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Detective Liv DeMarco #1
Dangerous Stakes
Detective Liv DeMarco has spent the last three months working undercover at Spark, an exclusive club catering to the rich and famous. Between the backroom poker games and illegal car races, it's only a matter of time before she collects enough evidence to shut down the club and put the owner behind bars. But time's up.
When two exotic imports are stolen from a parking garage and a valet is killed, Liv's convinced the crimes connect to Spark. After all, Axel Kincaid, the club owner, has a penchant for collecting high-end sports cars and a juvie record a mile long. His forte - stealing cars. His temperament - violent. There's just one problem. He has an airtight alibi. But the killer has two accomplices, and Axel has a lot of friends.
Determined to learn the truth, Liv doubles down on her cover identity, but the stakes couldn't be higher. With a million dollar score and a growing body count, the killer has everything he needs to disappear, and he's proven he'll eliminate anyone who gets in his way. But Liv won't let the case remain unsolved, even if it costs her everything...
When two exotic imports are stolen from a parking garage and a valet is killed, Liv's convinced the crimes connect to Spark. After all, Axel Kincaid, the club owner, has a penchant for collecting high-end sports cars and a juvie record a mile long. His forte - stealing cars. His temperament - violent. There's just one problem. He has an airtight alibi. But the killer has two accomplices, and Axel has a lot of friends.
Determined to learn the truth, Liv doubles down on her cover identity, but the stakes couldn't be higher. With a million dollar score and a growing body count, the killer has everything he needs to disappear, and he's proven he'll eliminate anyone who gets in his way. But Liv won't let the case remain unsolved, even if it costs her everything...
251 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2019
886 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
G.K. Parks
80 books191 followersG.K. Parks has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After spending some time in law school, G.K. changed paths and earned a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Now, that education is being put to use, creating a fictional world based upon years of study and research.
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 13, 2020
Loved this. Good story, great characters. A real page turner.
Have to read the next.
Have to read the next.
February 3, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by G.K. Parks and I must admit that I really enjoyed it. I love it when a book grabs your interest from the first page and this one certainly did.
Detective Liv De Marco has had to work harder than her male colleagues to prove that she had made the grade on her own volition and not because her father is a senior in the police department.
Live goes under cover working in a dubious club for the rich and famous, often dancing in a cage for the punters pleasure. She is trying to get information on Axel Kincaide, the wealthy owner, but this is proving to be more difficult that she thought, he always appears to be two steps ahead of her. This story covers drug trafficking,the stealing and racing of high performance cars,prostitution and of course a body count that is escalating.
I loved the way the author narrates the murderer's thoughts as the story progresses. A very enjoyable read
Detective Liv De Marco has had to work harder than her male colleagues to prove that she had made the grade on her own volition and not because her father is a senior in the police department.
Live goes under cover working in a dubious club for the rich and famous, often dancing in a cage for the punters pleasure. She is trying to get information on Axel Kincaide, the wealthy owner, but this is proving to be more difficult that she thought, he always appears to be two steps ahead of her. This story covers drug trafficking,the stealing and racing of high performance cars,prostitution and of course a body count that is escalating.
I loved the way the author narrates the murderer's thoughts as the story progresses. A very enjoyable read
February 4, 2020
Couldn't put this book down once I started to read it. Its well written and one of the better crime novels I have read. There is plenty of action with the DI Liv DeMarco working under cover to solve the case with her male partner.
February 21, 2024
An interesting plot and (most of the time) I liked the heroine - always makes for a better read. Well narrated by L. W. Salinas. Some profanity.
May 4, 2021
I read this book as part of the "In the First" boxset.
This story introduces Liv Demarco who is working undercover trying to apprehend a stolen car ring. She is working as a waitress and sometime dancer at the primary suspects gentlemen's club. Thinks take a turn when a valet is killed at a parking garage and two high price cars are stolen. Liv and her team believe that Axel Kincaid's crew was responsible.
As they look into what information is available, Liv starts to think that this may be a different group involved because in the past there has been no killing. Following leads, they finally discover enough information to narrow in on the suspects.
To find out who is responsible for the car stealing and whether Liv's cover is broken, then you must read this book. It will make you want to read more.
This story introduces Liv Demarco who is working undercover trying to apprehend a stolen car ring. She is working as a waitress and sometime dancer at the primary suspects gentlemen's club. Thinks take a turn when a valet is killed at a parking garage and two high price cars are stolen. Liv and her team believe that Axel Kincaid's crew was responsible.
As they look into what information is available, Liv starts to think that this may be a different group involved because in the past there has been no killing. Following leads, they finally discover enough information to narrow in on the suspects.
To find out who is responsible for the car stealing and whether Liv's cover is broken, then you must read this book. It will make you want to read more.
February 3, 2025
Easy to read detective thriller.
May 2, 2022
2.75 / 3 Stars
***HOOPLA audio***
MC: Liv DeMarco
Was told if I like J.D. Robb's In Death series I might like G.K. Parks. First book was okay. Will give the next couple a try....
***HOOPLA audio***
MC: Liv DeMarco
Was told if I like J.D. Robb's In Death series I might like G.K. Parks. First book was okay. Will give the next couple a try....
January 4, 2020
Conflict and Confusion
There are so many twist and turns in this story that I finished the book in one setting to see who was guilty. Was I every surprised.
There are so many twist and turns in this story that I finished the book in one setting to see who was guilty. Was I every surprised.
November 8, 2019
"Give me more of this"
This writer follows a simple formula. Strong female lead character surrounded by all the usual suspects on both sides of the law for a cop based thriller. The settings are always familiar. The dialogue precise and sparing. The action is fast and furious. I found myself turning page after page until the end. Sometimes you need a book that stretches to 400 pages; equally, you can tell a good story in half the time. This matched the 'need to read' mood I was in to perfection. Recommended.
This writer follows a simple formula. Strong female lead character surrounded by all the usual suspects on both sides of the law for a cop based thriller. The settings are always familiar. The dialogue precise and sparing. The action is fast and furious. I found myself turning page after page until the end. Sometimes you need a book that stretches to 400 pages; equally, you can tell a good story in half the time. This matched the 'need to read' mood I was in to perfection. Recommended.
September 27, 2019
Exciting beginning
When I see G.K. Parks as the author I'm interested! I enjoy her writing and the characters she creates by letting you get to know them from the inside out. She writes exciting action moments and romance that doesn't always flow easily. Dangerous Stakes also has great characters with flaws but virtues outshine the imperfections. This story was a little hard to follow but worth reading to the end. I'm looking forward to the next Liv and friends book!
When I see G.K. Parks as the author I'm interested! I enjoy her writing and the characters she creates by letting you get to know them from the inside out. She writes exciting action moments and romance that doesn't always flow easily. Dangerous Stakes also has great characters with flaws but virtues outshine the imperfections. This story was a little hard to follow but worth reading to the end. I'm looking forward to the next Liv and friends book!
October 10, 2019
Good read
As usual G. K. Parks doesn't disappoint. Liv DeMarco is another great character. I look forward to reading more about her.
As usual G. K. Parks doesn't disappoint. Liv DeMarco is another great character. I look forward to reading more about her.
October 22, 2019
Good suspense
Really good plot and written well. I really enjoyed it and want to read others
Blah blah blah blah blah
Really good plot and written well. I really enjoyed it and want to read others
Blah blah blah blah blah
June 7, 2020
Had trouble getting beyond the terrible reader as an audiobook. Probably better to just read.
August 29, 2022
3.5 stars raised to a 4. Liv is a Detective and a Department legacy. She has been working undercover, most recently at a “private club” where she occasionally dances in a cage. High end cars are being stolen and with the most recent robbery a valet is killed. Liv and her partner are working the case. It leads them to drug dealers, more stolen cars and more murders. The plot is well developed although sometimes a bit confusing. The characters, most of whom will reoccur in the series, are catchy. All in all, a good way to spend an afternoon. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
June 15, 2021
Dangerous Stakes
Livvy is undercover at a high end club, Sparks, owned by Adel Kincaid. He had a history of grand theft auto and there were several cars that had been stolen so cops were watching him trying to get a lead. There's a murder during a car theft and then a hooker, one of Lives CIs was beat to death. It wasn't Kincaid this time but someone out to get revenge on him and a drug dealer with an excellent cover. Livvy and her partner, Brad Fennel get the men responsible and the DEA gives Kincaid a pass for information.
Livvy is undercover at a high end club, Sparks, owned by Adel Kincaid. He had a history of grand theft auto and there were several cars that had been stolen so cops were watching him trying to get a lead. There's a murder during a car theft and then a hooker, one of Lives CIs was beat to death. It wasn't Kincaid this time but someone out to get revenge on him and a drug dealer with an excellent cover. Livvy and her partner, Brad Fennel get the men responsible and the DEA gives Kincaid a pass for information.
March 14, 2020
Good Detective Story
With twists, turns and red herrings this story is good, but gives the reader no one except the red herrings to be able to search their minds as to who actually is the culprit, for me a must in a mystery. Buried deep in the background of the story with only his own insight to the how the story will eventually lead to this unassuming character. Good characters who you can't help but love, and hope will survive the day.
With twists, turns and red herrings this story is good, but gives the reader no one except the red herrings to be able to search their minds as to who actually is the culprit, for me a must in a mystery. Buried deep in the background of the story with only his own insight to the how the story will eventually lead to this unassuming character. Good characters who you can't help but love, and hope will survive the day.
March 12, 2020
Cozy Police Procedural
Good storyline and characters. Just enough details to keep things interesting. A police procedural version of a “cozy mystery” which is fine with me when I don’t want something too riveting to distract me when life gets extra busy. I plan on reading more by author G.K. Parks
Good storyline and characters. Just enough details to keep things interesting. A police procedural version of a “cozy mystery” which is fine with me when I don’t want something too riveting to distract me when life gets extra busy. I plan on reading more by author G.K. Parks
March 19, 2020
An interesting and riveting mystery book
Liv DiMarco is a detective working Undercover trying to infiltrate a bar that deals and drugs, stolen cars, and working girls. This book is interesting and keeps you wondering who the actual killer is. I recommend this book very highly.
Liv DiMarco is a detective working Undercover trying to infiltrate a bar that deals and drugs, stolen cars, and working girls. This book is interesting and keeps you wondering who the actual killer is. I recommend this book very highly.
April 1, 2021
I went into this thinking Liv was going to be more like Alex Parker, and I was kind of right, but mostly wrong. I liked this book, and I liked Liv, but it wasn't as good as I was hoping. I may end up reading more to see how it goes.
February 5, 2024
Audio was sometimes a little hard to follow . I was not always sure which characters were speaking. The main character was kinda blah. And maybe, there were too many red herrings . I’m not sure if I’ll read the next. Maybe.
April 30, 2025
Review
She is under cover at a club because the owner has been
into shady dealings. She hired on as a waitress but sometimes substitutes as a cage dancer. Then a parking attendant is shot and killed and 5 high end cars are stolen. Now the stakes are higher.
Enjoy
She is under cover at a club because the owner has been
into shady dealings. She hired on as a waitress but sometimes substitutes as a cage dancer. Then a parking attendant is shot and killed and 5 high end cars are stolen. Now the stakes are higher.
Enjoy
Read
June 10, 2020Good story
September 6, 2020
Liv DeMarco series
Like all of this authors books you can't put them down until you are down with them I am going to enjoy reading them
Like all of this authors books you can't put them down until you are down with them I am going to enjoy reading them
January 19, 2021
I was lucky enough to have gotten a free audio book code from Authors Direct. I am volunteering to leave this review Great Audio book plenty twist and turns.
July 27, 2021
Dangerous Stakes
I really enjoyed this thriller. It has lots of suspense and intrigue. This is a can't put down book. I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this thriller. It has lots of suspense and intrigue. This is a can't put down book. I recommend this book
September 27, 2021
Who killed Juan and why??? AND stole two cars??? It’s a good thing that Liv is up to speed, but… I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
December 10, 2023
Strong women
I am a fan of G. K. Parks. Her series have strong women in lead roles. I have started two of her series and thoroughly enjoy both.
I am a fan of G. K. Parks. Her series have strong women in lead roles. I have started two of her series and thoroughly enjoy both.
September 10, 2024
I didn't love the story and I really did not like the narrator for the audiobook.
December 16, 2019
Based on Amazon reviews regarding language, didn't read. Just deleted book.
November 8, 2023
Enjoyed the Liv DeMarco book. Excited to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews