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Harry Starke: The Genesis Files
Three riveting crime stories you’ll not be able to put down.It all began one dark, rainy night in Genesis. Harry Starke had quit the police force only a couple of weeks earlier and was driving a lonely road when he encountered a young girl soaked to the skin and frightened. He picked her up, took her to safety and turned her loose. Ten minutes later she was abducted. Starke vowed to find and so embarked on an investigation that would launch a new career.In The Raven, no one could figure out exactly why Sandra McDowell had to die… except for the Raven, an aging Russian hitman twenty years on death row with only days left to live. Thus begins a mind-bending mystery thriller, a twister of a tale that will keep you up late into the night.
Finally, in The Assassin all Tommy Biscotti wanted was a few pills. What he got was a bullet in the back. Hammerhead, Tommy’s source, got two in the head. Jake Burke, Hammerhead’s sidekick, got his brains blown out. Pretty standard stuff for the low lives of the underworld… But what did it all have to do with Senator Andrew Hawke’s run for governor? Can Harry find out before Hawke is cut down by an unknown assassin?
Find out. Buy now.
Finally, in The Assassin all Tommy Biscotti wanted was a few pills. What he got was a bullet in the back. Hammerhead, Tommy’s source, got two in the head. Jake Burke, Hammerhead’s sidekick, got his brains blown out. Pretty standard stuff for the low lives of the underworld… But what did it all have to do with Senator Andrew Hawke’s run for governor? Can Harry find out before Hawke is cut down by an unknown assassin?
Find out. Buy now.
646 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2020
147 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
289 books344 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 9, 2020
Five stars for each individually and five stars for all collectively! Harry Starke is a former Chattanooga Homicide Sergeant who has become a PI. The first novel, Genesis, tells the story of how he accomplished this, put together his team and solved his first case. The second, The Raven, tells the tale of his second case, the murder of a Judge’s wife. The final book, The Assassin, follows through with Harry being bored by the mundane jobs most PI’s get and taking on a case where a young man is found murdered in a bad area of Chattanooga. Of course it leads to complications galore and lots of plot twists. This is a series I would recommend to any reader who enjoys this genre. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
The first 3 Harry Starke books that once started, you really cannot put the books down until the ending!
GENESIS. (Genesis Book 1)
This is the first Harry Starke book and introduces you Harry Starke who left his job with the police and starts up his new PI business. The storyline is about Harry setting up his PI Company after leaving the police force driving on a wet and windy night driving to an illegal card game Card game with his best friend Ronnie at The Sorbonne” On route he has a near miss with a young twenty-one year old girl called Phoebe and gives her a lift to his destination. Phoebe stays and joins in but halfway through the game she disappears after being taken by shady looking guy who was previously in the bar. It then turns out Phoebe is the daughter of Frank Marsh a guy who had just been sent to prison. Harry follows the leads behind the kidnapping but every time he either comes close to a lead everyone just clams up and warns Harry off. Not being Harry’s style as Harry likes a challenge he goes out to prove people wrong and find out the truth. With so many twists and turns and with men called Shady, another called Jojo James and a Duckie Eider who all are somehow involved this is an intriguing story where you need all your wits and skills to survive.
THE RAVEN. (Genesis Book 2)
The second book “The Raven” follows on and is about a brutal murder of what see’s to be a loving perfect wife Sandra McDowell. Harry Starke a newly formed private investigator come x-detective is asked to look into the murder by his father on behalf of his friend and husband to the murdered wife Sandra. Clues come thick and fast but things do not fall into place that easily and the main clue being an aging Russian Mafia hit man on death row as his wife was left murdered with a “V” signature sign made out of her blood is left at the crime scene. Harry puts his life on the line as well as his reputation to get the answers he needs as he follows the clues and to find the truth.
THE ASSASSIN. (Genesis Book 3)
This third thriller book is simply brilliant the and the Harry Starke stories just get better and better!. I simply loved this book which was not only brilliantly written, easy to read but it just was so riveting and had continuous twists and turns with never knowing who you could trust! “The ending is a blockbuster too!”
The Assassin starts with a druggie being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being slain in cold blood. This soon turns to what seems to be linked or associated to the assassin of a senator visiting the area. Harry Starke and his PI team (Bob Ryan, Tim & Ronnie Casey and Jacque) alongside with his girlfriend and partner detective Kate Gazzara working for the police department start investigations but soon get tied down with involvement from an Agent Casey Wy and her team who works for TSA (Tipton Security Agency) a contractor to the NSA .All parties then have to work closely together to protect the senator Hawke and his wife against Albert Westwood alias “Nero” an assassin who is an ex SAS, British Special Forces Air Service marksman turned contract killer. Also in the mix is the senator’s protector Roger Brooke and someone and some things are just not sitting right putting but who and why and who can be trusted? Harry in order to get the answers and find the truth needs to follow all the clues very, very carefully.
Once again it is set mainly around Chattanooga with all the other usual folk and not for the first time Harry puts not just his life but the lives of his team in jeopardy and to what must be one hell of an ending that you just can’t stop until you get to the ending. So enjoyable, so well written and such a convincing story as always from Blair. Once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending!
All three books are well written are lots of fun and thrills. All packed with twists and turns make this a very light-hearted fun book to read and once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending! I would recommend you to read all three.
GENESIS. (Genesis Book 1)
This is the first Harry Starke book and introduces you Harry Starke who left his job with the police and starts up his new PI business. The storyline is about Harry setting up his PI Company after leaving the police force driving on a wet and windy night driving to an illegal card game Card game with his best friend Ronnie at The Sorbonne” On route he has a near miss with a young twenty-one year old girl called Phoebe and gives her a lift to his destination. Phoebe stays and joins in but halfway through the game she disappears after being taken by shady looking guy who was previously in the bar. It then turns out Phoebe is the daughter of Frank Marsh a guy who had just been sent to prison. Harry follows the leads behind the kidnapping but every time he either comes close to a lead everyone just clams up and warns Harry off. Not being Harry’s style as Harry likes a challenge he goes out to prove people wrong and find out the truth. With so many twists and turns and with men called Shady, another called Jojo James and a Duckie Eider who all are somehow involved this is an intriguing story where you need all your wits and skills to survive.
THE RAVEN. (Genesis Book 2)
The second book “The Raven” follows on and is about a brutal murder of what see’s to be a loving perfect wife Sandra McDowell. Harry Starke a newly formed private investigator come x-detective is asked to look into the murder by his father on behalf of his friend and husband to the murdered wife Sandra. Clues come thick and fast but things do not fall into place that easily and the main clue being an aging Russian Mafia hit man on death row as his wife was left murdered with a “V” signature sign made out of her blood is left at the crime scene. Harry puts his life on the line as well as his reputation to get the answers he needs as he follows the clues and to find the truth.
THE ASSASSIN. (Genesis Book 3)
This third thriller book is simply brilliant the and the Harry Starke stories just get better and better!. I simply loved this book which was not only brilliantly written, easy to read but it just was so riveting and had continuous twists and turns with never knowing who you could trust! “The ending is a blockbuster too!”
The Assassin starts with a druggie being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being slain in cold blood. This soon turns to what seems to be linked or associated to the assassin of a senator visiting the area. Harry Starke and his PI team (Bob Ryan, Tim & Ronnie Casey and Jacque) alongside with his girlfriend and partner detective Kate Gazzara working for the police department start investigations but soon get tied down with involvement from an Agent Casey Wy and her team who works for TSA (Tipton Security Agency) a contractor to the NSA .All parties then have to work closely together to protect the senator Hawke and his wife against Albert Westwood alias “Nero” an assassin who is an ex SAS, British Special Forces Air Service marksman turned contract killer. Also in the mix is the senator’s protector Roger Brooke and someone and some things are just not sitting right putting but who and why and who can be trusted? Harry in order to get the answers and find the truth needs to follow all the clues very, very carefully.
Once again it is set mainly around Chattanooga with all the other usual folk and not for the first time Harry puts not just his life but the lives of his team in jeopardy and to what must be one hell of an ending that you just can’t stop until you get to the ending. So enjoyable, so well written and such a convincing story as always from Blair. Once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending!
All three books are well written are lots of fun and thrills. All packed with twists and turns make this a very light-hearted fun book to read and once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending! I would recommend you to read all three.
June 18, 2020
Genesis
A detective who has finally had enough of the crap from his job and superiors quits and starts thinking about coming a PI. A chance encounter with a young girl who is kidnapped right in front of him takes him on his adventure without being a cop. With the help of his old partner (and current love interest) and friends he soon finds the path is a muddy one. Trying to get his business started, work on a case and keep himself together makes this first book in the series a fun and great place to start. An awesome cast of characters, non stop action and an extremely well written story line will keep you begging for more.
The Raven
An ex cop turned PI takes on a wealthy woman’s murder. His cop girlfriend also gets involved as well as his team. This was a lot of fun to read and extremely enjoyable. Great cast of characters, non stop action with an awesome story line makes this hard to put down. Highly recommend.
The Assassin
Once again Lt. Kate and Harry Starke get involved in another murder conspiracy. A deadly sniper, a sketchy security company and a politician tend to make strange bedfellows. This is a lot of fun to read and terribly hard to put down. Expect at least one or more nights of less than 8 hours of sleep. An amazing cast of characters, lots of action and a very well written story will keep you hanging on for more and more !
A detective who has finally had enough of the crap from his job and superiors quits and starts thinking about coming a PI. A chance encounter with a young girl who is kidnapped right in front of him takes him on his adventure without being a cop. With the help of his old partner (and current love interest) and friends he soon finds the path is a muddy one. Trying to get his business started, work on a case and keep himself together makes this first book in the series a fun and great place to start. An awesome cast of characters, non stop action and an extremely well written story line will keep you begging for more.
The Raven
An ex cop turned PI takes on a wealthy woman’s murder. His cop girlfriend also gets involved as well as his team. This was a lot of fun to read and extremely enjoyable. Great cast of characters, non stop action with an awesome story line makes this hard to put down. Highly recommend.
The Assassin
Once again Lt. Kate and Harry Starke get involved in another murder conspiracy. A deadly sniper, a sketchy security company and a politician tend to make strange bedfellows. This is a lot of fun to read and terribly hard to put down. Expect at least one or more nights of less than 8 hours of sleep. An amazing cast of characters, lots of action and a very well written story will keep you hanging on for more and more !
October 9, 2021
Genesis Harry Starke Genesis, Book 1, my fifteenth read from author Blair Howard and the first in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction I look forward to the next book in this series The Raven: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 2.
The Raven: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 2, my fifteenth read from author Blair Howard and the second in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series The Assassin: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 3.
The Assassin (Harry Starke Genesis #3), my seventeenth read from author Blair Howard and the third in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction I was given an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Narrator Tom Lennon's narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to the next book in this series The Lolita Conspiracy: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 4. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
The Raven: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 2, my fifteenth read from author Blair Howard and the second in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series The Assassin: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 3.
The Assassin (Harry Starke Genesis #3), my seventeenth read from author Blair Howard and the third in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction I was given an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Narrator Tom Lennon's narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to the next book in this series The Lolita Conspiracy: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 4. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 7, 2020
This series takes us back to the beginning of when Harry decided to become a PI. In Genesis, we follow Harry through his first case after leaving the police force and how he met and hired his staff.
In The Raven, a judge's wife (who is also a school board member) is killed, there's a Russian assassin who was put away by her husband, and then there's the mysterious Mary Turner who has some unknown connection to the judge. We also find out how Harry first met and then hired Bob Ryan. This story will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. And we're left with a mysterious twist.
In The Assassin, there were a lot of twists and turns, and you are left guessing who are the good guys vs bad guys until the end. And of course, who is behind the assassination attempt and why? This is a must read.
In The Raven, a judge's wife (who is also a school board member) is killed, there's a Russian assassin who was put away by her husband, and then there's the mysterious Mary Turner who has some unknown connection to the judge. We also find out how Harry first met and then hired Bob Ryan. This story will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. And we're left with a mysterious twist.
In The Assassin, there were a lot of twists and turns, and you are left guessing who are the good guys vs bad guys until the end. And of course, who is behind the assassination attempt and why? This is a must read.
June 24, 2020
The Harry Starke series is a great private investigator thriller series, this box set is a series of prequels detailing Harry's early days when he leaves the police force and sets himself up as a PI. consisting of 'Genesis' where he picks up a young woman only for her to kidnapped shortly afterwards; the second book is 'The Raven' named after an elderly hitman on death row, this is a great mystery/thriller read and finally there is 'The Assassin' which is a story with so many twists and turns that the reader is never quite sure who to believe (apart from Harry of course) and who is on who's side.
A great trio of exciting thrillers which will keep the reader guessing and enthralled from the first page to the last.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
A great trio of exciting thrillers which will keep the reader guessing and enthralled from the first page to the last.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
June 8, 2020
The Genesis Files. Not quite a prequel to the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara series, but kind of. In the Genesis Files you get to go back and see where it all began. Great background information on Harry and his entire crew, including the lovely Kate. Great stories with lots of action, colorful characters and descriptions that let you see the scenes as you are reading them. As always, there is enough back information on characters that you've seen before to not be lost. As an ARC reader for author Blair Howard I have been able to read his books before they go out to the general public, this is in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 8, 2020
I would like a sneak peek inside Mr. Howard's head as he writes his novels. Just as I think I have one figured out, he throws me a curveball. I read the novels in this box set one right after another and I am so glad I did. I had a better understanding of all the characters in the Harry Stark and Lt. Gazarra books now. My favorite of these three was Raven. I think it was the famous author's twist at the ending that I liked so well. I would never have seen that one coming. I will continue my quest to read all of his work. I highly recommend this box set.
June 22, 2020
This collection of the first three books about the origins of the Harry Starke detective agency is a must read. It introduces the staff and how they came to join, and what each one brings to the agency.
The best thing among many 'best things' is that you get the first three novels in one, so you can binge read to your heart's content. No need to wait for the next one to go on sale, it's already right there, ready to read.
I had already read all three novels, but it was so good to revisit them in one go, enjoying the plots as they develop, the characters growing.
The best thing among many 'best things' is that you get the first three novels in one, so you can binge read to your heart's content. No need to wait for the next one to go on sale, it's already right there, ready to read.
I had already read all three novels, but it was so good to revisit them in one go, enjoying the plots as they develop, the characters growing.
July 2, 2020
Genesis - A great introduction to how Harry, while searching for a kidnapped girl, sets up in business to become a PI, hiring a team in unusual circumstances. An interesting concept containing murder, mystery and suspense. A great start to the series.
Raven - Well written, fast paced with plenty of action. Lots of thought gone into the storyline, keeps you on edge. Excellent thriller.
The assassin-Another excellent Harry Starke adventure. A good theme, well written with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Overall an exellent box set of individual cases. Well recommended.
Raven - Well written, fast paced with plenty of action. Lots of thought gone into the storyline, keeps you on edge. Excellent thriller.
The assassin-Another excellent Harry Starke adventure. A good theme, well written with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Overall an exellent box set of individual cases. Well recommended.
June 7, 2020
Three awesome, hard hitting books, in one great big, action packed bundle!
Meet Harry Starke, and some key drama to his story.
He has a strong sense of loyalty, a drive to do what he thinks is right, a willingness to call on what resources he might father to get there.
This lovely, flawed guy is cut to the core, again and again by the darkness and betrayals of others.
A great meal of Harry Starke action !
Meet Harry Starke, and some key drama to his story.
He has a strong sense of loyalty, a drive to do what he thinks is right, a willingness to call on what resources he might father to get there.
This lovely, flawed guy is cut to the core, again and again by the darkness and betrayals of others.
A great meal of Harry Starke action !
June 21, 2020
This is a great read!! The very first chapter had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
There’s no illicit sex or gritty violence. Thank you so much for that! These are fun books and I loved reading the rest of the series!!
From start to finish these three books will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t be able to put the books down!! I love this series!! So many twists and turns, so easy to get wrapped up in the storyline. I love Harry and Kate!!
There’s no illicit sex or gritty violence. Thank you so much for that! These are fun books and I loved reading the rest of the series!!
From start to finish these three books will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t be able to put the books down!! I love this series!! So many twists and turns, so easy to get wrapped up in the storyline. I love Harry and Kate!!
June 22, 2020
First 3 HARRY Starks Books
Genesis is the first of these books and it starts after Harry left his job with the police department to start his own PI business.
on the way to the Sorbonne club one night yo play cards Harry comes across a girl called Phoebe who he gives a lift to. The girl disappears from the club and this is the start of his first case.
The other 2 in the collection are just as hood as the first and this I'd a great collection of books. I highly recommend these books
Denise
Genesis is the first of these books and it starts after Harry left his job with the police department to start his own PI business.
on the way to the Sorbonne club one night yo play cards Harry comes across a girl called Phoebe who he gives a lift to. The girl disappears from the club and this is the start of his first case.
The other 2 in the collection are just as hood as the first and this I'd a great collection of books. I highly recommend these books
Denise
July 4, 2020
Once you start you can't stop. Blair Howard sucks you in right at the beginning.
The story begins at the very beginning of Harry's PI career. You then see the characters develop as you move through the next 2 books. There is a good balance in writing about his personal life and his professional life, and also how the two intertwine. There are twists and turns you don't expect throughout. Each book is a real page turner. I can't wait to read more of Harry's adventures.
The story begins at the very beginning of Harry's PI career. You then see the characters develop as you move through the next 2 books. There is a good balance in writing about his personal life and his professional life, and also how the two intertwine. There are twists and turns you don't expect throughout. Each book is a real page turner. I can't wait to read more of Harry's adventures.
June 25, 2020
There are 3 books in this set and they introduce you to all the characters. You are definitely along for the ride and you need to hold on. Harry is a private investigator, and a former cop. Cases just seem to find him and he has a great team backing him up. There are many twists and it will keep you guessing. There is a lot of action so strap in and get busy reading these!
October 26, 2021
Harry at his best
What can I say but this is Harry at his best. I love reading anything about Harry Stark and reading about his earlier jobs in his new career as a private investigator was very delightful. It tells more about his relationship with Kate. I look forward to the next book.
What can I say but this is Harry at his best. I love reading anything about Harry Stark and reading about his earlier jobs in his new career as a private investigator was very delightful. It tells more about his relationship with Kate. I look forward to the next book.
June 21, 2020
This well-written Collection is engaging with defined main characters, has the story on how Harry's team is formed, as well as action, suspense and twists. This PI series is a delight. I loved this set. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 31, 2020
Great prequel series to the original Harry Starke stories. It's been great reading how Harry transitioned from being a detective with the Chattanooga P.D in to a P.I. As always, great writing from Blair and this series has spawned it's own prequel in the Peacemaker following the character Nero.
May 21, 2021
Oh Harry
This is an excellent book. As is usual for Blair its got it all, anyone who wants a great book with intriguing story, funny , serious and just an attention grabbing book this is the one for You.
This is an excellent book. As is usual for Blair its got it all, anyone who wants a great book with intriguing story, funny , serious and just an attention grabbing book this is the one for You.
September 15, 2022
Harry is A ex-cop who decides to become a PI, not because of the money, since he is Extremely Wealthy. Then he stumbles on a young IT Tech who is a genius Hacker to get him his information (Usually Illegally). Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and Storyline.
June 7, 2020
These are old style detective novels with great characters, stories and plots, along with plenty of action in books that aren't too long. Perfect entertainment.
June 7, 2020
To see where Harry started and then went from strength to strength building his team along the way. Cracking boxset. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2020
Excellent reading. Can't wait to read more Harry Starke stories.
March 1, 2021
Please see individual stories for review.
July 23, 2021
A new Marlowe in the making.
Plot never easy to guess, plenty of action and Harry has to use brains as well as brawn to get there.
Plot never easy to guess, plenty of action and Harry has to use brains as well as brawn to get there.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews