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Tuper Mystery #2
Finding Frankie
A hit-and-run driver leaves Tuper’s best friend for dead. But why? And how did Squirrely, a homeless man, acquire a duffle bag stuffed with thousands in cash, a pistol, and a 25-year-old newspaper?
As Squirrely lies in a coma, Tuper’s techie sidekick, Lana, uncovers fifty-year-old secrets about his connection to the death of a high school classmate. The cold case pops to the front burner when a second classmate dies in the same manner.
A Senator, his barren wife, and a long-ago illegal adoption heat up the complications. As Tuper and Lana dig deeper, lies, fraud, and blackmail bubble to the surface. When they get too close, the killer panics and tries to take them out too.
The case reaches a boiling point—just as Tuper unties a fifty-year-old twist and the cold truth finally puts the fire out.
As Squirrely lies in a coma, Tuper’s techie sidekick, Lana, uncovers fifty-year-old secrets about his connection to the death of a high school classmate. The cold case pops to the front burner when a second classmate dies in the same manner.
A Senator, his barren wife, and a long-ago illegal adoption heat up the complications. As Tuper and Lana dig deeper, lies, fraud, and blackmail bubble to the surface. When they get too close, the killer panics and tries to take them out too.
The case reaches a boiling point—just as Tuper unties a fifty-year-old twist and the cold truth finally puts the fire out.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2019
158 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Burrell
37 books433 followersTeresa Burrell maintained a private law practice where her work focused on abused minors. She has received several awards for her countless hours of pro bono work with children and their families. Burrell has also enjoyed a satisfying career as a teacher, working with children of all ages with diverse backgrounds and special needs. Now in semi-retirement, Burrell continues to educate groups about social issues impacting children and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual cases.
She has written 22 mystery novels: 17 in The Advocate Series, 4 in the Tuper Mystery Series, and one standalone, co-authored with LJ Sellers.
She has written 22 mystery novels: 17 in The Advocate Series, 4 in the Tuper Mystery Series, and one standalone, co-authored with LJ Sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 12, 2019
Tuper, an old Montana cowboy and detective-by-accident, is on the scene when an acquaintance of his, Squirrely, is badly injured in a hit-and-run outside the local bar/casino. Just the night before, Squirrely had given Tup a zipped-up gym bag with the directions “if something happens to me, look in here and do what you can to make things right.” When Tup opens the bag, he finds cash. A lot of cash. The threads that Tup pulls on as he investigates what happened to Squirrely, and what to do about the money, are long and tangled and reach back into the past.
Tup, who “Knows a Guy” for almost every situation, is ably assisted in the investigation by a mysterious young computer hacker, Lana. When his old school investigative skills hit a dead end, Lana’s new school investigative techniques keep them on track. He’s a laconic, Sam Elliott type, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Lana’s a talker (Tup nicknames her “Agony” because she talks so much and it makes him crazy) with technical skills he just doesn’t get. Together they are an interesting detective pair.
More bits about Lana’s complicated past come out in this book. Tup knows she’s hiding something – or hiding from someone – but he doesn’t press her to reveal anything. Partly because he’s probably afraid once that cork gets popped, there will be no stopping it, but also because he respects her privacy. He knows she will tell him when she’s ready. I like their relationship, and I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship between Lana and a handsome paramedic, who may not be what he seems.
This is a clean series (the violence occurs mostly off-screen and isn’t dwelt on, and sure, Tup may have an occasional sleep over with a lady friend, but it’s tactfully handled. Also, he’s not one to kiss and tell). Normally I like my mysteries with a little more grit, but Tup and Lana and the secondary characters are engaging, and I have come to care about them quite a bit in only two books. Plus, the stories are well-told, making up for the lack of grit. The plot held my interest all the way through, and I was surprised by the ending. If you well-written, character-driven mysteries, give this one a go. These can be read out of order – the author subtly weaves in details of the previous book, making it easy to keep up.
Burrell also writes the excellent Advocate series, which features a children’s court attorney, Sabre, her partner/bff, Bob, and her investigator/boyfriend, JP. I highly recommend that one as well.
Tup, who “Knows a Guy” for almost every situation, is ably assisted in the investigation by a mysterious young computer hacker, Lana. When his old school investigative skills hit a dead end, Lana’s new school investigative techniques keep them on track. He’s a laconic, Sam Elliott type, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Lana’s a talker (Tup nicknames her “Agony” because she talks so much and it makes him crazy) with technical skills he just doesn’t get. Together they are an interesting detective pair.
More bits about Lana’s complicated past come out in this book. Tup knows she’s hiding something – or hiding from someone – but he doesn’t press her to reveal anything. Partly because he’s probably afraid once that cork gets popped, there will be no stopping it, but also because he respects her privacy. He knows she will tell him when she’s ready. I like their relationship, and I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship between Lana and a handsome paramedic, who may not be what he seems.
This is a clean series (the violence occurs mostly off-screen and isn’t dwelt on, and sure, Tup may have an occasional sleep over with a lady friend, but it’s tactfully handled. Also, he’s not one to kiss and tell). Normally I like my mysteries with a little more grit, but Tup and Lana and the secondary characters are engaging, and I have come to care about them quite a bit in only two books. Plus, the stories are well-told, making up for the lack of grit. The plot held my interest all the way through, and I was surprised by the ending. If you well-written, character-driven mysteries, give this one a go. These can be read out of order – the author subtly weaves in details of the previous book, making it easy to keep up.
Burrell also writes the excellent Advocate series, which features a children’s court attorney, Sabre, her partner/bff, Bob, and her investigator/boyfriend, JP. I highly recommend that one as well.
February 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book, mainly because of the great characters. I meet Tuper in Mason's missing book one and really liked him in that book. So was glad to see the author had written another book with him as the main character. I also loved Agony (Lana) but wondered if the narrator got a sore throat because she is a chatter box, great for getting suspects to talk. The mystery was good and I liked the way it unfolded, giving you little clues to keep you guessing and then twisting and going in another direction.
When Tuper homeless friend is knocked over by a car on his way to met him. Tuper realises how little he actually knows about his friend, including his real name. When the police don't seem that interested in looking into the hit and run driver Tuper and his hacker assistant Lana start digging into the only clue they have, a bag Squirrelly left with Tuper with the instructions to only open the bag if something happens to him and the words Squirrelly spoke before passing out 'give it to Alma, Ella or Emma? 'Tuper wasn't sure and so starts a hunt into the past. A past that a newspaper in the bag points to but which article is relevant and when will Squirrelly wake up to point them in the right direction? Before someone else is hit by another hit and run driver? Because Squirrelly and his friends might just be paying for something they did in the past, with there lives.
I liked he narrator, he has quite a gruff voice, just like I imagine Tuper sounds like.
Over all a great book and I hope there is more books in the series to come.
When Tuper homeless friend is knocked over by a car on his way to met him. Tuper realises how little he actually knows about his friend, including his real name. When the police don't seem that interested in looking into the hit and run driver Tuper and his hacker assistant Lana start digging into the only clue they have, a bag Squirrelly left with Tuper with the instructions to only open the bag if something happens to him and the words Squirrelly spoke before passing out 'give it to Alma, Ella or Emma? 'Tuper wasn't sure and so starts a hunt into the past. A past that a newspaper in the bag points to but which article is relevant and when will Squirrelly wake up to point them in the right direction? Before someone else is hit by another hit and run driver? Because Squirrelly and his friends might just be paying for something they did in the past, with there lives.
I liked he narrator, he has quite a gruff voice, just like I imagine Tuper sounds like.
Over all a great book and I hope there is more books in the series to come.
March 2, 2021
Definitely a good one.
This is book 2 of a series although Tuper is introduced in Book 6 of The Advocate series (another great series by this author). Tuper is quite a character as is his nemesis and helper, Lana. Lana obviously has a background and surely no author would be so cruel as to not let us know more about her past. Tuper is an old Montana relic who gets partnered with Lana, a young computer nerd/hacker. They have now solved 2 mysteries. Lana finds out everything using her computer and Tuper always “knows a guy” when she needs some old-fashioned on-the-ground investigation. I had an inkling about the ending but it took those two a long time to get there. There may be a little too much detail about Lana’s computer “skills” but that’s also interesting and there is enough comedic relief, a little romance and definitely enough intrigue about past events that is makes it a fun read.
This is book 2 of a series although Tuper is introduced in Book 6 of The Advocate series (another great series by this author). Tuper is quite a character as is his nemesis and helper, Lana. Lana obviously has a background and surely no author would be so cruel as to not let us know more about her past. Tuper is an old Montana relic who gets partnered with Lana, a young computer nerd/hacker. They have now solved 2 mysteries. Lana finds out everything using her computer and Tuper always “knows a guy” when she needs some old-fashioned on-the-ground investigation. I had an inkling about the ending but it took those two a long time to get there. There may be a little too much detail about Lana’s computer “skills” but that’s also interesting and there is enough comedic relief, a little romance and definitely enough intrigue about past events that is makes it a fun read.
February 9, 2021
Engaging
I loved the banter between Tuper and Lana. I also enjoyed the twists of the plot and really look forward to learning more about Lana and her past!
I loved the banter between Tuper and Lana. I also enjoyed the twists of the plot and really look forward to learning more about Lana and her past!
August 22, 2025
I thought this was going to be another "find the missing child" book based on the title and the first book, but this was an investigation about an incident involving Tuper's adult friend from the first book. Another solid mystery, even if it didn't blow my mind. And still: what is with the horrible cover art.
November 13, 2019
I don't know how Teresa Burrell does it, but all of her books, including Finding Frankie are wonderful. The characters are great and are very relatable. They aren't perfect, they have flaws like we all do and also have heart and soul. I especially loved Lana who is a person that talks a lot. Tuper's nickname for her made me smile every single time I read it. He calls her Agony because of her talking. It's a cute nickname.
This mystery was quite good and while I thought I had it figured out early on, I was wrong and wasn't sure I knew whodunit until about the 95% mark. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and just found this such a pleasure to read. I'd definitely recommend this and all of Ms. Burrell's books.
I received an ARC at my request and was thrilled that I got to read it early. My thoughts in this review are my own and happily given.
This mystery was quite good and while I thought I had it figured out early on, I was wrong and wasn't sure I knew whodunit until about the 95% mark. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and just found this such a pleasure to read. I'd definitely recommend this and all of Ms. Burrell's books.
I received an ARC at my request and was thrilled that I got to read it early. My thoughts in this review are my own and happily given.
Read
November 13, 2019I received this book in exchange for a fair review. I can only say I have the best deal here as it's certainly not hard to review a great book !
Finding Frankie highlights the skills of Tuper and Lana. Tuper is such a strong, but mysterious, character. And how is it "he knows a guy" everytime! You can't help but wish you had a friend in your life like the loyal Tuper. He teams with a young girl named Lana who has a secret in her background that is slowly unfolding. She drifted into Tuper's life in a round about way but as she is a whiz with computers, she has proven invaluable in working with Tuper to solve a complex case that began years before.
A great little mystery to keep you hooked on a cold rainy day! And RIP Ringo.
Finding Frankie highlights the skills of Tuper and Lana. Tuper is such a strong, but mysterious, character. And how is it "he knows a guy" everytime! You can't help but wish you had a friend in your life like the loyal Tuper. He teams with a young girl named Lana who has a secret in her background that is slowly unfolding. She drifted into Tuper's life in a round about way but as she is a whiz with computers, she has proven invaluable in working with Tuper to solve a complex case that began years before.
A great little mystery to keep you hooked on a cold rainy day! And RIP Ringo.
November 14, 2019
I read this book in a day it was so fast moving and I love having another Tuper book to read! To me Tuper is an unlikely detective...aging, rather slow moving and sometimes appearing slow thinking BUT he certainly gets the job done!
This story forces his sidekick Lana to abandon her computer searching on occasion & resort to in person searching instead because there is a cold case from over 25 years ago involved. Her constant chattering on some of their excursions drives Tuper to distraction as usual but they are such a likeable team. Their process is slow and steady (Tuper)and wildly all over the place (Lana) but the story does eventually conclude with all the twists and turns explained. It is a very enjoyable & exciting read,
This story forces his sidekick Lana to abandon her computer searching on occasion & resort to in person searching instead because there is a cold case from over 25 years ago involved. Her constant chattering on some of their excursions drives Tuper to distraction as usual but they are such a likeable team. Their process is slow and steady (Tuper)and wildly all over the place (Lana) but the story does eventually conclude with all the twists and turns explained. It is a very enjoyable & exciting read,
November 21, 2019
Just when you think you’ve figured out who did it, Teresa Burrell throws in a twist or two that completely change your thoughts. While reading Finding Frankie, I thought I had figured out who did it at least three or four times. But, I was wrong. It wasn’t until the end of this highly entertaining novel that I actually solved the mystery.
Teresa Burrell is a very talented writer who writes books you don’t want to put down. I’ve said it in other reviews, and it applies to Finding Frankie—this is one of those books where you decide to read one more chapter, but you keep on reading until you’ve “one more chaptered” yourself right to the end of the book.
Teresa Burrell is a very talented writer who writes books you don’t want to put down. I’ve said it in other reviews, and it applies to Finding Frankie—this is one of those books where you decide to read one more chapter, but you keep on reading until you’ve “one more chaptered” yourself right to the end of the book.
January 16, 2020
Wow! This was so good! I absolutely lived the characters! Country old school small town people and a runaway extremely smart city girl. I love how the old school still used a flip phone and had no idea of today’s technology. It sounds a lot like me, lol.
The mystery was excellent, kept me guessing throughout the whole book. At one point I thought who could of done it and it turned out that I was right. The storyline drew me in and made it hard to pull away. I really enjoyed this book and I hope there is more to come, Lana has my curiosity peeked really high.
The mystery was excellent, kept me guessing throughout the whole book. At one point I thought who could of done it and it turned out that I was right. The storyline drew me in and made it hard to pull away. I really enjoyed this book and I hope there is more to come, Lana has my curiosity peeked really high.
November 14, 2019
Intriguing story
Tuper is just a gritty and witty old guy you wish you had for an uncle. He's at it again when his friend gets mowed down with a car and more mysterious details are brought to light about his friend's life. Hints about Lana's past keep you guessing too as she works with Tuper. Great banter and human touches with the characters make the reader feel like old friends.
Tuper is just a gritty and witty old guy you wish you had for an uncle. He's at it again when his friend gets mowed down with a car and more mysterious details are brought to light about his friend's life. Hints about Lana's past keep you guessing too as she works with Tuper. Great banter and human touches with the characters make the reader feel like old friends.
November 16, 2019
Tuper
I love Tuper and lana . They work well together. Tuper has the experience and Lana has the technical knowledge. Together they make the perfect team. Can not wait for book three.
I love Tuper and lana . They work well together. Tuper has the experience and Lana has the technical knowledge. Together they make the perfect team. Can not wait for book three.
December 2, 2019
Good Story
It had me guessing until the end. I love Tuper and Ringo. Lana is chatty but I like her. I'm looking forward to their next adventure and more answers about Lana's past and Tuper's, too!
It had me guessing until the end. I love Tuper and Ringo. Lana is chatty but I like her. I'm looking forward to their next adventure and more answers about Lana's past and Tuper's, too!
November 20, 2019
This is the second book in this series and was a great read. Love learning all about Tuper and friends. I live just up the road from Roy. Looking forward to your next books.
January 5, 2020
Such an interesting mystery! I love when I can't wait to get to the bottom of it. This was an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2019
Love the story
This was a very intriguing and kept coming back to it...would recommend this series for anyone who likes puzzles. Love the author
This was a very intriguing and kept coming back to it...would recommend this series for anyone who likes puzzles. Love the author
February 28, 2024
Tuper and Lana find Frankie
Tuper's friend Squirrely is left for dead by a hit and run driver. Tuper saw the vehicle that hit Squirrely. He goes to the hospital and is worried that his friend isn't going to make it.
He remembered that Squirrely gave him a duffle bag to hold for him. If something ever happened to him, he wanted Tuper to find out what happened to him.
Inside of the bag is a newspaper from 25 years ago. Several thousand dollars and a gun. Lana goes on cyber hunting for clues by looking at the newspaper and looking for anything that might help them find out who is killing Squirrely's friends from high school.
While in high school, they played some pranks and mischief. But one night they got in an accident and two people died and their son was injured. Someone with money had it covered up.
Amber, Squirrely's girlfriend got pregnant and was forced to give up her baby. Squirrely didn't know about it at the time. But Amber already had mental illness and wouldn't have been able to keep the baby.
Their was a Senator and his wife that adopted the baby boy. Patrick Gallagher was one of the boys, and his father was part of the cover-up. Patrick was one also killed by a hit and run driver.
Tuper and Lana follow many leads. Amber has dementia and Bella is from the same town, Roy, Montana. She helps fill in some of the blanks.
This investigation takes through many twists and turns.
Great story of who done it by Teresa Burrell.
She keeps you interested and guessing right to the end.
Tuper's friend Squirrely is left for dead by a hit and run driver. Tuper saw the vehicle that hit Squirrely. He goes to the hospital and is worried that his friend isn't going to make it.
He remembered that Squirrely gave him a duffle bag to hold for him. If something ever happened to him, he wanted Tuper to find out what happened to him.
Inside of the bag is a newspaper from 25 years ago. Several thousand dollars and a gun. Lana goes on cyber hunting for clues by looking at the newspaper and looking for anything that might help them find out who is killing Squirrely's friends from high school.
While in high school, they played some pranks and mischief. But one night they got in an accident and two people died and their son was injured. Someone with money had it covered up.
Amber, Squirrely's girlfriend got pregnant and was forced to give up her baby. Squirrely didn't know about it at the time. But Amber already had mental illness and wouldn't have been able to keep the baby.
Their was a Senator and his wife that adopted the baby boy. Patrick Gallagher was one of the boys, and his father was part of the cover-up. Patrick was one also killed by a hit and run driver.
Tuper and Lana follow many leads. Amber has dementia and Bella is from the same town, Roy, Montana. She helps fill in some of the blanks.
This investigation takes through many twists and turns.
Great story of who done it by Teresa Burrell.
She keeps you interested and guessing right to the end.
March 23, 2026
Poetic Justice
It's an old plot, actually two, knotted together, about very sad things that changed the lives of five teenagers forever. Yet the knots are really hard to untangle. The beauty here is watching what is unknown become known and the knots become unknotted.
I found joy in seeing how much was quietly done to ease the lives of the victims from then through to now. Beautiful! I confess I was also happy to see people intent on harming others face legal, personal, and political consequences.
A lot of mystery books just solve things; Writer Teresa pulls in more of the human context around the mystery than I have seen in other books, including the time after things are solved.
And Aweome White Hat Hacker Lana? I am wondering if there is a way she could digitally take out the one she fears, neutralizing his ability to threaten her.
Content: Clean. No erotica. Murder, but no gore.
Have a good read!
It's an old plot, actually two, knotted together, about very sad things that changed the lives of five teenagers forever. Yet the knots are really hard to untangle. The beauty here is watching what is unknown become known and the knots become unknotted.
I found joy in seeing how much was quietly done to ease the lives of the victims from then through to now. Beautiful! I confess I was also happy to see people intent on harming others face legal, personal, and political consequences.
A lot of mystery books just solve things; Writer Teresa pulls in more of the human context around the mystery than I have seen in other books, including the time after things are solved.
And Aweome White Hat Hacker Lana? I am wondering if there is a way she could digitally take out the one she fears, neutralizing his ability to threaten her.
Content: Clean. No erotica. Murder, but no gore.
Have a good read!
June 7, 2024
Finding Frankie, the second book in Teresa Burrell's Tuper Mystery series, is another engaging story of Tuper and Lana, his helpful computer whiz. I enjoy reading about this investigative duo. Their investigation into a hit-and-run incident leads them to a decades-old mystery. There are lots of leads and twists that keep the reader guessing. Burrell is skilled at weaving a mystery that readers will find a hard time putting down. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. John Bell does a great job narrating the story which makes for an entertaining listening experience.
October 9, 2020
Quite a story
I had the killer figured out early on, but it was interesting to see how Tuper and Lana figured out the rest of the story. It moved a bit slowly at times, with me wanting them to just get on with it.
I had the killer figured out early on, but it was interesting to see how Tuper and Lana figured out the rest of the story. It moved a bit slowly at times, with me wanting them to just get on with it.
August 24, 2025
Found me some new favs! I read books #1 and #2, each in one day (thankfully my days off!). I got the first book free and I rarely buy the 2nd in a series, but I did! And I'm going to go buy #3! Even if I have to work tomorrow!
September 20, 2025
Who is Frankie, where is he??
Another blockbuster hit by Burrell! This one keeps the reader totally engrossed in the situation and the surprises keep coming. I had a difficult time putting it aside for any length of time. Excellent.
Another blockbuster hit by Burrell! This one keeps the reader totally engrossed in the situation and the surprises keep coming. I had a difficult time putting it aside for any length of time. Excellent.
March 21, 2026
Another great read.
How do you do it? One great read after another that holds your interest through the whole book! And your endings are perfection that keeps you wanting more. I’m on to the next book now. Thank you so very much.
How do you do it? One great read after another that holds your interest through the whole book! And your endings are perfection that keeps you wanting more. I’m on to the next book now. Thank you so very much.
June 28, 2021
I did work out what was going on but this was a thoroughly good read.
July 18, 2025
love Tuber
This is the second book I’ve read try’s to find justice for victims. Now I’m on to the next book- we could use more people like Tuber.
This is the second book I’ve read try’s to find justice for victims. Now I’m on to the next book- we could use more people like Tuber.
July 27, 2025
I enjoy all of Teresa Burrell books. Her books keep your attention and are "on the edge of your seat"
interesting.
interesting.
August 29, 2025
A very exciting book!
As usual Teresa Burrell gives a yet another exciting story of Tuper and Lana. The plot thickens and you don't see the end coming.
As usual Teresa Burrell gives a yet another exciting story of Tuper and Lana. The plot thickens and you don't see the end coming.
December 16, 2025
loved thief
Loved this story. Lana and Tup have an interesting relationship. Always sorry to see their adventures end. Fast and enjoyable read.
Loved this story. Lana and Tup have an interesting relationship. Always sorry to see their adventures end. Fast and enjoyable read.
November 18, 2019
Good old fashioned mystery
Finding Frankie Is a continuing saga involving Tuper, also known as “Pops”, and Lana, also known as Agony, who is his sometimes assistant and is quite skilled at hacking computers. Tuper has been doing detective work for most of his 80 plus years, Lana who is much younger, for less than a year. Yet this unlikely couple pairs up their skills to solve several whodunnits. Unfortunately I do not like their nicknames for each other and find them belittling and distracting; however, I am hooked into wanting to know what will happen to Lana whose mysterious past frightens her. So I am looking forward to A Tuper Mystery Book 3.
Finding Frankie Is a continuing saga involving Tuper, also known as “Pops”, and Lana, also known as Agony, who is his sometimes assistant and is quite skilled at hacking computers. Tuper has been doing detective work for most of his 80 plus years, Lana who is much younger, for less than a year. Yet this unlikely couple pairs up their skills to solve several whodunnits. Unfortunately I do not like their nicknames for each other and find them belittling and distracting; however, I am hooked into wanting to know what will happen to Lana whose mysterious past frightens her. So I am looking forward to A Tuper Mystery Book 3.
November 25, 2019
Teresa Burrell has done it again with her second Tuper mystery. When an unknown person runs down Tupers best friend Squirrely Tuper will stop at nothing to find out who did it and why. With the help of Lana, a very talented computer hacker, they slowly uncover a fifty year old mystery.
Like all her books Teresa spins a tale that holds you from the beginning to the end and leaves you exhausted and thoroughly satisfied. Finding Frankie is no different with plenty of twist and turns. I did figure it out but only a few pages before Lana did. I read this in one day because I just couldn't walk away from it.
Give this series and The Advocate series a try. You won't be disappointed.
Like all her books Teresa spins a tale that holds you from the beginning to the end and leaves you exhausted and thoroughly satisfied. Finding Frankie is no different with plenty of twist and turns. I did figure it out but only a few pages before Lana did. I read this in one day because I just couldn't walk away from it.
Give this series and The Advocate series a try. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews