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Jo Wyatt Mystery #1
Shadow Ridge
Death is one click away when a string of murders rocks a small Colorado town in the first mesmerizing novel in M. E. Browning's A Jo Wyatt Mystery series.
Echo Valley, Colorado, is a place where the natural beauty of a stunning river valley meets a budding hipster urbanity. But when an internet stalker is revealed to be a cold-blooded killer in real life the peaceful community is rocked to its core.
It should have been an open-and-shut the suicide of Tye Horton, the designer of a cutting-edge video game. But Detective Jo Wyatt is immediately suspicious of Quinn Kirkwood, who reported the death. When Quinn reveals an internet stalker is terrorizing her, Jo is skeptical. Doubts aside, she delves into the claim and uncovers a link that ties Quinn to a small group of beta-testers who had worked with Horton. When a second member of the group dies in a car accident, Jo's investigation leads her to the father of a young man who had killed himself a year earlier. But there's more to this case than a suicide, and as Jo unearths the layers, a more sinister pattern begins to emerge--one driven by desperation, shame, and a single-minded drive for revenge.
As Jo closes in, she edges ever closer to the shattering truth--and a deadly showdown that will put her to the ultimate test.
Echo Valley, Colorado, is a place where the natural beauty of a stunning river valley meets a budding hipster urbanity. But when an internet stalker is revealed to be a cold-blooded killer in real life the peaceful community is rocked to its core.
It should have been an open-and-shut the suicide of Tye Horton, the designer of a cutting-edge video game. But Detective Jo Wyatt is immediately suspicious of Quinn Kirkwood, who reported the death. When Quinn reveals an internet stalker is terrorizing her, Jo is skeptical. Doubts aside, she delves into the claim and uncovers a link that ties Quinn to a small group of beta-testers who had worked with Horton. When a second member of the group dies in a car accident, Jo's investigation leads her to the father of a young man who had killed himself a year earlier. But there's more to this case than a suicide, and as Jo unearths the layers, a more sinister pattern begins to emerge--one driven by desperation, shame, and a single-minded drive for revenge.
As Jo closes in, she edges ever closer to the shattering truth--and a deadly showdown that will put her to the ultimate test.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
64 people are currently reading
1983 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Browning
4 books271 followersM.E. BROWNING writes the Jo Wyatt Mysteries. The first in the series, SHADOW RIDGE, won the Colorado Book Award for Mystery and the silver medal in the popular fiction category of the Florida Book Awards. The adventures continue in MERCY CREEK, which launches in October 2021. Writing as Micki Browning, she penned the Agatha-nominated and award-winning Mer Cavallo mysteries, ADRIFT and BEACHED, and her short stories and nonfiction have appeared in anthologies, textbooks, diving and mystery magazines. Micki’s novels draw on her twenty-two years of experience in law enforcement. An FBI National Academy graduate, she retired as a captain before turning to a life of crime…fiction.
"An engaging premise, briskly paced through a labyrinth of mystery."
—Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series
"Such a terrific book...Fans of Sue Grafton and Julia Spencer-Fleming will find a new favorite series."
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The First to Lie
"An engaging premise, briskly paced through a labyrinth of mystery."
—Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series
"Such a terrific book...Fans of Sue Grafton and Julia Spencer-Fleming will find a new favorite series."
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The First to Lie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 16, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, M. E. Browning, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
M. E. Browning is back with a new novel (and series?) that is sure to catch the interest of many readers. Full of all the essential ingredients for a great thriller, this book is well worth the invested time and effort. From the chilly parts of Echo Valley, Colorado, Detective Jo Wyatt is doing her best to stay level-headed. She’s just been passed over for promotion to sergeant. To add insult to injury, her soon-to-be former husband has won the honour. Chin up and ready to put the sad experience behind her, Wyatt is called to the scene of an apparent suicide. A young man was found by Quinn Kirkwood, a classmate who had come to do a welfare check on him. The rifle appears to have done a clean job, leaving Wyatt to surmise that there’s no question about what happened. But, when Quinn shares that she is being threatened by email, Wyatt agrees to poke around a little to see what she can make of it. Wyatt learns that the victim and Quinn were both in a class together where they were creating a new computer game as their final project. Wyatt wants to know a little more about whether the victim might have had any enemies, but it would seem that gaming was all the guy liked to do. When Wyatt pays a visit to the District Attorney, who had been renting the property where the suicide occurred she learns that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. It would seem this D.A.’s teenage son knew the victim, also having died by suicide. This lights a beacon inside Wyatt’s head and she is not ready to let things go. After more conversations with Quinn, they agree to keep talking to see if they can get to the heart of the matter. When Quinn sees another of her classmates drive off a road and crash to his death, Wyatt begins to wonder if someone might be trying to send a message. She pushes forward as best she can, but ends up at countless dead ends. There must be something about this game that holds the key, though Wyatt knows little about the world. A brief tutorial from Quinn sheds some needed light, but there is still a massive question mark and only one person left with ties to the missing game, Quinn Kirkwood. It’s time to push forward and find the answers that have been eluding Jo Wyatt for the entire case. A gritty thriller that pulls M.E. Browning back into the limelight with new ideas and great characters. Recommended to those who enjoy a small-town police procedural, as well as the reader looking for something with a light peppering of tech talk!
It is always nice to see an author use some of their past experiences and infuse them into books. M. E. Browning’s past in law enforcement shines through in this piece, with the added bonus of bringing the role of a women in power to the table. Jo Wyatt has a long history with Echo Valley PD, made even longer because her father was once a member of the force. As the story progresses, the reader sees much of the strains within Wyatt’s backstory and how she has never been able to live up to the enormous expectations her father laid out. While she struggles personally, her work ethic is second to none and she shows just how determined she can be, seeking to work within the parameters of a small force with a major crime on their plate. The reader will see some grit balanced with the emotional side of Wyatt, as they vie to define her throughout the novel. A number of secondary characters not only add to the story, but pull the plot in a number of directions. Quinn Kirkwood alone has enough depth to almost act as a secondary protagonist, showing up throughout in a major role. The story may not have been entirely unique, but it is not that which differentiates novels in the genre. Rather, M. E. Browning’s handling of the scene and how she developed the plot is the means by which the reader can feel they are reading something superior. With a mix of perspectives, there is insight from all sides as the story leaves the door open about who could be behind these deaths and for what reason. With a few plot lines that provide suspects, it’s a matter of patience and intuitiveness on the part of the reader to crack the case wide open. Browning keeps things interesting throughout and does not rely on too many stereotypical police procedural elements that leave readers wondering why they spent their time on the same old thing. I can only hope that Browning has more in store for Jo Wyatt, as this was a great start of what could be an exciting series!
