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Riley Sullivan #3
Missing Time Murders
An elusive killer targets couples in the dead of night - murdering the women and leaving men with their memories wiped clean. Private investigator Riley Sullivan faces her toughest case yet, and this time it's personal. Her friend and business partner, Cooper Deagnan, is a suspect when he wakes to find a dead woman next to him in his bed.
The murder pits Cooper against his friend, Det. Luke Morgan, for the first time in his life. Recovering his missing memories might be the only hope to stop a killer whose reign of terror has only just begun.
No matter whose side they are on Riley and Luke must use every resource they have to stop a serial killer who leaves few clues, increasingly frenzied crime scenes, and complicated witnesses who have little information to share. Can they catch a killer who no one remembers?
If you like riveting crime fiction, the thrill of the chase, and complex characters, you'll love Missing Time Murders. Read Missing Time Murders as a standalone or as part of the Riley Sullivan Mystery Series.
The murder pits Cooper against his friend, Det. Luke Morgan, for the first time in his life. Recovering his missing memories might be the only hope to stop a killer whose reign of terror has only just begun.
No matter whose side they are on Riley and Luke must use every resource they have to stop a serial killer who leaves few clues, increasingly frenzied crime scenes, and complicated witnesses who have little information to share. Can they catch a killer who no one remembers?
If you like riveting crime fiction, the thrill of the chase, and complex characters, you'll love Missing Time Murders. Read Missing Time Murders as a standalone or as part of the Riley Sullivan Mystery Series.
- GenresThriller
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2020
299 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Stacy M. Jones
45 books146 followersStacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 23, 2020
This book follows immediately after the previous one, ‘The bone harvest’. And by immediate, I mean the same night. Actually, the last book ended with Cooper waking up to a dead woman in his bed and that’s how this one starts. Holly, the murdered girl, has been stalking him after a one-night-stand and didn’t take his rejection well. He has no recollection of anything after taking a beer in his local. He remembers vaguely that he had a text conversation with his long-distance lover Adele but after that, it’s a blank. He calls 911 himself and his friend, detective Luke Morgan can’t do anything but bring him in for questioning. Morgan will have to be very careful to make no mistakes in this investigation as the new assistant prosecutor is already in his face with suspicions of being biased. He seems to have a downright hatred for Cooper and wants to put him in jail. Captain Meadows gives this case to Luke because he knows that he wouldn’t stay away from it even when ordered to do so.
Before arriving on Cooper’s crime scene, Luke had been to another murder site, a girl being shot in the head days earlier. Strangely enough, was the body laid out in almost exactly the same position as Holly was found in.
Suddenly, it looks as if Little Rock is plagued with women being shot. One of these girls was also found in bed next to her boyfriend who didn’t have any recollection to what may have happened. And 2 other cases look as if there might have been a guy present on the premises who left without alerting the police. This theory gains weight when another similar murder takes place.
Then, Riley thinks about an article she read about ‘Incels’ and it doesn’t seem unlikely that the murderer belong s to this community. “ Incels are involuntary celibate men that blame the promiscuous women and the handsome men for their own lack of success in romantic and sexual relations. Most of them who identify as Incels are young men with a history of isolation who have faced rejection by the woman they want. They also feel a sense of social entitlement and that women own them sex and that there’s something wrong with a society in which women don’t have to give it to them. On the internet, they connect with each other and brew more hatred and prejudices. When you take any group and put them together, they feed off each other and their rage is intensified. Some of these groups see nothing wrong with rape.
What I don’t like in this book is the change between 3rd person omniscient narrator and Riley speaking in the first person. It’s not wrong or bad as such and it may be something personal but to me, it feels as if there’s a breach of continuity in the story.
In this story, the idea of a mixed endeavour of police and PI’s to solve a crime feels less far-fetched than in the previous story. As Cooper, Riley’s partner in the PI office is the main suspect at the start of the investigation, it’s only natural that she goes out to search for the truth. And since she and the lead detective are in this serious relationship, it would be unbelievable if they didn’t discuss the case between them. Certainly, if you take the personal relations between the 3 of them into account. It’s still not very likely that the top brass would agree with all this but it is a story and needs a bit of freedom of writing.
Fairly early on I had a hunch that XX was the killer, even though there was nothing at that time linking him to the murders. Relying on the knowledge of other similar thrillers, some other things might indicate it’s him. Was I right this time? No, I was terribly wrong in my crime-solving this time around.
There isn’t much negative to say about this book. It’s a pleasant and entertaining story, not great literature maybe but it fulfils a craving to solve crime puzzles.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
.
Before arriving on Cooper’s crime scene, Luke had been to another murder site, a girl being shot in the head days earlier. Strangely enough, was the body laid out in almost exactly the same position as Holly was found in.
Suddenly, it looks as if Little Rock is plagued with women being shot. One of these girls was also found in bed next to her boyfriend who didn’t have any recollection to what may have happened. And 2 other cases look as if there might have been a guy present on the premises who left without alerting the police. This theory gains weight when another similar murder takes place.
Then, Riley thinks about an article she read about ‘Incels’ and it doesn’t seem unlikely that the murderer belong s to this community. “ Incels are involuntary celibate men that blame the promiscuous women and the handsome men for their own lack of success in romantic and sexual relations. Most of them who identify as Incels are young men with a history of isolation who have faced rejection by the woman they want. They also feel a sense of social entitlement and that women own them sex and that there’s something wrong with a society in which women don’t have to give it to them. On the internet, they connect with each other and brew more hatred and prejudices. When you take any group and put them together, they feed off each other and their rage is intensified. Some of these groups see nothing wrong with rape.
What I don’t like in this book is the change between 3rd person omniscient narrator and Riley speaking in the first person. It’s not wrong or bad as such and it may be something personal but to me, it feels as if there’s a breach of continuity in the story.
In this story, the idea of a mixed endeavour of police and PI’s to solve a crime feels less far-fetched than in the previous story. As Cooper, Riley’s partner in the PI office is the main suspect at the start of the investigation, it’s only natural that she goes out to search for the truth. And since she and the lead detective are in this serious relationship, it would be unbelievable if they didn’t discuss the case between them. Certainly, if you take the personal relations between the 3 of them into account. It’s still not very likely that the top brass would agree with all this but it is a story and needs a bit of freedom of writing.
Fairly early on I had a hunch that XX was the killer, even though there was nothing at that time linking him to the murders. Relying on the knowledge of other similar thrillers, some other things might indicate it’s him. Was I right this time? No, I was terribly wrong in my crime-solving this time around.
There isn’t much negative to say about this book. It’s a pleasant and entertaining story, not great literature maybe but it fulfils a craving to solve crime puzzles.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
.
March 23, 2020
An elusive killer targets couples in the dead of night - murdering the women and leaving men with their memories wiped clean. Private investigator Riley Sullivan faces her toughest case yet, and this time it's personal. Her friend and business partner, Cooper Deagnan, is a suspect when he wakes to find a dead woman next to him in his bed.
The murder pits Cooper against his friend, Det. Luke Morgan, for the first time in his life. Recovering his missing memories might be the only hope to stop a killer whose reign of terror has only just begun.
No matter whose side they are on Riley and Luke must use every resource they have to stop a serial killer who leaves few clues, increasingly frenzied crime scenes, and complicated witnesses who have little information to share. Can they catch a killer who no one remembers?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The murder pits Cooper against his friend, Det. Luke Morgan, for the first time in his life. Recovering his missing memories might be the only hope to stop a killer whose reign of terror has only just begun.
No matter whose side they are on Riley and Luke must use every resource they have to stop a serial killer who leaves few clues, increasingly frenzied crime scenes, and complicated witnesses who have little information to share. Can they catch a killer who no one remembers?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 11, 2020
Who is the better friend?
Cooper and Luke have been best friends for decades. Cooper and Riley were first friends who became business partners. When Cooper faces the biggest crisis of his life, who will prove to be the better friend to Cooper? Riley, Luke, and Cooper don’t even get much more than a chance to catch their breath after wrapping up the serial killer case (the one that included Luke’s sister’s murder) before evil strikes again. I thought books one and two were filled with evil people; but I think this one takes the prize for the most evil killer. And this serial killer strikes close to home when he directs his evil at Cooper. This story is more than entertaining or engaging, it is spellbinding. I am now a believer that any mystery I read by Stacy M. Jones is going to be a thriller that I will not want to put down until I read the last word. She captures my attention and then doesn’t let go until the story is wrapped up. It is a thriller of a ride! There are so many twists and turns to keep you guessing the identity of the killer. Ms. Jones is a master storyteller who creates a fantastic story without offensive language, explicit sex, or graphic violence. She has definitely earned a place on my favorite authors list.
Cooper and Luke have been best friends for decades. Cooper and Riley were first friends who became business partners. When Cooper faces the biggest crisis of his life, who will prove to be the better friend to Cooper? Riley, Luke, and Cooper don’t even get much more than a chance to catch their breath after wrapping up the serial killer case (the one that included Luke’s sister’s murder) before evil strikes again. I thought books one and two were filled with evil people; but I think this one takes the prize for the most evil killer. And this serial killer strikes close to home when he directs his evil at Cooper. This story is more than entertaining or engaging, it is spellbinding. I am now a believer that any mystery I read by Stacy M. Jones is going to be a thriller that I will not want to put down until I read the last word. She captures my attention and then doesn’t let go until the story is wrapped up. It is a thriller of a ride! There are so many twists and turns to keep you guessing the identity of the killer. Ms. Jones is a master storyteller who creates a fantastic story without offensive language, explicit sex, or graphic violence. She has definitely earned a place on my favorite authors list.
June 2, 2024
The best so far in the series. Following on from the last novel when Cooper wakes up with Holly, his "stalking" one-night stand, lying dead next to him. Cooper has lost his memory from the night before and calls the police, and his friend detective Luke Morgan heads the investigation. Quickly the investigation links similar murders of men waking up next to one-night stands who have been shot and have no recollection of the night before, it becomes apparent that a serial killer is on the rampage. This novel gives some insight into "incels", men that are hostile to promiscuous women who only want to be with handsome men to the detriment of their own lack of success in sexual relations.
The novel does switch between first- and third-person narration which is slightly annoying, but in general it is well written, resulting in a quick read.
The novel does switch between first- and third-person narration which is slightly annoying, but in general it is well written, resulting in a quick read.
March 23, 2020
Cooper wakes up and finds Holly (a previous one-night stand) shot dead in bed with him.
As his PI partner and friend, Riley, is definitely on his side from the start. Detective Luke Morgan has to do his police duty to investigate Cooper but also wants to be able to prove Cooper’s innocence. Adele, Cooper’s new girlfriend and lawyer, flies into town to help the group investigate.
How is Holly’s murder connected to others that have occurred in the last month? It’s important to follow the evidence instead of making the evidence fit the first scenario.
The characters are well defined. The story shows how easy it is to lay the blame on the obvious subject(s).
Stacy has written another great mystery.
As his PI partner and friend, Riley, is definitely on his side from the start. Detective Luke Morgan has to do his police duty to investigate Cooper but also wants to be able to prove Cooper’s innocence. Adele, Cooper’s new girlfriend and lawyer, flies into town to help the group investigate.
How is Holly’s murder connected to others that have occurred in the last month? It’s important to follow the evidence instead of making the evidence fit the first scenario.
The characters are well defined. The story shows how easy it is to lay the blame on the obvious subject(s).
Stacy has written another great mystery.
March 25, 2020
This book surprised me. I didn’t expect all the different twists. The dynamic between friends made me think about how I would handle the same situation. Do you automatically trust or do you hesitate and question. Can you look at your best friend that way or should you step back and let someone else. Do your interactions with past people affect how you see a situation.
Luke and Riley relationship seems on track but is he going to cause issues by wanting her to be safe all the time. That’s not her and I don’t see her walking away from what she loves. Can they find a compromise or is it going to cause problems. I can’t wait to find out!
Luke and Riley relationship seems on track but is he going to cause issues by wanting her to be safe all the time. That’s not her and I don’t see her walking away from what she loves. Can they find a compromise or is it going to cause problems. I can’t wait to find out!
November 15, 2020
Riley and her boyfriend a homicide detective Luke are enjoying some down time after solving a serial murder.
While at brunch Luke is informed of a homicide and can't resist going to the scene. While on scene he's called to his friend Cooper's house for a situation eerily like the scene he just left.
Can riley keep Cooper from interfering in the case against him and still manage to solve this new puzzle that luke has been pulled off his 2 week vacation to solve?
This book keep you guess til the very end! You think you have everything figured out then here comes the next twist. I love the characters and background that has been developed. This is by far one of my favorite series!
While at brunch Luke is informed of a homicide and can't resist going to the scene. While on scene he's called to his friend Cooper's house for a situation eerily like the scene he just left.
Can riley keep Cooper from interfering in the case against him and still manage to solve this new puzzle that luke has been pulled off his 2 week vacation to solve?
This book keep you guess til the very end! You think you have everything figured out then here comes the next twist. I love the characters and background that has been developed. This is by far one of my favorite series!
March 25, 2020
Missing Time Murders kept me reading, kept me guessing, and kept me craving more. The rich character development throughout this series makes you feel a genuine connection with Riley, Luke, and Cooper. You can’t believe Cooper can be capable of murder. Is he? Are other local, recent murders related? You have to find out because time seems to be running out...and missing! I literally drop everything to read the “Riley” books as they are released. This crime solving team is at the top of my list!
March 31, 2020
Time is the only thing missing!!
Time may be missing but nothing else is missing! There is plenty of action and adventure in this latest book by Stacy Jones. I could not put the book down and finished it in one night while turning pages as rapidly as possible. Riley Sullivan is a welcome addition to the criminal investigation crew. She fits right in with the already established gang of female sleuths and does a mighty fine job. Will definitely read future editions of this series.
Time may be missing but nothing else is missing! There is plenty of action and adventure in this latest book by Stacy Jones. I could not put the book down and finished it in one night while turning pages as rapidly as possible. Riley Sullivan is a welcome addition to the criminal investigation crew. She fits right in with the already established gang of female sleuths and does a mighty fine job. Will definitely read future editions of this series.
September 26, 2020
Just imagine waking up in the morning feeling as though you have the worst hangover in your life only to discover that is the least of your problems because you turn and find a dead woman lying next to you and you have absolutely no memory of the night before. This is the situation Cooper finds himself in in this installment in the Riley Sullivan Mystery series.
This book grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final page has been turned. I found myself wishing that I could put life on hold for a bit so I could just curl up somewhere and read faster.
This book grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final page has been turned. I found myself wishing that I could put life on hold for a bit so I could just curl up somewhere and read faster.
July 22, 2020
It takes a village
The third book picks up immediately from book two and it is with a bang. The writing flies at a Fast pace as they all quickly are on a case to protect on of their own. Very descriptive and full of size tangents that end up wrapping up a crazy story. I did not see who the killer was until maybe a page before it was revealed. Kept me captivated and entertained. Good read and great series for those who like the murder mystery genre.
The third book picks up immediately from book two and it is with a bang. The writing flies at a Fast pace as they all quickly are on a case to protect on of their own. Very descriptive and full of size tangents that end up wrapping up a crazy story. I did not see who the killer was until maybe a page before it was revealed. Kept me captivated and entertained. Good read and great series for those who like the murder mystery genre.
April 7, 2021
Had it's moments
Enjoying the series but I have a problem with the protagonist. She is smart, independent and brave but for a "trained" private detective she doesn't come off as the most effective. Instead of the Riley Sullivan Mystery maybe it should be Cooper who should get the title of the series. He seems to be the more analytical of the two.
Enjoying the series but I have a problem with the protagonist. She is smart, independent and brave but for a "trained" private detective she doesn't come off as the most effective. Instead of the Riley Sullivan Mystery maybe it should be Cooper who should get the title of the series. He seems to be the more analytical of the two.
March 24, 2020
The beginning starts out with a rather graphic description of the murdered girl. That part I didn't enjoy. It is a complicated murder mystery. Certainly did not figure who the murderer was. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
April 4, 2020
Missing Time Murders (Riley Sullivan Book , 3)/by Stacy M. Jones
Action all the way, serial killer with a great team in chase. I love Riley Sullivan and the group. The serial killer was difficult to first pick out and the story line was good. I look forward to the next.
Action all the way, serial killer with a great team in chase. I love Riley Sullivan and the group. The serial killer was difficult to first pick out and the story line was good. I look forward to the next.
May 6, 2020
Exceptional writing! I enjoyed every word, every character and the story line. I was kept on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought of who it might be, I was wrong. Looking forward to reading more by this talented author!
July 29, 2021
Bingeing
Reading the series in order. Each one is a bit better and that’s even given how much I liked the first one. Very confusing all the way through. I never figured it out! Going for the next one now.
Reading the series in order. Each one is a bit better and that’s even given how much I liked the first one. Very confusing all the way through. I never figured it out! Going for the next one now.
March 18, 2022
Story & Plot Keep You Guessing
The story & plot keep you guessing...but I gave it three stars because it bothers me each and every time one of the guys 'choke back tears' or have tears in their eyes. Sorry, I know it's not "woke" but no guy in my world is that manly & sensitive.
The story & plot keep you guessing...but I gave it three stars because it bothers me each and every time one of the guys 'choke back tears' or have tears in their eyes. Sorry, I know it's not "woke" but no guy in my world is that manly & sensitive.
August 26, 2023
The reading just gets better
This book is a page turner that pulled me along throughout. Riley, Luke, Cooper, and, now, Adele keep me entertained and curious as they work to build relationships and solve heinous murders together.
This book is a page turner that pulled me along throughout. Riley, Luke, Cooper, and, now, Adele keep me entertained and curious as they work to build relationships and solve heinous murders together.
March 25, 2020
This mystery thriller took off from the start.I adored the connection and sass between all.the characters. It left me feeling vulnerable is some places. I absolutely recommend this book.
May 30, 2020
This was a really good book, I could not put it down. I
September 23, 2020
The power to stop time and erase it is the raison d’etre for these crimes. Sorry Cooper, but I didn’t figure it out at first either. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 19, 2020
Another okay who dunnit
Entertaining and engaging as the other books in the series. Held my attention and the killer was a surprise to me although he did pop up all over the story.
Entertaining and engaging as the other books in the series. Held my attention and the killer was a surprise to me although he did pop up all over the story.
December 15, 2020
I enjoyed Luke and Riley characters. The plot was clever. Good idea for book. Made me look up the meaning of incel, which I had never heard of before. Enjoyed the read.
January 2, 2021
Excellent
So many suspects this time! I was totally thrown by the outcome. Read this whole series. Great book, and love the author!
So many suspects this time! I was totally thrown by the outcome. Read this whole series. Great book, and love the author!
June 15, 2021
Missing Time Murders
This book really keeps you interested and engaged the whole time you're reading it. I had trouble putting it down. Great book!
This book really keeps you interested and engaged the whole time you're reading it. I had trouble putting it down. Great book!
September 16, 2021
awesome book
I never wanted to put this book down. It was excellent. Wonderful Author!!!! I hope to read many many more!
I never wanted to put this book down. It was excellent. Wonderful Author!!!! I hope to read many many more!
May 4, 2022
Wow!
This one is personal to our main characters, putting friend against friends in a race to the truth. Well written, really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more.
This one is personal to our main characters, putting friend against friends in a race to the truth. Well written, really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more.
April 15, 2023
Never disappointed, love these mysteries
July 14, 2023
Action packed
Adele is a great addition to the four friends. Lots of action and questions to answer. Great characters great story
Adele is a great addition to the four friends. Lots of action and questions to answer. Great characters great story
November 4, 2024
A other MUST READ from. Stacy Jones
I had to for myself to put it down. More suspense than one could ever imagine! You simply must read this one!!
I had to for myself to put it down. More suspense than one could ever imagine! You simply must read this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews