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Jordan and Ellie are back from their well-deserved vacation. While Ellie is still dealing with the aftermath of her abduction, Jordan investigates the murder of a rich businessman. Gerald Ashcroft was a benefactor for many and seemed to have no enemies. Did one of his heirs have a reason to want him dead, or is the murderer someone else close to the wealthy victim? While trying to catch a ruthless killer, they also have to figure out how to deal with Kathryn’s continued efforts to make amends.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2016

61 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Winkes

99 books212 followers
Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.

Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.

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5 stars
112 (49%)
4 stars
84 (37%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra.
555 reviews136 followers
February 1, 2019
What I like in a series like this one is, that I get to know the main characters on a more private level. How they act, feel, interact and handle things work related or in their relationship. They still have some troubles with the experiences of their abductions and some uncertainties to overcome.

Meanwhile, in the first two books, the main characters were the target of mean and brutal men, in this one they have to solve two murder cases. The storyline is well written and the cases were tricky and gripping.

I like both main characters very much and also the supporting characters are well developed, they all are real persons, with strengths and weaknesses that makes them more believable.

My rating 4 stars
Profile Image for Carol Hutchinson.
1,124 reviews72 followers
June 9, 2021
Quite the Mystery…again!!!

Jordan and Ellie are back from a much needed vacation and straight back into the fire as they take on cases that trigger past memories. Jordan is investigating another murder with no clear clues that leave her running around to decipher who committed the crime, while Ellie is dealing with all the demons creeping back up on her as her case surfaces similarities that leave her emotional and on edge.

I love these mysteries from Barbara Winkes. The Carpenter & Harding series is one you need to read in order if you want to get the full picture with the characters, but I can enjoy them standalone too as Barbara gives you enough to understand what they have been through. It is nice to have a series where the main characters are affected by the stories but develop with each addition.

Jordan and Ellie always seem to get these intense cases that leave them on edge and in need of their next vacation. I just love the excitement and thrill of putting the clues together to solve the crimes with them. It really makes me feel a part of the story and as if I am on the cases with them.

I sympathised a lot with Ellie because little things were really setting her off and that was understandable. Jordan just had all this pressure and again you could feel the weight of the case and her need to support Ellie. What was great about this addition to the series was the fact they were solving cases that didn’t directly involve them this time but they were enough to still affect them both emotionally.

I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of Carpenter & Harding series, which I highly recommend and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Kerstin.
135 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2018
3.5
Finally the MC´s aren´t the one targeted again like the books before.
I still find they are going in circles with dealing with some things, I feel like this will stretch a lot more through out the other books.
Profile Image for Heather Henkel.
1,404 reviews23 followers
June 1, 2017
Great book

I love this series and these characters. This book was another good addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
6,028 reviews45 followers
July 10, 2023
the death of a wealthy man leaves either too many suspects, or none at all

conflicting philosophies, world views, and will changes have ripple effects that pull in a variety of folks - co-conspirators? collateral damage? bad influences due to ethnic or sexual persuasion?

prejudices and bigotry and old school connections leave a bad taste in some folks mouths, as Carpenter and Harding work on their careers, the ghosts of their families, and the ghosts of relationships past that seem to linger and recur

Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
March 5, 2023
Poor Rich Guy

Detective Jordan Carpenter is called to the scene for a death of a rich philanthropist who seems to have tripped down the stairs. A search for his killer and a case of a missing college student gives them a lot to chew on. A strong series on the lives of policewomen and their lives.
Profile Image for Dulaine Roode.
313 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2025
Wow... Great story

This book really had me guessing who the guilty party could be in Gerald's murder. But I have to say, the suspects definitely had a few screws loose. As for Ellie and Jordan, I hope there won't be interfereces. I hope Rhonda and ADA Esposito can behave themselfs.

Nice cliffhanger at the end of the book there.
Profile Image for J H.
526 reviews12 followers
August 8, 2021
Excited about the next book

Jordan and Ellie's relationship deepens, but both struggle with their own personal issues from their past. The cases they work end up being connected. Great characters, great plot, and a great mystery.
Profile Image for Susan.
671 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2021
Insightful!

Add much as I hate cliffhangers, at least I get an insight into the next book. It's a good thing I have all of the books in this series or I would be very frustrated waiting for them to be written and released. I love this series!
Profile Image for susan.
416 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2017
I love....

Omg I love this series. This book was great. The storyline was well done. I really like how each book the end starts the next one. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Frances Bell.
434 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2018
Good book

I gave it five stars because I love a good mystery this series is very good I'm looking forward to reading the next book I recommend this series
Profile Image for Michele Howell.
207 reviews
July 9, 2020
Love Barbara Winkes writing! This Carpenter/Harding Series is great! Can't put the books down once u start them.
Profile Image for Tory.
392 reviews11 followers
February 22, 2021
Very good book

I really like this series. Jordan and Ellie are great together and at their job. I liked the plot and the ending. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2022
Okay, so the mystery here was so good again. You can guess, but still not be sure up to the end. noice

But I'm starting to question Derek's competence. It's not the first time that he jumps to conclusions about people not being guilty before they gather enough evidence against other people. Yeah, I know, innocent till proven guilty, but completely ignore a line of investigation I think is a bit lacking on a detective.

Omg the neighbours bit was so funny

So, Kathryn is starting to get annoying, what she wants is to be forgiven, to feel good, I don't think this would help Jordan move one at all. Because you can't change the past, the +20 years of not even trying contacting, then because she saves her life the woman thinks she saw the light and now wants to feel good to be a fuck up. I wish people (Ellie) would back up Jordan on this, not to make her feel guilty for not meeting the woman. Kathryn made her bed, now lie on it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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