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Jessica Ramirez #1
Chasing Vega
When a meth bust goes bad, Detective Jessica Ramirez and her partner, Officer Alexandra Clark, find themselves in pursuit of a serial killer who dispatches her own form of street justice from the rim of the Grand Canyon. They soon discover that the danger their adversary poses reaches well beyond Arizona and into the very heart of the New York City Financial District.
Filled with 21st century crimes and non-stop action, Terry Shepherd’s first detective thriller features a diverse ensemble cast of strong smart women and the men who try to keep up with them.
Jess and her partner, Officer Alexandra Clark, grab you from page one, and don’t let you go until the last plot twist is finally revealed.
Chasing Vega is a heart pounding roller coaster ride that will make you want to return to Jess and Allie’s world again and again.
Filled with 21st century crimes and non-stop action, Terry Shepherd’s first detective thriller features a diverse ensemble cast of strong smart women and the men who try to keep up with them.
Jess and her partner, Officer Alexandra Clark, grab you from page one, and don’t let you go until the last plot twist is finally revealed.
Chasing Vega is a heart pounding roller coaster ride that will make you want to return to Jess and Allie’s world again and again.
- GenresThriller
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
10 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing Vega was an excellent read. It had a bit of everything in it. A badass main character, Jessica Ramirez, a tight-knit family, a realistic antagonist, twists & turns galore, and even a bit of romance. I loved the relationship that Jessica had with her partner, Alexandra, and with her family. There was enough suspense that I kept turning the pages well into the night – I kept saying “just one more chapter”. There were some elements of the story that kept me guessing until the very end, which I always appreciate in a book. Fans of crime/detective fiction or thrillers will love this book. I look forward to reading more by author Terry Shepherd
Chasing Vega was an excellent read. It had a bit of everything in it. A badass main character, Jessica Ramirez, a tight-knit family, a realistic antagonist, twists & turns galore, and even a bit of romance. I loved the relationship that Jessica had with her partner, Alexandra, and with her family. There was enough suspense that I kept turning the pages well into the night – I kept saying “just one more chapter”. There were some elements of the story that kept me guessing until the very end, which I always appreciate in a book. Fans of crime/detective fiction or thrillers will love this book. I look forward to reading more by author Terry Shepherd
December 7, 2020
I can't say enough good things about the character development in this book. Jessica is smart, sassy, dedicated, courageous, kind and solid. Mystery lovers should read this; you won't be disappointed.
December 6, 2020
One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. Jessica Ramirez is definitely a keeper, she’s badass and has a great support system! Part of a series or great as a stand-alone!
December 19, 2020
I love this series!
June 10, 2020
This is a wonderful thriller - Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I personally felt the author did an excellent job of writing his characters especially Jessica and her partner. I finished the book in three days, and that's say a lot about it. I really liked the prologue in the beginning of the novel as much, not many books use that and it was refreshing to see something unfamiliar. It adds onto the story and never takes away from it. I highly recommend it to readers who are interested in plot driven books that keep you on your toes.
August 20, 2021
The Review
This was an edge-of-your-seat thriller! The author did an amazing job of slowly elevating the tension and the drama of the narrative, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere of the novel. The vivid imagery of the novel’s settings did a fantastic job of highlighting the powerful writing and almost cinematic quality of the author’s writing style.
Yet it was the character development that really stole the show. The protagonist and titular star of this novel, Jessica Ramierez, was a brilliant new action and policy-driven hero, bringing a strong, Latina detective into a high-stakes hunt for a serial killer. The character’s complex family life and steely determination to face off against the sexism and misogynism within the police department was incredible to see, as was the relationships she built with colleagues and friends along the way. The personal stakes that pulled her into this case and the powerful conclusion to her chase with this complicated killer will leave fans eagerly wanting more stories from this author.
The Verdict
A remarkable, action-packed, and engaging thriller, author Terry Sheppard’s “Chasing Vega” is a marvelous start to the Jessica Ramirez series. A must-read thriller, the author expertly balances character growth and atmospheric storytelling that will keep fans invested all the way into the climatic finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
This was an edge-of-your-seat thriller! The author did an amazing job of slowly elevating the tension and the drama of the narrative, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere of the novel. The vivid imagery of the novel’s settings did a fantastic job of highlighting the powerful writing and almost cinematic quality of the author’s writing style.
Yet it was the character development that really stole the show. The protagonist and titular star of this novel, Jessica Ramierez, was a brilliant new action and policy-driven hero, bringing a strong, Latina detective into a high-stakes hunt for a serial killer. The character’s complex family life and steely determination to face off against the sexism and misogynism within the police department was incredible to see, as was the relationships she built with colleagues and friends along the way. The personal stakes that pulled her into this case and the powerful conclusion to her chase with this complicated killer will leave fans eagerly wanting more stories from this author.
The Verdict
A remarkable, action-packed, and engaging thriller, author Terry Sheppard’s “Chasing Vega” is a marvelous start to the Jessica Ramirez series. A must-read thriller, the author expertly balances character growth and atmospheric storytelling that will keep fans invested all the way into the climatic finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
January 4, 2021
Firstly, a huge thank you to Terry Shepherd for sending me a signed copy of Chasing Vega all the way from Florida, which I will treasure forever. Secondly, I loved this book!
I read mostly books set in the UK, so it was really interesting reading a thriller set in the US, whisking me away to places I've never been. I especially loved the scenes at the Grand Canyon... so dramatic! The thing that stood out the most to me was the character development. Jessica and Alexandra are smart, sassy and brave women, who give as good as they get. I have a fondness for books featuring LGBT characters and this one does not disappoint.
This exciting, clever thriller is full of non-stop explosive action that I could envisage in my head like a film. In between the action, Terry has added splashes of emotion in the characters' backstories and relationships with each other, and their families. There's even a healthy dose of romance. It really has it all.
It's clear that Chasing Vega was thoroughly researched and meticulously plotted, with twists and turns aplenty. The short, snappy chapters that switch between different characters' perspectives is enough to keep you turning the pages into the night like a maniac.
I can't wait to see what Jessica and Alexandra get up to in future books!
I read mostly books set in the UK, so it was really interesting reading a thriller set in the US, whisking me away to places I've never been. I especially loved the scenes at the Grand Canyon... so dramatic! The thing that stood out the most to me was the character development. Jessica and Alexandra are smart, sassy and brave women, who give as good as they get. I have a fondness for books featuring LGBT characters and this one does not disappoint.
This exciting, clever thriller is full of non-stop explosive action that I could envisage in my head like a film. In between the action, Terry has added splashes of emotion in the characters' backstories and relationships with each other, and their families. There's even a healthy dose of romance. It really has it all.
It's clear that Chasing Vega was thoroughly researched and meticulously plotted, with twists and turns aplenty. The short, snappy chapters that switch between different characters' perspectives is enough to keep you turning the pages into the night like a maniac.
I can't wait to see what Jessica and Alexandra get up to in future books!
March 3, 2023
Buckle up for a wild ride! Jess Ramirez (JRam to her fellow cops) gets suspended for 30 days due to an incident where she her bravery saves the day but gets her hurt and almost killed. So how does she spend her "vacation"? She goes out to Arizona and into the middle of a serial killer/cyber terrorist investigation.
The author creates several memorable characters, the best of which is Detective Ramirez, and he turns up the heat with extremely fast pacing. In addition, he adds a very healthy dollop of procedural and technical expertise as he spins this exciting yarn, providing the reader with a crash course in debilitating poisons, cyber security, and other interesting topics.
The author creates several memorable characters, the best of which is Detective Ramirez, and he turns up the heat with extremely fast pacing. In addition, he adds a very healthy dollop of procedural and technical expertise as he spins this exciting yarn, providing the reader with a crash course in debilitating poisons, cyber security, and other interesting topics.
December 18, 2022
If you enjoy crime novels with a kick-ass female detective as the main character, look no further. This is your book and Jessica Ramirez is your woman!
This action packed crime thriller introduces you to Dective Ramirez. Ramirez and her partner are suspended due to how a take down went. They go to get some R&R at Ramirez's uncle's place in Arizona. Only to get pulled in to help catch a murderer and stop terrorists attack.
This action packed crime thriller introduces you to Dective Ramirez. Ramirez and her partner are suspended due to how a take down went. They go to get some R&R at Ramirez's uncle's place in Arizona. Only to get pulled in to help catch a murderer and stop terrorists attack.
December 8, 2020
Series openers that will grab your attention immediately. For this being a series opener, the book has it all - good characters you want to follow, a backstory you want to continue ... along with hair raising adventures with bad guys you can’t help but love to hate. Start with this novel and you will definitely want to follow Jessica for the distance.
February 23, 2022
I had trouble getting into the book as it introduces many characters in a short time. But that all straightened out as the book continued. There are some other issues such as the FBI taking over the investigation (they don't do that) to some strange editing and formatting choices. I did figure out the mystery in the book. But overall, a quick, great read.
October 30, 2020
Great read. The book moves along. Love the diverse characters.
December 7, 2020
Jessica Ramirez is a great cop with awesome instincts, and a personal code to serve justice. I couldn’t put CHASING VEGA down!
January 29, 2021
Great book. Really felt the characters. Can't wait to see how Jessica's character is expanded in further books.
March 4, 2021
This book is a 10/10. Jessica Ramirez is a well rounded character who I adore. What an action-packed read!
May 10, 2023
Chasing Vega is a fast paced thriller that I didn't want to put down. Terry Shepherd does a masterful job of crafting his characters.
October 6, 2023
Jess Ramirez and her partner Alexandra are my new favorite detective team. Prepare to hold onto your chair with this action packed thriller. Fantastic!
December 10, 2020
Since reading Chasing Vega, by Terry Shepherd, I find myself constantly thinking about Detective Jessica Ramirez, the tough-as-nails protagonist who has a soft-side that makes her character real. Chasing Cody is the perfect follow-up read for someone wanting to get a quick escape with all the fixings of a full-blown novel. Shepherd's spot-on descriptions and thrilling twists are a full meal of fabulous fiction. I'm anxious to see what else Shepherd brings to the writing table. -Kate Anslinger, Author of the McKenna Mystery Series
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews