towards him and while strange, I think it worked.

I liked that she doesn't take offence to everything he says but just gives him a chance. Although I would've liked her open mindedness to be a bit more solid - she has a few moments of doubt that I wasn't too keen on. Still, I liked her a lot and I liked her husband. It's too rare that female detectives are happily married with kids to start with. They always have sad tragic backstories and I'm a bit over it. So this was refreshing.

Jim was a good character as well. I liked that he was steadfast in his beliefs and dedicated to just getting the job done. I felt for him as well. The reaction to him doing his job and reporting his fellow dirty cop was terrible. I liked that he had strong feelings about it and was upset by it. It gave him depth.

The mystery itself was good. I liked the way it unfolded and the clues that were given. The plot about the parents and their lives kept me riveted - even if I guessed parts of it. All the loose ends were tied up and I enjoyed the ending.

A police procedural with engaging characters and an engrossing plot. 3.5 stars.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK

Lieutenant Mullocks with the Five precinct has to justify bringing two detectives, Detective Kerry and Detective Jim, both with clean records—but with a smeared reputation—on her team. That is, if Mullocks hopes to get approval from her superior Captain Kierney.


Detective Kerry Martin’s application had been rejected despite passing the detective’s exam six years ago. Rumor has it her father was a crooked cop and was responsible for murdering a fellow cop. Which explains why it took her so long to earn her detective’s shield.


Detective Jim is always going over his superior’s head, and this has resulted in him being transferred from one precinct to the other. His most recent transfer was because he turned over his partner to IA who then spread lies about him in return and out of spite.  


The detectives have both been assigned to a missing-persons case—two sets parents have reported their daughters went missing from a slumber party. They question their parents, and anyone they may have been in touch with days or weeks leading up to their disappearance.


All in all, this is an enjoyable detective story with engaging characters, an interesting plot, and terrific pacing. I read this book in one sitting. It’s that good.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pair of pariahs may be the best chance two missing girls have for survival. Jim is a driven, talented detective who landed on the outs with this fellow officers after turning in his partner for drug dealing. The partner retaliates by accusing Jim. Not popular to b4gin with , Jim faces the hostility of other officers. Jim is transferred and partnered with Kerry. The daughter of a corrupt cop, she is intent on proving herself. Talented she is burdened with the sins of her father, a target of derision and suspicion. Their first day together they investigate the case of two girls missing from a slumber party. The case will make them or break them and may possibly kill them.

I enjoyed this book. I did identify the doer at first mention. There is chemistry between Jim and Kerry and they are likeable and believable. The drama between the parents was unnecessary and soap operaish and detracted rather than enhanced the plot. Kerry's happy family life was a bit too sugary for my tastes but overall a fast-paced, interesting book.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good missing persons detective yarn

Two tweens disappear from a slumber party in Seattle. Where are they? Are either set of parents involved?

Enter brand new partners Jim North and Kerry Martin; both with more baggage than a Kardashian on vacay. North reported his last partner to Internal Affairs and therefore is a pariah throughout the force, and Martin is the daughter of the notorious crooked cop, known throughout Seattle. This is their first case, top brass is breathing down their necks and they know they’ll be scapegoats if they fail to close. So no pressure.

Book was enjoyable enough. It takes place in Seattle but there’s absolutely no sense of the city in it, which is a lost opportunity for sure. The main characters have compelling back stories and one can see how their damaged places mesh. I’ll definitely give the next in the series a try. Available on Kindle Unlimited.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Stolen Pieces by James Hunt is a quick read, breath taking novel you won't forget any time soon. It's every parent's worse nightmare when two children turn up missing from a slumber party. Newly partnered Detectives North and Martin are assigned to the case. Both Kerry and Jim have inherited baggage and are disrespected by their peers, that is, by all except their new Lieutenant. She knows what she's doing when she partners these two, but unfortunately, she's the only one who sees it that way.

The story unfolds as both detectives follow leads, learn about each other's past and fight the present and obstacles in an effort to find the girls before it's too late. It's an up hill battle, they may be wrong, one of them gets beaten up and things go from bad to worse. The more the clock ticks, and graves are found, they realize it could be too late. The last lead could be deadly and the detectives are going in alone. These last pages are worth re-reading and you can bet I did!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Kidnapping Mystety

I ready enjoyed reading Our Stolen Pieces. This is a new author, and new series, for me.

The characters were likeable, yet flawed. The kidnapping case that North and Martin worked was intriguing. The book moved at a good pace, no lulls, and the reader is given enough to know what is going on without being rushed. I wouldn't say there were a lot of 'twists', just clues and information picked up as layers are peeled back during the course of an investigation.

This is part of a series, but the book can also be a stand alone, imo. The case was solved in the end and there was not a back story that went unfinished or a cliff hanger.

I think Our Stolen Pieces is a good start to a new series. I recommend it and look forward to reading the next installment myself.

[Patricia Tiffany Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured the first 3 chapters on a free sample download on Kindle. This book is now on my next to purchase list, but I write this review based on high stakes themes, of kidnapping, or children not feeling loved, and those who might take advantage of those children. I look forward to finishing this novel but felt comfortable giving a 5 star rating for the way this held my attention and intrigued me in just the first 3 chapters. Download a sample for yourself and see!
The two detectives each have loaded baggage and work through private challenges while they attempt to solve the mystery of the missing/kidnapped teen girls. Although there were no graphic details, there is some language that might have been avoided, but the storytelling overall was a well done mystery that unfolded with minimal twists, but fabulous storytelling.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two detectives with their own personal issues are assigned as a team to find two missing girls who were at a sleepover at a friend’s house. Were they kidnapped or did they leave on their own accord? The detectives must work together to solve this mystery. Along the way they build a relationship of trust and friendship. There were twists, turns and secrets throughout the story. The deeper they investigate, the more startling information comes out about the town. Who knew such a nice town could have such terrible secrets. This book was full of action and great characters. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.

[Natelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry Martin’s first day as a detective finds her partnered with Jim North. Both detectives have washed up in the one department that will have them despite rumors and prejudices. As they get to know each other, they must find out everything they can about two young girls who sneak away from a friend’s slumber party. Evidence quickly leads the detectives to believe they have been lured away by a Pied Piper who promises freedom from turbulent home lives. Will they find out the identity of the perpetrator before something terrible happens? The author guides the reader through the investigation, punctuating the action with more information about the detectives pasts and some swear words.

[JJ Cope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often an author can be distracting when introducing background information while shaping a plot, but James Hunt stayed on course. He exposed the history that made main character Det. Jim North a man with a hard shell and dislikable disposition. He revealed the challenges Kerry Martin overcame in order to earn her long-coveted detective badge. For both of them, the respect of their peers would be hard won. But the case that brought them together was laid out in a tangle of characters and circumstances that Hunt presented in true thriller fashion. I was glad to have happened upon this book and will seek more reading adventures from this author.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two detectives, each with their share of personal and professional baggage, are paired together under the watchful eye of a newly minted lieutenant.
The disappearance of two young girls at a slumber party prompts Detective Jim North and Kerry Martin to examine all facets of the girl's lives, and they discover the girl's parents are hiding more than they're letting on.

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 received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It’s a solid introduction to two characters that I really want to know more about. The story is a bit of a paint-by-numbers missing persons thriller. I had things figured out pretty early on, save for one small twist. There weren’t a lot of suspects or red herrings, so me figuring it out is no great feat. With a little more development this could have been a perfect read. That being said, the writing is solid and the series has a bright future. Can’t wait to read the second in the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very intense, tight police drama. The focus is on the detectives as they search for two girls who have disappeared. Kerry and Jim both have a lot of baggage and are new partners with much prove. Two young girls leave a slumber party in the middle of the night. There is no evidence they were taken. So where have they gone and why? The mystery was good and the bad guy was believable and reasonable. Overall good story.

I like the growing relationship between Kerry and Jim. They are feeling their way and learning to trust. I also like the relationship between Kerry and her husband. Look forward to the next one.

[Margaret L Kuhlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic

So many interconnected relationships, just like real life . Why people choose certain careers and manage to hold onto their own value systems inspire of dire odds. Why children will look beyond their own surroundings for understanding and security. How astute an individual can be in finding his victims. Woven together well - could visualize the faces of the participants. Written for people who have experienced things in their own lives making the characters and experiences relatable. Plot and characters could have been expanded upon but overall a good read.

[Joan mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend if you like light mysteries

Truly enjoyed this story. Real characters, real life. Real emotion. Excellent writing. Characters clearly defined, story flows. Kidnapping and murder are gruesome topics, but this book concentrates more on the emotional side than the gore. Cops are human. Some go bad, but not as many as stay committed to their job. Human nature is cruel and this story describes it without glorifying the evil or offering perfection to the good. Well done.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I really enjoyed this story by authors who is new to me. The pairing of two troubled detectives trying to solve the disappearance of two young girls from a slumber party worked well and the story moved along at a prefect pace. Love the interaction between the 2 main characters. Extra kudos for continually calling them by their first names, Kerry and Jim, instead of the annoying trait among many authors of using surnames almost exclusively. This has always irked me as nobody I know, personally or professionally, calls people by their last names. It just reads wrong to me so it's great to finally enjoy a book where given names are used. Thanks for that. 


Narration is excellent and I'm looking forward to listening to more from this series. 


I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. 

[Emilie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely mesmerizing!

Looking for a good police procedural with 2 detectives who are considered not good enough for the rest of the department? Pick up this book. It has plenty of action, great characters and a peak into a police precinct that has pre-judged two of their best officers. The main story of missing kids will also pluck your nerves (sick people out there), but the writing keeps bringing you back.

[Carol Bisig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

Fast-paced kidnapping of two young girls! Incredibly life-like, you truly believe that you are there; and that this could have happened in your home. I have given many sleepovers, girls fight, talk all night, giggle, watch things they shouldn't, but this is every parent's nightmare come true! Great read, well written, great new author for me!
I highly recommend! Thank you!
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