Kudos, Madam Browning, for a great series debut. I enjoyed your past work and will keep my ear to the ground for your next project.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
M. E. Browning is back with a new novel (and series?) that is sure to catch the interest of many readers. Full of all the essential ingredients for a great thriller, this book is well worth the invested time and effort. From the chilly parts of Echo Valley, Colorado, Detective Jo Wyatt is doing her best to stay level-headed. She’s just been passed over for promotion to sergeant. To add insult to injury, her soon-to-be former husband has won the honour. Chin up and ready to put the sad experience behind her, Wyatt is called to the scene of an apparent suicide. A young man was found by Quinn Kirkwood, a classmate who had come to do a welfare check on him. The rifle appears to have done a clean job, leaving Wyatt to surmise that there’s no question about what happened. But, when Quinn shares that she is being threatened by email, Wyatt agrees to poke around a little to see what she can make of it. Wyatt learns that the victim and Quinn were both in a class together where they were creating a new computer game as their final project. Wyatt wants to know a little more about whether the victim might have had any enemies, but it would seem that gaming was all the guy liked to do. When Wyatt pays a visit to the District Attorney, who had been renting the property where the suicide occurred she learns that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. It would seem this D.A.’s teenage son knew the victim, also having died by suicide. This lights a beacon inside Wyatt’s head and she is not ready to let things go. After more conversations with Quinn, they agree to keep talking to see if they can get to the heart of the matter. When Quinn sees another of her classmates drive off a road and crash to his death, Wyatt begins to wonder if someone might be trying to send a message. She pushes forward as best she can, but ends up at countless dead ends. There must be something about this game that holds the key, though Wyatt knows little about the world. A brief tutorial from Quinn sheds some needed light, but there is still a massive question mark and only one person left with ties to the missing game, Quinn Kirkwood. It’s time to push forward and find the answers that have been eluding Jo Wyatt for the entire case. A gritty thriller that pulls M.E. Browning back into the limelight with new ideas and great characters. Recommended to those who enjoy a small-town police procedural, as well as the reader looking for something with a light peppering of tech talk!
It is always nice to see an author use some of their past experiences and infuse them into books. M. E. Browning’s past in law enforcement shines through in this piece, with the added bonus of bringing the role of a women in power to the table. Jo Wyatt has a long history with Echo Valley PD, made even longer because her father was once a member of the force. As the story progresses, the reader sees much of the strains within Wyatt’s backstory and how she has never been able to live up to the enormous expectations her father laid out. While she struggles personally, her work ethic is second to none and she shows just how determined she can be, seeking to work within the parameters of a small force with a major crime on their plate. The reader will see some grit balanced with the emotional side of Wyatt, as they vie to define her throughout the novel. A number of secondary characters not only add to the story, but pull the plot in a number of directions. Quinn Kirkwood alone has enough depth to almost act as a secondary protagonist, showing up throughout in a major role. The story may not have been entirely unique, but it is not that which differentiates novels in the genre. Rather, M. E. Browning’s handling of the scene and how she developed the plot is the means by which the reader can feel they are reading something superior. With a mix of perspectives, there is insight from all sides as the story leaves the door open about who could be behind these deaths and for what reason. With a few plot lines that provide suspects, it’s a matter of patience and intuitiveness on the part of the reader to crack the case wide open. Browning keeps things interesting throughout and does not rely on too many stereotypical police procedural elements that leave readers wondering why they spent their time on the same old thing. I can only hope that Browning has more in store for Jo Wyatt, as this was a great start of what could be an exciting series!
Kudos, Madam Browning, for a great series debut. I enjoyed your past work and will keep my ear to the ground for your next project.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 16, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonaalovesgenres.com
SHADOW RIDGE (Jo Wyatt Mystery Book #1) by M.E. Browning is the first book in a new mystery/police procedural series featuring a female detective in a small Colorado town. I am a fan of the Mer Cavallo mystery series by this author written under the name of Micki Browning, so I was looking forward to reading this new book and I was not disappointed.
Detective Jo Wyatt is called to the scene of the apparent suicide of Tye Horton, a young and talented video game designer. Quinn Kirkwood called in the death when she went to pick up a joint project the two were working on. Jo is suspicious of the prickly young woman and she soon learns Quinn was one of a small group who beta tested a previous game for Tye.
Now, one by one the small group is either committing suicide or having lethal accidents until only Quinn is left. Jo’s investigation leads back to a suicide the previous year of the D.A.’s son. As the pieces come together the trail leads to a killer who is interested in their own twisted revenge.
I am a fan of this author’s writing. The mystery/crime is tightly plotted with a mix of perspectives and the characters are fully fleshed and realistic. Quinn’s perspective on the gaming community and Jo’s lack of computer savvy add not only plot points and interest, but a realism to all those not involved in that world. Jo not only has to deal with the case she is working on, but a messy personal life and sexual discrimination in her small police force. Jo’s complexity is what I am always looking for in a lead character and what keeps me coming back for more.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
SHADOW RIDGE (Jo Wyatt Mystery Book #1) by M.E. Browning is the first book in a new mystery/police procedural series featuring a female detective in a small Colorado town. I am a fan of the Mer Cavallo mystery series by this author written under the name of Micki Browning, so I was looking forward to reading this new book and I was not disappointed.
Detective Jo Wyatt is called to the scene of the apparent suicide of Tye Horton, a young and talented video game designer. Quinn Kirkwood called in the death when she went to pick up a joint project the two were working on. Jo is suspicious of the prickly young woman and she soon learns Quinn was one of a small group who beta tested a previous game for Tye.
Now, one by one the small group is either committing suicide or having lethal accidents until only Quinn is left. Jo’s investigation leads back to a suicide the previous year of the D.A.’s son. As the pieces come together the trail leads to a killer who is interested in their own twisted revenge.
I am a fan of this author’s writing. The mystery/crime is tightly plotted with a mix of perspectives and the characters are fully fleshed and realistic. Quinn’s perspective on the gaming community and Jo’s lack of computer savvy add not only plot points and interest, but a realism to all those not involved in that world. Jo not only has to deal with the case she is working on, but a messy personal life and sexual discrimination in her small police force. Jo’s complexity is what I am always looking for in a lead character and what keeps me coming back for more.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
December 19, 2020
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours and the author.
Shadow Ridge is the first book in a series I'm sure is going to become a sensation!
This book/series focuses on a female detective - Jo Wyatt, and is set in a small town in Colorado.
Jo Wyatt gets a call to attend a suicide of a local game designer. But is it really a suicide? Jo has suspicions that not all is what it seems, especially when she meets a young woman who was part of a group of beta testers for a recent game designed by the suicide victim.
All the beta testers of this game have started to turn up dead either by apparent suicide or having been involved in horrific accidents until only this one woman is left.
How is she the only survivor and who would murder this group of gamers? Jo takes on the case and is hot on the trail to catch a murderer who wants revenge.
I really enjoyed Jo's character and found her well grounded, kiss ass and real. I love the fact the author has had genuine experience in homicide and the police force as this added depth and made it more real as you read it.
I can't wait to read more about Jo Wyatt and find out what the next mystery throws her way.
Shadow Ridge is the first book in a series I'm sure is going to become a sensation!
This book/series focuses on a female detective - Jo Wyatt, and is set in a small town in Colorado.
Jo Wyatt gets a call to attend a suicide of a local game designer. But is it really a suicide? Jo has suspicions that not all is what it seems, especially when she meets a young woman who was part of a group of beta testers for a recent game designed by the suicide victim.
All the beta testers of this game have started to turn up dead either by apparent suicide or having been involved in horrific accidents until only this one woman is left.
How is she the only survivor and who would murder this group of gamers? Jo takes on the case and is hot on the trail to catch a murderer who wants revenge.
I really enjoyed Jo's character and found her well grounded, kiss ass and real. I love the fact the author has had genuine experience in homicide and the police force as this added depth and made it more real as you read it.
I can't wait to read more about Jo Wyatt and find out what the next mystery throws her way.
October 8, 2020
A new series by author ME Browning featuring a tough as nails detective who relentlessly goes after a murderer when no one else even believes the person was murdered! It's a great start to fabulous new series. I cannot wait to read more!
December 11, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I am so glad I got the chance to read this book. I love well written police procedurals, which features a strong heroine and has me flipping the pages, while attempting to figure out the villain’s identity. Shadow Ridge delivered on all counts. This is book one in the Jo Wyatt Mystery series, and it’s my first time reading the author’s work.
The story began with a case of apparent suicide, followed by incidences of cyber stalking and a suspicious motor vehicle accident. The question on the reader’s mind was, were all these events related, and if so, how? Detective Jo Wyatt figures there is more to the case, and she makes her mission to uncover the truth. Her job would prove difficult as no one buys into her theory except for her partner Squint. To make matters worse, as one of the few females in a male-dominated field, she faced discrimination. Women had to work twice as hard to prove themselves, and even then, it didn’t mean diddly squat.
Jo proved to be a relatable character. She displayed a strong moral compass, and she proved to be smart and compassionate. She is suspicious, which would not be surprising given her profession.
I like how her friends, including her work partner, had her back. Her soon to be ex-husband, however, grated on my nerves and frankly I am glad to see she would be free of him. Her best friend Aiden has returned for from an undercover assignment. It’s clear there is chemistry between them, but they both are trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.
There were a few suspects, one of whom may be a potential victim. Throughout the story, I made several guesses in relation to how the events connected, who was the actual suspect and what was the motive. The revelation of the truth led to a suspenseful scene near to the end. The identity of the villain came as no surprise, because I suspected the person had to be involved somehow.
The author’s attention to details and the manner in which she explained the facts of the case demonstrated her knowledge of the subject, especially as it related to cyber-crime and the prejudices that Jo faced in a male-dominated field. After reading her biography, I recognised that the story may have come from a place of personal experience.
I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to continuing the series as I am eager to learn if Jo will finally get the recognition she deserves and follow along as she set out to solve fresh cases.
Conclusion/ Recommendation
If you enjoy police procedurals, then Shadow Ridge would be a great addition to your library.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story began with a case of apparent suicide, followed by incidences of cyber stalking and a suspicious motor vehicle accident. The question on the reader’s mind was, were all these events related, and if so, how? Detective Jo Wyatt figures there is more to the case, and she makes her mission to uncover the truth. Her job would prove difficult as no one buys into her theory except for her partner Squint. To make matters worse, as one of the few females in a male-dominated field, she faced discrimination. Women had to work twice as hard to prove themselves, and even then, it didn’t mean diddly squat.
Jo proved to be a relatable character. She displayed a strong moral compass, and she proved to be smart and compassionate. She is suspicious, which would not be surprising given her profession.
I like how her friends, including her work partner, had her back. Her soon to be ex-husband, however, grated on my nerves and frankly I am glad to see she would be free of him. Her best friend Aiden has returned for from an undercover assignment. It’s clear there is chemistry between them, but they both are trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.
There were a few suspects, one of whom may be a potential victim. Throughout the story, I made several guesses in relation to how the events connected, who was the actual suspect and what was the motive. The revelation of the truth led to a suspenseful scene near to the end. The identity of the villain came as no surprise, because I suspected the person had to be involved somehow.
The author’s attention to details and the manner in which she explained the facts of the case demonstrated her knowledge of the subject, especially as it related to cyber-crime and the prejudices that Jo faced in a male-dominated field. After reading her biography, I recognised that the story may have come from a place of personal experience.
I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to continuing the series as I am eager to learn if Jo will finally get the recognition she deserves and follow along as she set out to solve fresh cases.
Conclusion/ Recommendation
If you enjoy police procedurals, then Shadow Ridge would be a great addition to your library.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
November 13, 2025
Death is one click away when a string of murders rocks a small Colorado town. Echo Valley, Colorado, is a place where the natural beauty of a stunning river valley meets a budding hipster urbanity. But when an internet stalker is revealed to be a cold-blooded killer in real life the peaceful community is rocked to its core.
Both the main characters were incredibly stubborn, but also quick-witted, and unapologetically blunt. While I wasn’t a huge fan of either of them at first, they began to grow on me as the story went on and I learned more about them.
The plot was interesting...for lack of a better word. I liked how the author cleverly centered it around video games and cyberspace as well as how determined Detective Jo Wyatt was. She refused to back down even when everyone else was ready to close the case. The banter between Wyatt and "Squint" was sometimes hilarious and just what the story needed. We got to see little into Jo’s personal life also. I'm curious to see what happens in future books since a few plot elements were casually sprinkled about in this one. I was also impressed with how well the author handled the sexism that the main character often faced. It was clear that the author added this in with a lot of forethought and sensitivity, but she also wasn’t afraid to show how bad it could get. Many scenes will have you disgusted, if not down-right angry.
I really did enjoy this story. It was great how everything came together at the end as the tangled path of the mystery was finally sorted out. If you enjoy mysteries featuring headstrong characters with a lot of heart...you should really like this one.
Both the main characters were incredibly stubborn, but also quick-witted, and unapologetically blunt. While I wasn’t a huge fan of either of them at first, they began to grow on me as the story went on and I learned more about them.
The plot was interesting...for lack of a better word. I liked how the author cleverly centered it around video games and cyberspace as well as how determined Detective Jo Wyatt was. She refused to back down even when everyone else was ready to close the case. The banter between Wyatt and "Squint" was sometimes hilarious and just what the story needed. We got to see little into Jo’s personal life also. I'm curious to see what happens in future books since a few plot elements were casually sprinkled about in this one. I was also impressed with how well the author handled the sexism that the main character often faced. It was clear that the author added this in with a lot of forethought and sensitivity, but she also wasn’t afraid to show how bad it could get. Many scenes will have you disgusted, if not down-right angry.
I really did enjoy this story. It was great how everything came together at the end as the tangled path of the mystery was finally sorted out. If you enjoy mysteries featuring headstrong characters with a lot of heart...you should really like this one.
December 14, 2025
This book has everything you could possibly want in a police procedural mystery. Appealing, life-like characters. Snappy dialogue. A plot as twisty as the icy Rocky Mountain roads, and as dangerous, too: one slip, one wrong turn, and you might find yourself tumbling over a sheer cliff, plummeting toward death . . .
That’s a bit of an exaggeration. You won’t die from reading this book. But you’ll feel the increasing danger and wonder whether the characters will survive to the last page.
I’ll be honest. It took me a while to warm to Detective Jo Wyatt and for a while, I was afraid this would put me off the entire book.
For the first few chapters, I found her initial suspicious and (at points) hostile attitude toward Quinn off-putting. She’s a detective doing a difficult job amid her own heartbreak and disappointments. I sympathized with that. At the same time, it was hard for me, someone outside the police force, to understand why her first reaction to everyone is suspicion.
But by half-way through the book, I grew to like her. I understood that she is policing in Echo Valley, her hometown. That comes with advantages–she’s familiar with the people–and major disadvantages–she’s expected to ignore certain crimes because of the perpetrator’s identity. Once that clicked into place for me, so did Jo’s character.
All the characters are complicated people. Even the minor characters, such as Jo’s father, are developed. Browning has the ability to craft uncannily-life-like characters who drive the story with a building momentum. This gives Shadow Ridge an energy that is sometimes missing in more paint-by-numbers procedurals.
Browning makes great use of her own background in law enforcement. There are some tantalizing details about cop habits and behavior. The book feels like the author knows how homicide investigations work, and has dealt with the frustrations and fears, unknowns and unknowable aspects of any unnatural death. It struck me that Browning isn’t only concerned with the detective catching the bad guys, as is standard for police procedurals. She’s also concerned with the societal responsibility of a cop to see people as people.
I believe this is the first in a series. With such rich, deep characters and an intriguing setting, there’s plenty of material for future stories. I enjoyed Shadow Ridge a great deal and recommend it for all police procedural and mystery lovers.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This review will be published on my blog on October 9, 2020.
That’s a bit of an exaggeration. You won’t die from reading this book. But you’ll feel the increasing danger and wonder whether the characters will survive to the last page.
I’ll be honest. It took me a while to warm to Detective Jo Wyatt and for a while, I was afraid this would put me off the entire book.
For the first few chapters, I found her initial suspicious and (at points) hostile attitude toward Quinn off-putting. She’s a detective doing a difficult job amid her own heartbreak and disappointments. I sympathized with that. At the same time, it was hard for me, someone outside the police force, to understand why her first reaction to everyone is suspicion.
But by half-way through the book, I grew to like her. I understood that she is policing in Echo Valley, her hometown. That comes with advantages–she’s familiar with the people–and major disadvantages–she’s expected to ignore certain crimes because of the perpetrator’s identity. Once that clicked into place for me, so did Jo’s character.
All the characters are complicated people. Even the minor characters, such as Jo’s father, are developed. Browning has the ability to craft uncannily-life-like characters who drive the story with a building momentum. This gives Shadow Ridge an energy that is sometimes missing in more paint-by-numbers procedurals.
Browning makes great use of her own background in law enforcement. There are some tantalizing details about cop habits and behavior. The book feels like the author knows how homicide investigations work, and has dealt with the frustrations and fears, unknowns and unknowable aspects of any unnatural death. It struck me that Browning isn’t only concerned with the detective catching the bad guys, as is standard for police procedurals. She’s also concerned with the societal responsibility of a cop to see people as people.
I believe this is the first in a series. With such rich, deep characters and an intriguing setting, there’s plenty of material for future stories. I enjoyed Shadow Ridge a great deal and recommend it for all police procedural and mystery lovers.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This review will be published on my blog on October 9, 2020.
September 19, 2020
This book introduces Detective Jo Wyatt of Echo Valley, Colorado. The story begins with her discovering the body of a young college student with her soon-to-be-ex husband. Tye Horton looks like a classic suicide but Jo has a feeling that she's overlooking something.
Quinn Kirkland discovered the body and called it in. She's a fellow student in the same college program - having to do with computer gaming - and she wants the final project that the two of them were woking on. Quinn has problems of her own. She's being cyber-stalked and the threats are getting closer to home. Quinn also has a past which includes heroin use and the death of her police officer mother in the line of duty when she went into a dangerous place to pull Quinn out. Quinn's clean now and has a bad attitude toward the police.
Quinn and Jo butt heads because both of them have attitudes and isues. Jo's marriage is falling apart, her ex got the post of police sargeant that both of them were working toward, and she's facing harassment from other police officers because of her gender. Even her father, a retired police officer, isn't on her side.
But Jo is determined to look into Tye's death and the threats Quinn faces and soon begins to believe that the cases are linked and have something to do with a computer game Tye had written. When a suicide from one year earlier is linked to the cases and the third member of the group working on the game dies too, Jo knows she has to hurry to find the killer before Quinn becomes the next victim.
I liked this book a lot. Jo is a great character. I liked that she was willing to put up with the harassment in order to do a job she loves. I liked her persistence and determination to bring a killer to justice. I look forward to reading more about Jo in future books.
Quinn Kirkland discovered the body and called it in. She's a fellow student in the same college program - having to do with computer gaming - and she wants the final project that the two of them were woking on. Quinn has problems of her own. She's being cyber-stalked and the threats are getting closer to home. Quinn also has a past which includes heroin use and the death of her police officer mother in the line of duty when she went into a dangerous place to pull Quinn out. Quinn's clean now and has a bad attitude toward the police.
Quinn and Jo butt heads because both of them have attitudes and isues. Jo's marriage is falling apart, her ex got the post of police sargeant that both of them were working toward, and she's facing harassment from other police officers because of her gender. Even her father, a retired police officer, isn't on her side.
But Jo is determined to look into Tye's death and the threats Quinn faces and soon begins to believe that the cases are linked and have something to do with a computer game Tye had written. When a suicide from one year earlier is linked to the cases and the third member of the group working on the game dies too, Jo knows she has to hurry to find the killer before Quinn becomes the next victim.
I liked this book a lot. Jo is a great character. I liked that she was willing to put up with the harassment in order to do a job she loves. I liked her persistence and determination to bring a killer to justice. I look forward to reading more about Jo in future books.
June 2, 2020
Echo Valley, Colorado is a breathtaking river valley perfect for nature lovers, but in Shadow Ridge, it becomes a place of sudden death. Detective Jo Watt investigates an apparent suicide, and when it becomes a homicide her suspicions rest on gamer and college student, Quinn Kirkwood. But Kirkwood has her own problem: an internet stalker. Welcome to the world of gaming, where expert female players are often terrorized. But is there a connection between Kirkwood, the stalker, and the young man who was murdered?
As the investigation goes forward, Jo seems to be battling a killer in the shadows, and more suspicious deaths occur. What is their connection? Jo uncovers one layer after another in this complicated mystery, and each clue seems to lead her back to the gaming community. The reader, like Jo, will be stunned by its shattering finale.
I could not stop reading this story told in several points of view. The plot was expertly structured, and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I was hit with another twist or turn. M.E. Browning hides clues throughout the story. I dare you to find them. She is a master of police procedure, which is quite apparent from the first scene to the last. Her characters are deeply drawn, and she delves into their motives, life experiences, and feelings. I have not read such an intricate mystery, perfectly plotted, in a long time. It left me thinking about the characters long after I finished the book. I highly recommend it. I received an advanced ARC from Netgalley.
As the investigation goes forward, Jo seems to be battling a killer in the shadows, and more suspicious deaths occur. What is their connection? Jo uncovers one layer after another in this complicated mystery, and each clue seems to lead her back to the gaming community. The reader, like Jo, will be stunned by its shattering finale.
I could not stop reading this story told in several points of view. The plot was expertly structured, and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I was hit with another twist or turn. M.E. Browning hides clues throughout the story. I dare you to find them. She is a master of police procedure, which is quite apparent from the first scene to the last. Her characters are deeply drawn, and she delves into their motives, life experiences, and feelings. I have not read such an intricate mystery, perfectly plotted, in a long time. It left me thinking about the characters long after I finished the book. I highly recommend it. I received an advanced ARC from Netgalley.
December 27, 2020
Detective Jo Wyatt is called to investigate when the body of Tye Horton is found in his home. Everyone assumes it was suicide .. all except Jo who suspects it was murder.
Tye was the designer of a cutting-edge video game ... one that a lot of people were interested in. Quinn Kirkwood is the woman who reported the death. She, too, has caught the eye of someone for nefarious reasons.
This was not the first death related to this video game. A beta tester was killed in a car accident .. or was there something more to it? And now Quinn is receiving threatening notes and emails ... is she targeted to be next? Or is she a suspect?
While some are scoffing at Jo's suspicions, only her partner seem to have her back.
Wyatt is a talented, determined detective. The daughter of a retired policeman and the almost ex-wife of another cop, Jo has found she has to prove over and over again that she is as good as the boys in blue. The latest slap in the face is when her ex-to be is given the promotion that Jo deserved ,, and should have received.
This is a well-written mystery with superb character development. I enjoyed how the professional lives and personal lives are blended to give a full picture of the characters. It's action-packed with the suspense starting on the very first page and increasing until the very last page.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Tye was the designer of a cutting-edge video game ... one that a lot of people were interested in. Quinn Kirkwood is the woman who reported the death. She, too, has caught the eye of someone for nefarious reasons.
This was not the first death related to this video game. A beta tester was killed in a car accident .. or was there something more to it? And now Quinn is receiving threatening notes and emails ... is she targeted to be next? Or is she a suspect?
While some are scoffing at Jo's suspicions, only her partner seem to have her back.
Wyatt is a talented, determined detective. The daughter of a retired policeman and the almost ex-wife of another cop, Jo has found she has to prove over and over again that she is as good as the boys in blue. The latest slap in the face is when her ex-to be is given the promotion that Jo deserved ,, and should have received.
This is a well-written mystery with superb character development. I enjoyed how the professional lives and personal lives are blended to give a full picture of the characters. It's action-packed with the suspense starting on the very first page and increasing until the very last page.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 29, 2020
A fascinating mystery with a dedicated female detective who will not close the case until she is satisfied that justice has prevailed. Detective Jo Wyatt is called to what looks like a suicide, but things just don’t add up. Friends of the deceased are involved in online gaming, including Quinn Kirkwood who discovered the body. Jo doesn’t know whether to believe Quinn as she has a surly attitude against cops, especially Jo. When Quinn starts receiving threats and other gamers are targeted, can Jo solve the case and keep Quinn safe? When the case seems to involve those in local government, her mentor Detective Jessup “Squint” MacAllister may be the only one in the department that has her back. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
March 26, 2020
As a fan of Browning’s earlier novels (Adrift, Beached), I was pleased to receive an ARC of Shadow Ridge, the first installment in the Jo Wyatt series. Browning is masterful at creating well-developed characters with all-too-human flaws without sacrificing pace or plot. Her background in law enforcement adds depth and richness to the mystery without bogging down the reader with esoteric details. She’s a skilled storyteller, plain and simple. You’ll be swept up in the story from the beginning to the end.
December 4, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shadow Ridge is the start of a new series set in Colorado, the Jo Wyatt Mystery series. I like Jo Wyatt. She has those qualities of being smart and compassionate. She's been on the force 12 years and there have only been 2 homicides. They have 3 detectives; the senior one is her partner, Squint. He's a good partner and supportive friend. Jo does great work, even when she knows nothing about something she figures it out.
Jo has some complexities and flaws which make her very realistic. I don't like her soon to be ex-husband, Cameron, not at all. It will be interesting to see where she goes from here. Her old best friend, Aidan, comes back and I hope they stay close, even if it's not a romance. Jo does learn and progress over the case, and hopefully she will suffer less from misogyny in the future in her work.
The case starts with what looks like a suicide and some Internet stalking to multiple deaths. Jo has little Internet knowledge or experience. Jo's skills of interviewing people, finding oddities which don't quite fit or seem right, serve her well in tracking down the killer. Politics and misogyny, don't do her any favors in the process.
I really enjoy police procedurals. I'm looking forward to seeing how Jo progresses in her career and personal life. There are bound to be some interesting cases as I read along.
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shadow Ridge is the start of a new series set in Colorado, the Jo Wyatt Mystery series. I like Jo Wyatt. She has those qualities of being smart and compassionate. She's been on the force 12 years and there have only been 2 homicides. They have 3 detectives; the senior one is her partner, Squint. He's a good partner and supportive friend. Jo does great work, even when she knows nothing about something she figures it out.
Jo has some complexities and flaws which make her very realistic. I don't like her soon to be ex-husband, Cameron, not at all. It will be interesting to see where she goes from here. Her old best friend, Aidan, comes back and I hope they stay close, even if it's not a romance. Jo does learn and progress over the case, and hopefully she will suffer less from misogyny in the future in her work.
The case starts with what looks like a suicide and some Internet stalking to multiple deaths. Jo has little Internet knowledge or experience. Jo's skills of interviewing people, finding oddities which don't quite fit or seem right, serve her well in tracking down the killer. Politics and misogyny, don't do her any favors in the process.
I really enjoy police procedurals. I'm looking forward to seeing how Jo progresses in her career and personal life. There are bound to be some interesting cases as I read along.
September 20, 2020
I liked the character of Jo Wyatt, a female officer on a police force filled with testosterone. It’s an uphill battle for Jo at all times and she only has a few folks in her corner. One would have thought her previous successes would have garnered at least some grudging respect, but apart from her partner Squint and her soon to be ex-husband Cameron, Jo has no other champions.
I also enjoyed the character of Quinn. At times, she is both a victim and a suspect and her candor and lack of a filter livens up the book.
It is the plot where I begin to struggle. The overall idea is a good one, and author M. E. Browning weaves a tale that encompasses the Internet, gaming, and the industry that encourages people to fill their free hours with their noses pointed at phones and computers. There are times, though, that the clues crop with all the finesse of a sledgehammer on fine china. I also look for realism in a book, and want to believe that it is possible for whoever the murderer turns out to be to actually be able to kill another person. When that doesn’t occur, I begin to question the foundations of the book itself.
To recap, interesting characters with enough background and emotions to keep me interested, coupled with a decent plot that came together well. Unfortunately, pinning the title of murderer on someone without being able to convince me hurts the entire effort. I am sure that Ms. Browning’s fans will love this book. For me, this is a solid three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
I also enjoyed the character of Quinn. At times, she is both a victim and a suspect and her candor and lack of a filter livens up the book.
It is the plot where I begin to struggle. The overall idea is a good one, and author M. E. Browning weaves a tale that encompasses the Internet, gaming, and the industry that encourages people to fill their free hours with their noses pointed at phones and computers. There are times, though, that the clues crop with all the finesse of a sledgehammer on fine china. I also look for realism in a book, and want to believe that it is possible for whoever the murderer turns out to be to actually be able to kill another person. When that doesn’t occur, I begin to question the foundations of the book itself.
To recap, interesting characters with enough background and emotions to keep me interested, coupled with a decent plot that came together well. Unfortunately, pinning the title of murderer on someone without being able to convince me hurts the entire effort. I am sure that Ms. Browning’s fans will love this book. For me, this is a solid three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
March 25, 2020
Shadow Ridge is a compelling and engaging mystery set in a mountain town in Colorado. The characters are well developed and presented in such a way that you feel compelled to invest in their adventures. I liked the plot line and the different points of view, leading to a climatic finale that will keep you guessing and engaged to the very end. I look forward to the next Jo Wyatt mystery by M.E. Browning. It should be noted that I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2021
It's been a while since a book so completely grabbed me and held on. Shadow Ridge is a well written and tightly crafted police procedure with heart. I love the setting and the characters. Can't wait to hear more from Jo and Squint.
January 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to SHADOW RIDGE, the first book in M. E. Browning's Jo Wyatt's Mysteries. Great characters, lively dialogue and authentic police work by a real retired police captian work together to give us a fast-moving, entertaining mystery. I look forward to Jo Wyatt's next adventure.
October 13, 2020
Shadow Ridge by M.E. Browning is a taut, page-turner not to be missed!
Great new series by M.E. Browning! Read my full review here (plus an interview with the author!): https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/202...
Great new series by M.E. Browning! Read my full review here (plus an interview with the author!): https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/202...
October 13, 2020
Click the link here for my full review: https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/202...
December 22, 2020
Tenacious and unpretentious, Jo Wyatt lives in Echo Valley, Colorado… her hometown. The town where her mother died of cancer, and where her retired cop father never approved of her. She’s a detective on the police force that just passed her over for promotion, bestowing the sergeant’s position on the less-qualified man she’s divorcing.
If that isn’t enough to qualify for a long rest in a quiet place, Jo’s latest case is a suicide that feels “off” to her. Why would a young video game designer with a bright future kill himself? Though her suspicions are brushed off by Cameron, her soon-to-be-ex… and just about everyone else, Jo can’t let go, especially when she locks horns with Quinn, a foul-mouthed classmate of the victim with a chip on her shoulder, and the person who found his body.
This well-written, slow-burn mystery was character-driven for me with each one well-developed even if they only appeared for a scene or two. Backstories unfold throughout the story and everyone carries scars from the past. Quinn’s just took my breath away. I cannot even imagine.
Jo Wyatt is a protagonist to get behind. Despite the barbs and obstacles thrown in her way and a ton of emotional baggage, she pieces together a psychotic plot of murder and revenge just as another life is about to be taken. Go, Jo, go!
Can’t wait for Jo’s next case! Hope to see more of Squint, her boss, and Aiden, her “friend.” Can live without Cameron (jerk face), and Everett, the nosy reporter.
If it sounds like I’m already invested in these characters, good!
Enjoy!
If that isn’t enough to qualify for a long rest in a quiet place, Jo’s latest case is a suicide that feels “off” to her. Why would a young video game designer with a bright future kill himself? Though her suspicions are brushed off by Cameron, her soon-to-be-ex… and just about everyone else, Jo can’t let go, especially when she locks horns with Quinn, a foul-mouthed classmate of the victim with a chip on her shoulder, and the person who found his body.
This well-written, slow-burn mystery was character-driven for me with each one well-developed even if they only appeared for a scene or two. Backstories unfold throughout the story and everyone carries scars from the past. Quinn’s just took my breath away. I cannot even imagine.
Jo Wyatt is a protagonist to get behind. Despite the barbs and obstacles thrown in her way and a ton of emotional baggage, she pieces together a psychotic plot of murder and revenge just as another life is about to be taken. Go, Jo, go!
Can’t wait for Jo’s next case! Hope to see more of Squint, her boss, and Aiden, her “friend.” Can live without Cameron (jerk face), and Everett, the nosy reporter.
If it sounds like I’m already invested in these characters, good!
Enjoy!
July 8, 2021
Jo Wyatt is a highly skilled police detective in small town Colorado. Any female who has worked in a male-dominated profession will recognize the fine line she walks between obeying her bosses and standing up for what she believes. She navigates the office politics much better than I would under the circumstances!
Luckily Jo’s partner is a good guy she can trust, because everyone–including her family and best friend–seems to have their own agendas. She starts investigating one suicide but maybe it’s not as clear cut as the initial scene implies. She becomes a big sister figure to Quinn Kirkwood, who seems pretty unlovable but could use a friend and mentor.
Shadow Ridge is unique because it has grit and heart. Jo is smart and tough, whether climbing a tree or acing the sergeant’s exam. At the same time, she cares about the people around her and tries to help them instead of jumping to judgments and conclusions.
Micki Browning is a retired police captain turned gifted author who had me engrossed from beginning to twisty ending. I loved the authentic details of the station and mundane tasks of small town policing, knowing they all came from her real life experiences.
Shadow Ridge recently won the Colorado Book Award for Mystery with good reason. I’m excited for the next installment, Mercy Creek, coming October, 2021. Pick this one up and you won’t regret it!
Luckily Jo’s partner is a good guy she can trust, because everyone–including her family and best friend–seems to have their own agendas. She starts investigating one suicide but maybe it’s not as clear cut as the initial scene implies. She becomes a big sister figure to Quinn Kirkwood, who seems pretty unlovable but could use a friend and mentor.
Shadow Ridge is unique because it has grit and heart. Jo is smart and tough, whether climbing a tree or acing the sergeant’s exam. At the same time, she cares about the people around her and tries to help them instead of jumping to judgments and conclusions.
Micki Browning is a retired police captain turned gifted author who had me engrossed from beginning to twisty ending. I loved the authentic details of the station and mundane tasks of small town policing, knowing they all came from her real life experiences.
Shadow Ridge recently won the Colorado Book Award for Mystery with good reason. I’m excited for the next installment, Mercy Creek, coming October, 2021. Pick this one up and you won’t regret it!
November 9, 2020
rounded from 4.5 stars
Jo Wyatt is a tough Detective in the Echo Valley police Department. Her dad and soon to be ex-husband are also both police officers.
Jo responds to a suicide. A man blows his brains out. Sounds like an open and shut case but Jo suspects foul play. She sets out to prove her theory even if it means butting heads with her soon to be ex, who is being promoted to sergeant. Jo starts to peel back the various parts of the crime to reveal something sinister. I love Jo Wyatt’s character. She is a strong female protagonist that has more to deal with than her case. All of the authors characters have flaws and redeeming qualities that bring these characters off the page.
I especially like how M.E. Browning’s law enforcement experience shines through in this book by adding complexity to Jo Wyatt’s character.
The author did a great job of hooking me in and getting me to turn the pages. She also did a good job of setting up the characters for future books. I enjoyed the first installment of the Jo Wyatt series and look forward to more.
Thank you netgalley and Crooked Lane Press for my digital copy.
Jo Wyatt is a tough Detective in the Echo Valley police Department. Her dad and soon to be ex-husband are also both police officers.
Jo responds to a suicide. A man blows his brains out. Sounds like an open and shut case but Jo suspects foul play. She sets out to prove her theory even if it means butting heads with her soon to be ex, who is being promoted to sergeant. Jo starts to peel back the various parts of the crime to reveal something sinister. I love Jo Wyatt’s character. She is a strong female protagonist that has more to deal with than her case. All of the authors characters have flaws and redeeming qualities that bring these characters off the page.
I especially like how M.E. Browning’s law enforcement experience shines through in this book by adding complexity to Jo Wyatt’s character.
The author did a great job of hooking me in and getting me to turn the pages. She also did a good job of setting up the characters for future books. I enjoyed the first installment of the Jo Wyatt series and look forward to more.
Thank you netgalley and Crooked Lane Press for my digital copy.
December 7, 2020
In Shadow Ridge, Author M.E. Browning introduces us to Detective Jo Wyatt, a twelve-year veteran officer who lives in the fictional town of Echo Valley, Colorado.
In just her opening chapter, she establishes the crime scene, introduces Jo’s partner, the medical examiner, Jo’s dispatcher/best friend, and her soon-to-be ex. All this, establishing the police detective’s professional and personal conflict, while maintaining great pacing.
Browning creates gritty damaged characters and chooses the world of gaming as a backdrop for crime, while builds upon a cold winter setting, which is almost an antagonist in itself. Police procedure, with a protagonist bent on justice, no matter who she goes up against, readers will cheer the camaraderie between Jo and her partner, the twists and turns, and feel for women tackling a man’s world.
So much growth potential, I look forward to Book two. Different and worthy of the dollars I spent on the hardback version I heartily recommend Shadow Ridge.
In just her opening chapter, she establishes the crime scene, introduces Jo’s partner, the medical examiner, Jo’s dispatcher/best friend, and her soon-to-be ex. All this, establishing the police detective’s professional and personal conflict, while maintaining great pacing.
Browning creates gritty damaged characters and chooses the world of gaming as a backdrop for crime, while builds upon a cold winter setting, which is almost an antagonist in itself. Police procedure, with a protagonist bent on justice, no matter who she goes up against, readers will cheer the camaraderie between Jo and her partner, the twists and turns, and feel for women tackling a man’s world.
So much growth potential, I look forward to Book two. Different and worthy of the dollars I spent on the hardback version I heartily recommend Shadow Ridge.
December 7, 2020
Jo Wyatt's father wanted a boy. And she wanted to be just like him when she grew up, a cop. But she's a woman cop in a man cop's world and it isn't easy. Her soon-to-be jerk of an ex-husband received a promotion she should have gotten. When she's called to a death scene which her ex, their captain, and the coroner are all too quick to declare a suicide, she has doubts. Like where's the cat? There was a cat dish but no cat at the scene. Soon she takes a snarky college student with baggage of her own under her wing and Jo learns there is so much she needs to know to solve the mystery. She's not a quitter.
The story is paced perfectly, always moving forward yet giving the reader enough description to feel the scenes. In short, a page turner with a few laugh-out-loud moments. Jo's a complicated woman in flux personally and professionally but she doesn't feel sorry for herself. She gets the job done. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
The story is paced perfectly, always moving forward yet giving the reader enough description to feel the scenes. In short, a page turner with a few laugh-out-loud moments. Jo's a complicated woman in flux personally and professionally but she doesn't feel sorry for herself. She gets the job done. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
March 7, 2021
This book was wonderful! The attention to authentic detail is just one of many thoughtful attributes that M. E. weaves into this story. Her ability to draw from her past career shines through, allowing the reader to feel engaged and educated without the processes being dumbed down or flying right over your head. Her beautiful descriptions of Colorado’s terrain and beauty allow you to feel immersed in the scenery and locations right along side the characters.
I’ve read my fair share of books based on female detectives and I can say that Jo comes across as real, steadfast, human and someone you can relate to. She doesn’t have to rely on the the “gimmicks” that other authors use for their female protagonists. This credibility only helps built out the interactions among the characters and in the relationships they form.
I can’t wait to see what other adventures are possible for Jo! Any future book from M.E. is a guarantee add to my reading list and personal bookshelves!
I’ve read my fair share of books based on female detectives and I can say that Jo comes across as real, steadfast, human and someone you can relate to. She doesn’t have to rely on the the “gimmicks” that other authors use for their female protagonists. This credibility only helps built out the interactions among the characters and in the relationships they form.
I can’t wait to see what other adventures are possible for Jo! Any future book from M.E. is a guarantee add to my reading list and personal bookshelves!
September 24, 2021
I enjoyed this police procedure novel and my introduction to Browning. Jo Wyatt is quite the detective. I had a hard time liking her. She's got quite a sarcastic and critical mouth. She has an attitude and serious relationship issues. She seems to have not kept up in her training, not knowing much about cyber crimes, such as that email addresses could be spoofed. As the novel progressed and more of her story came out, I could understand her character but still found her a bit hard to like to the very end.
Jo's greatest positive trait is her tenacious attitude toward solving a mystery. While ruled a suicide initially, something doesn't set right with Jo and she digs and digs and digs. She alienates people right and left, except Squint, her faithful co-investigator. She finally gets to the bottom of the murder(s) and manages to make a friend, sort of, in the process.
The novel highlights the prejudice against women in law enforcement, at least in that area. Jo had been passed up for promotion, unjustly. But she might just have had the last word. We'll find out in the next novel in the series. This is a good novel for readers who like a balance of character development and police procedure with a good dose of suspense at the end.
Jo's greatest positive trait is her tenacious attitude toward solving a mystery. While ruled a suicide initially, something doesn't set right with Jo and she digs and digs and digs. She alienates people right and left, except Squint, her faithful co-investigator. She finally gets to the bottom of the murder(s) and manages to make a friend, sort of, in the process.
The novel highlights the prejudice against women in law enforcement, at least in that area. Jo had been passed up for promotion, unjustly. But she might just have had the last word. We'll find out in the next novel in the series. This is a good novel for readers who like a balance of character development and police procedure with a good dose of suspense at the end.
June 14, 2022
Shadow Ridge is the first book in the Jo Wyatt mystery series. Jo is a detective in Echo Valley, Colorado. She is called to an apparent suicide, but she thinks there is more behind the man's death. Soon she is sucked into the gamer world all while trying to prove herself in her precinct. This is a new to me series. I was pleasantly surprised as how much I enjoyed it.
I really liked Jo as a character. She is a smart woman who has her issues, but isn't over the top tortured. She stuck to her convictions even though it may have cost her peace among her fellow police. I also liked her partner, Squint. He was a great mentor and he faith in Jo was solid. As for the mystery, I was intrigued and thought the plot was well laid out. The solution was a surprise. The epilogue was a very satisfying. I flew through this one and have the next book on hold already. I look forward to another mystery with Jo.
I really liked Jo as a character. She is a smart woman who has her issues, but isn't over the top tortured. She stuck to her convictions even though it may have cost her peace among her fellow police. I also liked her partner, Squint. He was a great mentor and he faith in Jo was solid. As for the mystery, I was intrigued and thought the plot was well laid out. The solution was a surprise. The epilogue was a very satisfying. I flew through this one and have the next book on hold already. I look forward to another mystery with Jo.
December 14, 2020
Shadow Ridge is an atmospheric mystery with a sprinkling of drama and a twist of ‘I didn’t see that coming.’
Detective Jo Wyatt feels perfectly human. She’s smart and driven, but also flawed in ways that make sense for her character.
The plot is complex and realistic, with little details sprinkled throughout that add life and depth to the story.
This is an easy story to fall into. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, without forcing me to think too hard.
Shadow Ridge is the first book in the Jo Wyatt Mystery Series. I’m looking forward to the next one!
*I received a review copy from Crooked Lane Books as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
Detective Jo Wyatt feels perfectly human. She’s smart and driven, but also flawed in ways that make sense for her character.
The plot is complex and realistic, with little details sprinkled throughout that add life and depth to the story.
This is an easy story to fall into. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, without forcing me to think too hard.
Shadow Ridge is the first book in the Jo Wyatt Mystery Series. I’m looking forward to the next one!
*I received a review copy from Crooked Lane Books as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
July 30, 2024
I always like to start a new series from the beginning, I had read that book two was very good, but like I said I need to start at the beginning. This book was good, not enough action for me at first, but it definitely did pick up.
I really liked the main character, Detective Jo Wyatt. I could see how tough it was for Jo to move up in the ranks in a field of predominantly male officers. But that roadblock didn’t slow Jo down at all. An excellent detective, stubborn and hard working, and not stopping until she could find the truth. I also liked her partner, Squint. He always believed in Jo’s instincts and supported her decisions.
I upped my rating from 4 to 4.5. I’ll definitely be reading more of Jo Wyatt
I really liked the main character, Detective Jo Wyatt. I could see how tough it was for Jo to move up in the ranks in a field of predominantly male officers. But that roadblock didn’t slow Jo down at all. An excellent detective, stubborn and hard working, and not stopping until she could find the truth. I also liked her partner, Squint. He always believed in Jo’s instincts and supported her decisions.
I upped my rating from 4 to 4.5. I’ll definitely be reading more of Jo Wyatt
January 2, 2021
I liked the Colorado setting, and the cold weather observations and atmosphere. When Detective Jo Wyatt encounters the apparent suicide of a gamer in a small Colorado mountain town, she's the only one who suspects it was murder.
The writing was adequate, but the subject of gaming and stalking didn't hold my attention. I'm open to reading the author again and hope any subsequent books have a more compelling mystery at the core, or at least one I halfway care about.
Hope this isn't indicative of what this years' reading will be like. Please, God, send me some decent books!
The writing was adequate, but the subject of gaming and stalking didn't hold my attention. I'm open to reading the author again and hope any subsequent books have a more compelling mystery at the core, or at least one I halfway care about.
Hope this isn't indicative of what this years' reading will be like. Please, God, send me some decent books!
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