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Charlie Mack Motown Mystery #5
Find Me When I'm Lost
When Charlie Mack is hired by her ex-husband’s new wife, things get awkward quickly. Her ex, Franklin, has been charged with his brother-in-law’s murder. Charlie and Pamela both believe he didn’t do it; it’s the only thing they will ever see eye-to-eye on. But he’s also in hiding for some reason neither of them understands. To the police, it adds up to guilt, but to Charlie, it indicates that Franklin has stumbled into an unplanned, and perhaps life-threatening, complication. Charlie wants proof the case doesn’t involve a double cross, and when the Mack Investigations team throws all their assets at the case, Charlie's girlfriend, Mandy demands assurance that Charlie’s all-out efforts to find Franklin aren’t driven by lingering romantic feelings. In the end, everyone involved learns that loyalty often runs much deeper than love.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
13 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl A. Head
13 books268 followersShe/Her. Introvert, solver of puzzles, righter of fictional wrongs. I write the Anthony Award nominated Charlie Mack Motown Mystery series-two-time, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Goldie Winner. Jeopardy Clue in February 2025,
Time's Undoing, published by Dutton Books and based on a true story, is a finalist for the L.A. Book Prize, Anthony, Agatha, and Strand Critics Award.
Time's Undoing, published by Dutton Books and based on a true story, is a finalist for the L.A. Book Prize, Anthony, Agatha, and Strand Critics Award.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 19, 2023
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, narrated by Stephanie Weeks. She does a great job bringing the characters to life and helping me enjoy the story. One caveat: this book is one that could benefit from a signal of some kind when the setting changes. There is so much activity that it some times took me a while to shift my mental image partly because the narration is continuous. This is something I wish someone would pay more attention to in audiobook recordings.
The novel was a great story, with lots of action and suspense. I could imagine this as a movie, though obviously the book is better. Charlie Mack and her staff of PI’s are wonderful to follow at work in this story. This story takes place in Detroit (with some parts across the way in Canada), which is unusual and intriguing.
The novel was a great story, with lots of action and suspense. I could imagine this as a movie, though obviously the book is better. Charlie Mack and her staff of PI’s are wonderful to follow at work in this story. This story takes place in Detroit (with some parts across the way in Canada), which is unusual and intriguing.
December 25, 2021
Absolutely the best (so far) of the Charlie Mack series. The characters are genuine, the mystery was engaging - it was designed to keep the reader on edge as the main characters try to prove who the real villain is and it works. It was a riveting story from start to finish and the high point was the relationships between the characters. I love the friendship between Franklin and Charlie. Exes don't always have to be the bad guy. I really like Franklin and hope he shows up in the next Mack book. I also love the brief glimpses into Charlie's relationship with her mother - a truly lovable character.
August 3, 2020
Detroit-based mysteries and the keen style of Charlie Mack
Washington DC author Cheryl A. Head has stated that her career as a writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, and media funder ‘has taken me to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. I'm an ardent observer and listener, always trying to connect the dots, and now is the time to marry my experiences with the craft of writing, and the art of storytelling. Much of what I write focuses on the themes of diversity (in its broadest sense), acculturation and tolerance. Sometimes with a bit of danger and always with a lot of humor, food and music. I've written (the highly awarded) ‘Long Way Home: A World War II Novel’, short stories about families and other relationships and I've completed the first installment of a detective series called The Charlie Mack Mysteries – ‘Bury Me When I’m Dead’ - which brings lesbian private investigator, Charlene Mack to life as she grapples with her sexuality, solves a missing-person case, and cares for her mother with early onset Alzheimer's.’ Now following the success of her first three Charlie Mack novels, Cheryl brings us the further adventures of Charlie Mack in FIND ME WHEN I’M LOST. Originally from Detroit, Cheryl has an affinity for the flavor and history of Motown and she uses that very well in this third installment of her series. She writes with great skill and has that ability to relate quality mystery with hefty dollops of humor that make the book ring to the last words.
The series continues as Cheryl relates in her synopsis: ‘When Charlie Mack is hired by her ex-husband’s new wife, things get awkward quickly. Her ex, Franklin, has been charged with his brother-in-law’s murder. Charlie and Pamela both believe he didn’t do it; it’s the only thing they will ever see eye-to-eye on. But he’s also in hiding for some reason neither of them understands. To the police, it adds up to guilt, but to Charlie, it indicates that Franklin has stumbled into an unplanned, and perhaps life-threatening, complication. Charlie wants proof the case doesn’t involve a double cross, and when the Mack Investigations team throws all their assets at the case, Charlie's girlfriend, Mandy demands assurance that Charlie’s all-out efforts to find Franklin aren’t driven by lingering romantic feelings. In the end, everyone involved learns that loyalty often runs much deeper than love.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 5 of this series is her finest (they each get better and better!). While all of the five books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended.
Washington DC author Cheryl A. Head has stated that her career as a writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, and media funder ‘has taken me to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. I'm an ardent observer and listener, always trying to connect the dots, and now is the time to marry my experiences with the craft of writing, and the art of storytelling. Much of what I write focuses on the themes of diversity (in its broadest sense), acculturation and tolerance. Sometimes with a bit of danger and always with a lot of humor, food and music. I've written (the highly awarded) ‘Long Way Home: A World War II Novel’, short stories about families and other relationships and I've completed the first installment of a detective series called The Charlie Mack Mysteries – ‘Bury Me When I’m Dead’ - which brings lesbian private investigator, Charlene Mack to life as she grapples with her sexuality, solves a missing-person case, and cares for her mother with early onset Alzheimer's.’ Now following the success of her first three Charlie Mack novels, Cheryl brings us the further adventures of Charlie Mack in FIND ME WHEN I’M LOST. Originally from Detroit, Cheryl has an affinity for the flavor and history of Motown and she uses that very well in this third installment of her series. She writes with great skill and has that ability to relate quality mystery with hefty dollops of humor that make the book ring to the last words.
The series continues as Cheryl relates in her synopsis: ‘When Charlie Mack is hired by her ex-husband’s new wife, things get awkward quickly. Her ex, Franklin, has been charged with his brother-in-law’s murder. Charlie and Pamela both believe he didn’t do it; it’s the only thing they will ever see eye-to-eye on. But he’s also in hiding for some reason neither of them understands. To the police, it adds up to guilt, but to Charlie, it indicates that Franklin has stumbled into an unplanned, and perhaps life-threatening, complication. Charlie wants proof the case doesn’t involve a double cross, and when the Mack Investigations team throws all their assets at the case, Charlie's girlfriend, Mandy demands assurance that Charlie’s all-out efforts to find Franklin aren’t driven by lingering romantic feelings. In the end, everyone involved learns that loyalty often runs much deeper than love.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 5 of this series is her finest (they each get better and better!). While all of the five books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended.
June 28, 2020
Find Me When I’m Lost is one engrossing high octane legal thriller! It’s no surprise Head is an award winning and noteworthy author respected in many literary circles. She is a writer who is in complete control of her craft. She knows how to create suspenseful page-turners time and time again. Her latest novel keeps you engaged with its well placed and plotted twists, giving you the ultimate ride.
In this latest edition of the Charlie Mack Motown Mysteries, Charlie is hired by her ex-husband’s new wife to sort out a family mess and murder he’s been implicated in, but nothing in this high stakes game is as it seems. Proving his innocence takes precedence over everything else at the agency. Insecurities and emotions flair as Charlie finds herself in the middle of something even she could not have anticipated.
Head once again showcases her skill for painting Detroit politics, police work and crime with a realism that readers can really appreciate. The storytelling is cinematic; its movie-like action and thrills will enrapture you completely. She builds up the pressure and tension perfectly and eases it back down with a fine finesse that only belongs to seasoned writers. This is a book you will want to experience.
Head has created something wonderful with her Charlie Mack character. In my opinion, Charlene “Charlie” Mack is one of the most dynamic and compelling female protagonists in a legal mystery series out there today. She is gritty and sharp, yet vulnerable in ways that are oh-so-appealing. She is relentless when it comes to investigating her cases and fierce when it comes to protecting her family and friends. She displays an honesty and an integrity that draws you in and captivates you. She’s wrapped tighter than a well formed cinnamon roll, and only those able to appreciate her sticky layers will experience her sweetness.
I highly recommend Find Me When I’m Lost. This latest Charlie Mack Motown Mystery will be well received by Head’s fans, no doubt. If you haven’t read a Cheryl A. Head book yet, then you need to stop denying yourself the pleasure of a well written legal thriller. Discover what the rest of us have; her mysteries are solid and engaging to the very end.
In this latest edition of the Charlie Mack Motown Mysteries, Charlie is hired by her ex-husband’s new wife to sort out a family mess and murder he’s been implicated in, but nothing in this high stakes game is as it seems. Proving his innocence takes precedence over everything else at the agency. Insecurities and emotions flair as Charlie finds herself in the middle of something even she could not have anticipated.
Head once again showcases her skill for painting Detroit politics, police work and crime with a realism that readers can really appreciate. The storytelling is cinematic; its movie-like action and thrills will enrapture you completely. She builds up the pressure and tension perfectly and eases it back down with a fine finesse that only belongs to seasoned writers. This is a book you will want to experience.
Head has created something wonderful with her Charlie Mack character. In my opinion, Charlene “Charlie” Mack is one of the most dynamic and compelling female protagonists in a legal mystery series out there today. She is gritty and sharp, yet vulnerable in ways that are oh-so-appealing. She is relentless when it comes to investigating her cases and fierce when it comes to protecting her family and friends. She displays an honesty and an integrity that draws you in and captivates you. She’s wrapped tighter than a well formed cinnamon roll, and only those able to appreciate her sticky layers will experience her sweetness.
I highly recommend Find Me When I’m Lost. This latest Charlie Mack Motown Mystery will be well received by Head’s fans, no doubt. If you haven’t read a Cheryl A. Head book yet, then you need to stop denying yourself the pleasure of a well written legal thriller. Discover what the rest of us have; her mysteries are solid and engaging to the very end.
May 11, 2024
All of the books in the Charlie Mack Motown series offer compelling plots. Ones that are not mere
puzzles, they engage the reader in social issues that are of national concern. In Book 5, the case is much more personal. The Mack Agency has been hired to locate Franklin, Charlies former husband.
He is accused of killing his wife's brother. Here is the conundrum: if Franklin man is innocent, why does he disappear? Why is his gun found in the victim's home? Franklin is the Chief of staff in the county Executive Office, why didn't he turn himself in? Most troubling for Mandy, can Charlie remain fully present to their relationship? In her cast of characters Head included a hit man, for who? Loyalty is the theme, the heart stopping climax is worth waiting for. It is no surprise that Find Me When I'm Lost was nominated for a 2021 Lambda Aware book award. This is a read and reread mystery.
Very highly recommended
puzzles, they engage the reader in social issues that are of national concern. In Book 5, the case is much more personal. The Mack Agency has been hired to locate Franklin, Charlies former husband.
He is accused of killing his wife's brother. Here is the conundrum: if Franklin man is innocent, why does he disappear? Why is his gun found in the victim's home? Franklin is the Chief of staff in the county Executive Office, why didn't he turn himself in? Most troubling for Mandy, can Charlie remain fully present to their relationship? In her cast of characters Head included a hit man, for who? Loyalty is the theme, the heart stopping climax is worth waiting for. It is no surprise that Find Me When I'm Lost was nominated for a 2021 Lambda Aware book award. This is a read and reread mystery.
Very highly recommended
December 20, 2020
I'm going to try to participate in a lesbian book club called The Golden Crown Society or some silly thing that obscures the fact it's an LGBTQ+ group, and this was their next book. The author will be present which is cool. I don't read many mysteries but it's a big genre within the lesbian authors circles and fun, escapism reading. This was well paced, well structured, interesting and dramatic with mostly likeable main characters. It was fine for a quick read and should be interesting to hear how a book club will talk about a mystery -- not usually a rich enough topic for a real discussion.
August 2, 2020
Are you a huge fan of books that contain murder, mayhem, corruption in high places and intense family drama coupled with dynamic private eyes who will go above and beyond to clear their client’s name? If so, then you’re in luck because this story has everything that a hardcore “who-done-it” lover is looking for. You can definitely trust me on this one. My book dragon and I have never been disappointed with any of Cheryl A. Head's riveting stories!
July 4, 2023
I’m a fan now
First book I’ve read by this author and I’m glad there’s a series. I wanted Charlie and Serena to fulfill my HTGAWM Tegan-Annalise fantasy but that was not to be. Good pacing, felt like you’re getting a glimpse behind the curtain of the machine…would’ve liked more of that and more insight into motive.
First book I’ve read by this author and I’m glad there’s a series. I wanted Charlie and Serena to fulfill my HTGAWM Tegan-Annalise fantasy but that was not to be. Good pacing, felt like you’re getting a glimpse behind the curtain of the machine…would’ve liked more of that and more insight into motive.
December 19, 2021
The Mack crew at it again
The engaging plot was developed & progressed at just the right rate, drawing you in so subtly without you even noticin. It's progression feels believably authentic, til you feel like you're experiencing this rollercoaster in real life.
The engaging plot was developed & progressed at just the right rate, drawing you in so subtly without you even noticin. It's progression feels believably authentic, til you feel like you're experiencing this rollercoaster in real life.
April 24, 2023
#5 in the Charlie Mack series.
A solid private detective story, with an complex family drama at the center. Some great action too. Four and a half stars.
Borrowed the audiobook from the Big Public Library.
A solid private detective story, with an complex family drama at the center. Some great action too. Four and a half stars.
Borrowed the audiobook from the Big Public Library.
August 3, 2020
Excellent.
I loved Find Me When I’m Lost. Oh, What a tangled web. Great mystery. Full of twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next book.
I loved Find Me When I’m Lost. Oh, What a tangled web. Great mystery. Full of twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next book.
May 5, 2022
Action packed and engaging storyline. Even though you know who is responsible, there are still a few surprises throughout.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews