The Last Housekeeper

Securitech Inc. #1

by Kari Shuey

Falling for your boss is bad... but falling for a murderer is worse.

Abby is a highly respected house cleaner to the wealthy. She was certain she'd already hit the glass ceiling when the offer of a lifetime comes her way. Her mentor and owner of 'Dirt Slayers' offers to promote her to a live-in position.

More income, less rent, doing what she loves - What's the catch?

Mr. Saxe is not only devilishly handsome but the most eligible bachelor in Boise. However, he's a notoriously private person with the means to hide the darkest of secrets. Additionally, he's a person of interest in a prominent murder case - the death of his last housekeeper.

While Abby tries to ignore her growing feelings for her handsome client, she discovers unnerving information about his past.

She soon learns she must guard her heart as closely as she guards her life.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2019

About the author

So you want to know the person behind the words of your latest novel. Look no further! This is me.

Hi, I'm Kari. I love romance books... in fact I read them through my most impressionable years - so just call me a hopeless romantic. I love when one character fights for the love of another and triumphs in the end. So when you're reading my book, know that you will get your happily ever after!

Twists are a natural part of life. Whether on the pages in a book or in the real world. Lets face it, things that keep us guessing are what makes it interesting. As I also love stories with twists, you will find I try to sneak them into my stories. Doesn't matter if it's romance or a mystery... so keep an eye out. ​

So, here is the basic break down. I am the oldest of 4 half brothers. I grew up in Utah and I live in Idaho. I burn the candle at 15 ends on a good day - which is why I get the compliment "You look tired" so often- HA.

Some of the things I fill my time with are my family, my business - both writing and teaching preschool, sewing, reading, baking, cake decorating, drawing, singing, home improvement, yard work... well, you get it.

I hope you pick up one of my books and it fills a few hours with entertainment. If I delivered, I would LOVE a review or mention! Don't be shy! Drop a line! I love to hear from my readers too.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 3 out of 5]

A debut from a promising new author for fans of billionaire romance novels that have a touch of mystery.

Abby doesn't know what she's getting herself in for when she accepts a new position as housekeeper for a reclusive billionaire. A man whose previous housekeeper was murdered in the very house Abby's going to live in! Cue the creepy music and get ready to put the puzzle pieces together as Abby tries to figure out just who Gavin Saxes is -- friend or foe?

I found the first three quarters light on suspense -- there's a lot of internal musings by both hero and heroine but no active investigation into the murder by either Abby or Gavin. The murder hovers in the background while the romance takes precedence until the last quarter of the book when the action and suspense ratchets up.

Shuey has a fluid writing style but I found the story got bogged down when she approached the same scene from two different perspectives. So it would play out from Gavin's POV and then the next scene would backtrack over the same events only from Abby's POV. Jolted me out of the story every time and left me scrambling to find my bearings.

Overall an encouraging first novel.

Sidenote: While this isn't a Christian Fiction selection, it is a clean read.

My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/15/2020)! 🎁

[Robyn Stringham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not buy this book if you have other things you need to get done - because you won't be able to put it down! This is a very engaging, fast moving mystery with a splash of romance! Keeps you wondering what is going to happen next until the big reveal. Then you have an "a-ha" moment and you are so glad you chose this book to read. An author definitely worth following - looking forward to her next book!

[Carla Rondanelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand how this book has almost 5 stars rating.
The characters are incredibly stupid. There excuses for not being together are tiring and not reasonable. The crime has a very obvious criminal.
Not even the writing is that good to be honest...
If you like novels and read them on a regular basis like me, you probably won't like this one.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mix of murder and a love story.

Abby starts working for Mr Saxe as his live in housekeeper. Even though he is a suspected in his last housekeepers murder.
We have a few twists and turns, making you wonder, who is the murderer. In between a new love starting.

I wonder will you be surprised, my the murderer....I was..

[Mimi Davis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Housekeeper 's Life

This Author has done an outstanding job in penning this story!!! The plot,characters, the storyline, everything, from the opening paragraph to the last punctuation is exceptional. Great Read!

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in the Securitech Series but the second one I read after loving the novel "Her Deadly Defender". The will they won't they is still there and add in a red-herring and you have a fantastic novel.

[Vanessa Thurgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulled me in and kept me reading wayyy too late.

I’m not normally a romance or crime scene reader but I thought I’d give this one a go. Shuey does a great job of building the suspense and laying clues throughout. A great first book and I look forward to reading more.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable romantic suspense

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this romantic suspense. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling mystery

Good story, moves fast, keeps you
guessing. No idea what is really going on until the end. The budding love between Gavin and Abby is believable. Very good book.

[BigGirl BigBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 2nd in the series first and love it, then read this one and by the end of the novel, I could tell that author Shuey was learning and growing with her craft going into book 2. But im here to discuss this one. As some one who was a housekeeper for 20 some years the title alone intrgiued me. But the story line of why a young lady would go and willing live with someone being suspected of murder blew my mind. With no curt language or sex to distract from the story, Shuey writes a novel full of "dont jump to conclusions" , sexual AND mysterious tension, and as in her other novels, she writes in characters to throw you off the trail. So far, the novels in her series read alone but are better in order so backstories keep their place.

[Angela Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my usual genre--it's a clean billionaire mystery romance. I met the author on Facebook and had the opportunity to read the book before it was released. I found it to be a fun, easy read with a surprise twist at the end.

The characters were interesting, engaging, and three-dimensional. Imagine a Cinderella story where Cinderella enjoys her work. Abby is a housekeeper, and she takes pride in what she does. She can be a little obsessive, but that's what makes her so good at her job...and such a good match for Gavin. Although Gavin is driven and focused, he has a vulnerable side that longs for someone strong and capable. He carries secrets that pursue him and affect everyone around him. Anyone less competent than Abby wouldn't stand a chance.

My favorite part of the book is the author's voice. She has an easy, accessible writing style that invites readers into her book. The characters' emotions are authentic and believable.

I've read a lot of mysteries, so I figured out who the bad guy was before the big reveal. I couldn't figure out why, though, and I was intrigued to discover the mystery behind the murder. The happily ever after was present but hard-won, and I felt the characters had earned it.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. When I got to the end and found out it was her debut novel, I was floored. I had such a hard time putting it down to tend to the responsibilities in my life. Even with the delays, I devoured it. I loved the characters and the suspense and mystery. I’m thrilled that it’s the first in a series and can’t wait to read more!

Audio:
I love Kari Shuey and am one of her biggest fans. I have to admit, to date I hadn’t found a female narrator that I liked listening to. All of them so far had supreme difficulty doing character changes. However, I was still pumped for this audio because of Shuey. I was blown out of the water by this audio! Hands down the best female narrator I’ve ever heard. Phenomenal. Superb. I am speechlessly impressed. The suspense is just breathed into every sentence. The tension. The engagement. It is heart stopping and heart pounding and I can barely stand it! Honestly, this may be the best audio I’ve ever heard. I have no words. I’m stunned.

[Jamie Ann Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Kari's book. It was well written. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery of who murdered the last housekeeper. I did not guess for sure until the exact moment it is revealed, however, I did have a few times where I questioned if it could be the person who was later revealed but brushed it off as impossible. I love a mystery that keeps you guessing and this novel did that. I kept cheering for the two main characters no matter what obstacles came up. I really enjoyed getting to know them and loved that any secrets they had were not revealed immediately but kept you wondering if they would impact the relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will be recommending it to friends and family.
**Note: The views and opinions in this review are my own and not a reflection of the author or the publisher in any way.**

[Tyson Abaroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby just wants to clean her employer's house. But he wants more than that. And she is sucked into danger and mystery that she can't seem to figure out. This is a good mystery with major romance. Not something I usually go for. But this one worked. The desire to find out whodunnit kept me flipping the page. I read this pretty quickly because I needed to know how this one ended.

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

[Chrystal Lee Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a great book. I loved Abby and Gavin. The plot kept me turning pages. I didn't know what Gavin's big secret was though it was hinted at throughout the book and I didn't know who had killed Amara, Gavin's previous housekeeper, but when the truth about everything and everyone came out at the end I was surprised but also relieved. Those guilty or not guilty were revealed. Great job.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is happy in her job so when she get a chance of a lifetime to work for him. She takes it and she slowly falls for his charm but there is a darkness around him. He is accused them of murdering his previous housekeeper. She tries to ignore her growing feelings as she learns more secrets. Did he kill her? Will she be next? Will she ever find out? See if she does

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

[Shala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a very avid reader. Multiple genres, fiction, non fiction, mystery, romance, historical, sci fi. You name it. I read it. This is the first book in a while that kept me up til 3am reading. I usually figure out the ending not far into the book, this one fooled me. Kari Shuey has a way with words! Anxious to read more!!

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling mystery/romance with well-developed characters. I felt so bad for Abby. This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end and definitely reading to the end. I am looking forward to the next book by this new author.

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

[Ashlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!! This book will keep you guessing, just when you think you have it all figured out it will take an unexpected turn. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this author and characters in the future.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plenty of shady characters. I kept turning pages to find out the killer's identity. The main problem is the fact that this book needs a good edit. The misuse of ellipses as a punctuation technique is rampant, among several other things.

[Fateema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading it. Truly enjoyed the build up in the story with the many twists and turns, the end though was lovely. Totally hadn't seen that one coming, I honestly thought Oliver was the one setting up Gavin but it almost always isn't the one we assume it to be. All in all a good read

[Stefanie Mathewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Kept you guessing til the end. Can't wait for the next book by Kari.