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Higgins & Hawke Mystery #3
Death on Hanover
Death by design. . .
Investigative reporter Sam Hawke, alias Mrs. Samantha Rosenbaum, is the first on the scene—what luck!—when a body is found in the yard of St. Stephen’s Church on Hanover Street in Boston.
Dr. Haley Higgins, the assistant Chief Medical Examiner finds the modus operandi of the crime eerily familiar to that of her brother’s, an unsolved murder that has plagued her for years.
Set in the 1930s, this third book in the Higgins & Hawke mystery series will have you biting your nails as Haley and Samantha’s pasts collide. Will Haley finally get to the bottom of the mystery behind brother's death? Will their friendship survive the truth?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
440 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
130 books2,344 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 8, 2019
Death on Hanover by Lee Strauss is the third book in the Higgins & Hawke series and was intriguing from the first chapter.
Samantha is covering a church charity event when a body is discovered in the yard. Dr. Haley Higgins shows up at the scene as the assistant coroner but the body position and cause of death is eerily similar to her brother's murder. Sam and Haley join forces as the bodies begin to pile up. As the case progresses Haley and Sam find that their pasts have more in common that they realized. Ms. Strauss' vivid writing and quickly paced story kept me turning the pages until the reveal. The end was very sweet and seemed to wrapped up Sam and Haley's lives so they could both begin again.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Samantha is covering a church charity event when a body is discovered in the yard. Dr. Haley Higgins shows up at the scene as the assistant coroner but the body position and cause of death is eerily similar to her brother's murder. Sam and Haley join forces as the bodies begin to pile up. As the case progresses Haley and Sam find that their pasts have more in common that they realized. Ms. Strauss' vivid writing and quickly paced story kept me turning the pages until the reveal. The end was very sweet and seemed to wrapped up Sam and Haley's lives so they could both begin again.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 14, 2024
The narrator kept me interested and I enjoyed meeting the characters as this is the first book in the series for me.
December 19, 2019
Sam Hawke has struggled to support her family since her husband left without a word. Jobs are scarce so she's fortunate that she's become an investigative reporter. She loves the challenge. I like that she can hold her own in male dominated profession. When Sam is covering a charity event, a body is found. This gives her the opportunity to work with Dr. Haley Higgins the Assistant Medical Examiner. I like her intelligence and her drive. She's still struggling with the loss of her brother. Once again life changes drastically for both women. Sam's husband has returned. I hated how she's considered property and has no free will. Meanwhile, Haley has found a clue that can help her find who murdered Joe. This mystery is compelling. It's filled with unexpected surprises. I was amazed at how Lee Strauss tied these two individual stories together. I cared about these characters. I wanted these two women to find happiness which isn't easy in 1930s Boston. I'm enjoying the Higgins & Hawke mysteries.
November 26, 2019
An excellent, satisfying addition to this series. The characters continue to grow and the story line is fast paced and intriguing, all in a riveting historical setting.
December 4, 2019
The team of Haley Higgins, medical examiner, and Sam Hawke, aka Samantha Rosenbaum, newspaper reporter, together again when they find a staged murder in a church yard.
Samantha was doing a fluff piece on a charity event at St. Stephen's parish, when she stumbled on a body, cut at the throat on his side, but no blood to be found.
Since she had her camera with her she decided to take a few pictures before the police arrive.
She also found a note in his pocket that was slipped into hers, because it would be of interest to Haley, because it mentioned her brothers murder.
The two women work together at the chagrin of the Boston Police Department, for they were known to poke around in their business and outsmart the force by solving several murder cases.
The couples investigation keeps you on your seat.
Lee writes a fascinating story of intrigue and I would recommend any of her series to readers of cozy mysteries. this is # 3 in this series but could be read alone.
Another great job for Lee Strauss, and I patiently await her next book!
Samantha was doing a fluff piece on a charity event at St. Stephen's parish, when she stumbled on a body, cut at the throat on his side, but no blood to be found.
Since she had her camera with her she decided to take a few pictures before the police arrive.
She also found a note in his pocket that was slipped into hers, because it would be of interest to Haley, because it mentioned her brothers murder.
The two women work together at the chagrin of the Boston Police Department, for they were known to poke around in their business and outsmart the force by solving several murder cases.
The couples investigation keeps you on your seat.
Lee writes a fascinating story of intrigue and I would recommend any of her series to readers of cozy mysteries. this is # 3 in this series but could be read alone.
Another great job for Lee Strauss, and I patiently await her next book!
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July 6, 2022Murder and mayhem
Dr. Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke were a great pair, investigating and solving murders despite their femininity. While the police were resistant at first, the head detective finally admitted his need for their sleuthing skills. Sam's husband returned after a 7 year absence and Haley's brother's murder was finally solved. The rest of the story was all good. I loved the friendship of Haley and Sam, the adventures they shared, and, most of all, the surprising ending to the story. I heartily recommend these stories of Dr. Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke to everyone who loves a good mystery.
Dr. Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke were a great pair, investigating and solving murders despite their femininity. While the police were resistant at first, the head detective finally admitted his need for their sleuthing skills. Sam's husband returned after a 7 year absence and Haley's brother's murder was finally solved. The rest of the story was all good. I loved the friendship of Haley and Sam, the adventures they shared, and, most of all, the surprising ending to the story. I heartily recommend these stories of Dr. Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke to everyone who loves a good mystery.
January 5, 2021
A great short series of books,just 3 so far.
These stories put two unlikely women together. However it works very well! One,Dr. Higgins is a forensic scientist, and the other woman a younger journalist with a newspaper. Even with such diverse backgrounds they are very good at solving murders. Both are independent women in the 1930's,one single and the other married,but abandoned. I look forward to more stories about them. Lee Strauss is a very good writer and I enjoy her stories !!! Happy reading !
These stories put two unlikely women together. However it works very well! One,Dr. Higgins is a forensic scientist, and the other woman a younger journalist with a newspaper. Even with such diverse backgrounds they are very good at solving murders. Both are independent women in the 1930's,one single and the other married,but abandoned. I look forward to more stories about them. Lee Strauss is a very good writer and I enjoy her stories !!! Happy reading !
April 27, 2022
I do like this series. However this book was just not up to the same standards that the other two were. I’m really not engaged in books where one of the main characters goes on a personal adventure to resolve their issues without concern for other people. And the ending had just too many important things happen that were told on this is a footnote not part of the book. I do like the series I like the character of Haley a lot better than the character of Samantha but this was just not up to the same standards as the other books in the series far
October 26, 2021
This has been the best book of the first three.
I liked this book because it shows how hard it was for women to have a job in the 1930's; especially a single mother with a young child and a mother-in-law. If a woman was married she was supposed to stay at home with her family. Dr. Higgins was lucky to have come from a rich family but even she had to fight for a job. Reading these books makes me feel glad that I live in 2021!!
I liked this book because it shows how hard it was for women to have a job in the 1930's; especially a single mother with a young child and a mother-in-law. If a woman was married she was supposed to stay at home with her family. Dr. Higgins was lucky to have come from a rich family but even she had to fight for a job. Reading these books makes me feel glad that I live in 2021!!
June 13, 2025
3.5 stars.
Quite an interesting way to solve both Haley's brother's murder and Samantha's missing husband. It did feel like the author was trying to tie everything up in this third book. Maybe the series was initially supposed to be just a trilogy?
With some major changes in both Hayley and Samantha's lives detailed in the final chapter, I'm guessing they will be less hamstringed in the future now that their personal issues are more or less resolved?
Quite an interesting way to solve both Haley's brother's murder and Samantha's missing husband. It did feel like the author was trying to tie everything up in this third book. Maybe the series was initially supposed to be just a trilogy?
With some major changes in both Hayley and Samantha's lives detailed in the final chapter, I'm guessing they will be less hamstringed in the future now that their personal issues are more or less resolved?
April 10, 2021
A man's body is found on church grounds, and the position of the body and cause of death is very similar to that of Haley's brother, Joe. More murders follow. Samantha's husband returns after a seven-year absence, and everyone is uncomfortable. What does a tattoo of two entwined spiders indicate. Are some police dirty? The plot twists make for an interesting read.
November 27, 2021
Good reading on a quiet afternoon!
Populated with quirky, even fun, characters, Higgins & Hawke Mysteries are guaranteed to entertain, while blanketing their readers with a cloak of 1930s gangster lore. Guaranteed to set off a few chuckles along the way, I highly recommend this Strauss spin-off!
Populated with quirky, even fun, characters, Higgins & Hawke Mysteries are guaranteed to entertain, while blanketing their readers with a cloak of 1930s gangster lore. Guaranteed to set off a few chuckles along the way, I highly recommend this Strauss spin-off!
July 7, 2023
Another Higgins and Hawke Cliffhanger
I accidentally put Hunter instead of Higgins on my last review but believe me, Haley Higgins is an unforgettable medical examiner. Her crime-solving partner Samantha Hawke is a perfect partner. This mystery kept me in suspense til the end, trying to solve a years old murder. Well written, Lee Strauss!
I accidentally put Hunter instead of Higgins on my last review but believe me, Haley Higgins is an unforgettable medical examiner. Her crime-solving partner Samantha Hawke is a perfect partner. This mystery kept me in suspense til the end, trying to solve a years old murder. Well written, Lee Strauss!
June 18, 2024
Touching and exciting at the same time
Characters are well-drawn and mostly sympathetic, plotting has enough twists to stay interesting and the picture of a time that isn't usually written about was well developed. The picture of how women were treated highlights both the changes and the remaining challenges.
Characters are well-drawn and mostly sympathetic, plotting has enough twists to stay interesting and the picture of a time that isn't usually written about was well developed. The picture of how women were treated highlights both the changes and the remaining challenges.
December 11, 2019
Wow, Lee has written another great book. I absolutely loved it, the characters are story are totally brilliant. Would highly recommend.you get this and other books in this series. Plus all her other books.
June 14, 2020
I love Lee Strauss!
This book was really fun, but with a lot of sadness, a lot of plots that had been left unanswered have been dealt with. So hopefully, the next book can have some happiness!!
This book was really fun, but with a lot of sadness, a lot of plots that had been left unanswered have been dealt with. So hopefully, the next book can have some happiness!!
June 15, 2021
Great series
I can't wait for the 4th book in this series. You can't help but love the characters. It's great to have Haley from the Ginger Gold series. Please keep the magic coming Lee. The stories are so well written. Not formulaic. Really fun reads
I can't wait for the 4th book in this series. You can't help but love the characters. It's great to have Haley from the Ginger Gold series. Please keep the magic coming Lee. The stories are so well written. Not formulaic. Really fun reads
May 17, 2022
A few loose ends...
...Get tied up in the third book of this delightful series set in 1930s Boston. Does the murderer of Dr. Haley Higgins's brother's death finally get revealed? Is Mrs. Samantha Hawke-Rosenbaum's husband really dead? Are the two connected?
...Get tied up in the third book of this delightful series set in 1930s Boston. Does the murderer of Dr. Haley Higgins's brother's death finally get revealed? Is Mrs. Samantha Hawke-Rosenbaum's husband really dead? Are the two connected?
January 19, 2025
Now the cold case of Haley's brother's murder comes back in the limelight . Sam's long lost husband returns as well. It all turns out differently than expected and questions Sam's and HAley"s friendship
March 27, 2020
Loved it. Just a little worried that things get finished off and this might be the end of the series. That would make me sad.
April 19, 2020
This book had more typos than is typical for this author, and the climax depended on a character behaving in a tstl manner. It would have been a three star, but I did enjoy most of it.
April 29, 2020
Highborn lady detective solves the crime. I enjoyed as it describes fashion, partying etc of the time. Easy lockdown reading.
May 29, 2020
I loved it! I’m so glad everything worked out. I hope weddings are in the future. I can’t wait for the next book! I hope it will be soon! This is a must read series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2020
OMG I LOVE Higgins & Hawke and once again Lee Strauss hit it out of the park. LOVE LOVE LOVE her books. Please keep them coming.
August 15, 2020
Great story.
October 2, 2020
Samantha and Haley
They turned out to be great friends. This is surprising because Seth wound up being the one who killed Joe. They were able to look past it.
They turned out to be great friends. This is surprising because Seth wound up being the one who killed Joe. They were able to look past it.
October 9, 2020
Really hope this isn't the end of the series. Love these characters.
December 21, 2020
Another great book in the series. As Sam and Haley work to solve the murder, they end up discovering some very surprising connections from their past! I absolutely recommend this book.
February 17, 2021
Oh I so liked this book!
Can't wait for the next in this series. I loved the ending !
Hopefully there will be another adventure for this duo soon.
Can't wait for the next in this series. I loved the ending !
Hopefully there will be another adventure for this duo soon.
May 20, 2021
Light read
Not a huge fan of this book. The author attempted to tie up loose ends to separate mysteries. It was a little heavy handed.
Not a huge fan of this book. The author attempted to tie up loose ends to separate mysteries. It was a little heavy handed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews