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Saffron was the first. T.J. Bron found her naked body lying beside a dumpster at the rear of the Sorbonne. Four weeks later, a teenage couple looking for a quiet spot to get it together find a second victim. The bodies continue to pile up. The killer's clever. Clues are scarce. Lieutenant Kate Gazzara is baffled. What few clues there are make little sense and generate more questions than answers. Can she figure it out and stop a sadistic killer's reign of terror? Find out.

©2018 Blair Howard (P)2018 Blair Howard

Audible Audio

Published June 26, 2018

308 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Blair Howard

289 books344 followers
Blair 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.

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28 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2018
Liked reading this novel.

Author created strong female character Kate. Serial killer isn't leaving behind much evidence. Her partner cannot take it anymore and he decided to quit, she is out there without any support, also sexual harassment is putting her job in jeopardy. Good story.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,287 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2022
This is a good murder mystery with a little humor thrown in. Kate is a strong female lead and detective who even has a great way to handle workplace sexual harassment. Characters were well developed as was the story line. It even showed that some detectives can burn out from the cases they handle. Good all around story.
137 reviews
March 6, 2018
SAFFRON by Blair Howard is a great police procedural about a murder in Chattanooga, Tennessee and surrounding area that builds into a group of murders with very few leads and the investigative police team led by Lt. Kate Gazzara, who work at taking this killer off the streets. I love the inside view this story allows a reader of how a good homicide police officer works doggedly, determinedly, with little sleep on a consistent basis, and the connections she has with many other people in her life, even a bad relationship with an administrative superior to which there is a well-thought outcome. Smart. Appealing. Real. I enjoyed this woman and this particular book she features in a lot. Mr. Howard has a great writing style, is easy to read, and creates an interesting story.
223 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2018
This is the second book in the Kate Gazzara New Series by Blair Howard, and it doesn't disappoint. Kate has moved on serval years since her long time partner and friend Harry Starke left the police force to set up his own business. She has built on everything she learnt from Harry and become an exceptional detective with an instinct bettered by none. She is called out to a crime scene where a young women was found naked in a refuse sack next to a dumpster. Little did she now then that the case would escalate into multiple deaths across several counties. As you read this well written book you can feel the frustration Kate's feeling as the cases drag on. Not only did she have to contend with this her partner leaving the force, she was also experiencing sexual harassment from within the department. Kate never falters and works hard to try and solve the murders.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2018
Blair Howard is back with his 2nd Lt. Kate Gazzara novel. Tough and gritty, Lt. Gazzara has her hands full with a serial killer. As is his usual style, this novel is full of great description and larger than life characters. In between trying to solve what's she's found to be a Serial Killer, multiple personnel changes, and sexual harassment in the work place, Blair brings the story to life with enough action to keep you turning the pages right up to the end. As an ARC reader for Blair Howard, I am please to give this, my honest review of his work. I would recommend the Kate Gazzara novels to anyone that enjoys a good crime story.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 17, 2021
🎁 Part of the Lt. Kate Gazzara Series Boxed Set (Books 1 - 3) which is FREE on Amazon today (4/17/2021)! 🎁
7,766 reviews50 followers
April 17, 2021
He was now a beggar, wet,miserable and hungry, a knife, an it would be over, or the dumpster. Yield nothing, a few minutes to shut his eyes, awaking to finding himself staring at eyeballs. Kate and her partner called out. interviewing T J, a war hero, but now he looks so lost, and hopelessness. What happened, he had it all, she asked. I know someone who could help. He wants nothing, if he hadn’t found the body, he would of been the body they found. So begins the case for Kate, what a ride we are in for, the pieces don’t want to come, a gut thought, and there has been more female bodies in surrounding areas. The man power, and days, add up. Kate is good, right to the end, we are taken, till it has a closer. When will the next one be out. The plot was tight with tension, you got to know the crew , readers will not be disappointed. Blair Howard has another winning series
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
June 5, 2018
T.J. Bron (decorated ex-Vietnam vet, field medic) found a female naked body by the dumpster on Prospect St.
A car came screeching by at high speed & almost ended his life.
Benny Hinkle was yelling at him to get the hell outta there.
Benny saw the body also & called the cops.
Sergeant Lonnie Guest (Kate’s partner, homicide) was already at the crime scene.
Sorbonne bar. Lieutenant Kate Gazzara (homicide), Doc “Yoda” Sheddon (Hamilton County ME), &
Lieutenant Mike Willis (CSI head) arrived soon.
Forensic Center (Amnicola St.). Carol Oats (Yoda’s asst., forensic anthropologist) & Doc Sheddon were getting ready to examine Jane Doe (aka Saffron).
Chief Johnston assigned Detective Jack Frost (Vice) & Detective John “Dick” Tracy (Vice) to the murder case also.
Belle Edmondson U (Signal Mt.). Deputy Simpson met us there.
Detective Frost, Detective Tracy, Sergeant Guest, & Lieutenant Gazzara went to interview Ms. Locke.
She knew the murdered victim; Saffron Brooks (Belle Edmondson U, Sr. communications major, nympho).

Jennifer “J.J.” James (Saffron’s roommate/BFF, Communication), Heather Colson, & Georgia Hofstadter were on the top priority list.
Saffron’s Honda was found at Walmart (Gunbarrel Rd.).
Detective Ron Akers & Detective Gene Flowers were brought in on the homicide case also.
Big River Grill was the host for Sergeant Lonnie Guest retirement party.
Detective Janet Toliver (23, single, BA; CJ UTC-Chattanooga) was assigned to take his place.
There were 4 other sexually assaulted/murdered victims: Cindy Clarke, Melissa Perez, Sheila Pew & Cindy Clarke.
Looks like there might be a serial killer out there somewhere.
Billy Bob Pellman (Pellman’s Tires & More, Rossville, TN.) had sold 20 sets of Graystoke tires, the ones that matched the tire tracks.

Lupton City (residential area). 2 girls (12) had discovered a decomposed body.
Chattanooga PD. Officer Tom O’Mally greeted Doc Sheddon, Lieutenant Willis & Lieutenant Catherine “Kate” Gazzara.
Will the serial killer be caught & brought to justice?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great who-dun-it murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; InstaFreebie; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews17 followers
March 18, 2018
Another great Lt. Kate Gazzera story, a break off from the Harry Starke series. This is the second book in Kate’s series, following the first full book, Jasmine.

This book is slightly different, as we read a lot of what are almost short stories, covering different homicide cases that Kate is involved in. We also learn of some of her problems with one of her superiors and a fellow detective, who still live in the dark ages, for their attitudes towards her as a female colleague and even for being a woman in charge!

The main case comes later in the book, with a young woman’s naked body being found by a homeless Vietnam vet, behind a club. The first woman is called Saffron, hence the title. More dead bodies are found and it becomes clear a serial killer is on the loose. They haven’t left much of anything useful as clues and there is no connection between the victims.

Kate’s Assistant Chief, Finkle, is causing her problems and expecting immediate results, especially from the serial killer investigation. Other issues also keep her occupied and short of staff. A good mix of forensics and police procedures, as well as the real to life waiting around for test results, calls and interviews required to get results.

Only a wee hint of Harry, but have to expect that in this series. Another well written thriller, that does enough to keep you guessing till the end as well as giving you a variety of homicides to try to solve as you read. It flows nicely and always has interesting characters, which keeps you reading and not wanting to put it down.

Be nice to read some more books with Kate at the helm and also have some added involvement with Harry and more books in both series. I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of it above.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,036 reviews
January 9, 2020
This is a fairly new series by the author of the Harry Starke series. Kate and Harry were an item for years until he cheated even though they weren't monogamous. No woman likes to find out her boyfriend of ten years has slept with another woman. So, that was the end of that. Now she works with a different partner, but Harry is always on her mind. This book is about a young woman found dead in an alley behind a bar frequented by Chattanooga's questionable clientele. The Assistant Police Chief harasses Kate and she is unsure what to do about it without losing her job. She is the best detective on the force but he is her boss. As the mystery unwinds and the bodies pile up, he tells her that she needs to close the case. She tells him she will when she has the evidence. They go on in this state of unrest for most of the book until she decides enough is enough and she sets a trap. The author is clever about how Kate sets the trap. It works. Read this new series and enjoy a strong female lead.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
April 2, 2018
All-American Police Procedural


Great police procedural set in Chattanooga with a straight-forward storyline and good side stories. I would’ve liked a more complex plot line, but for the first book in a series, this is a very good introduction to Chattanooga and the various jurisdictions in Tennessee.

What absolutely sold me on this book was the protagonist: a tough homicide detective, Lieutenant Kate (Don’t call her Catherine) Gazzara. Unlike many female detective/cop characters, she isn’t burdened by mental health issues, does not go off the reservation, and doesn’t stupidly endanger her life by making bad decisions. She’s logical and levelheaded even after her detective partner of 3 years quits after having had enough dead bodies. Yes, she has personal issues including a misogynistic cop boss.

I’ll read more Lt. Kate Gazzara police procedurals.
489 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2018
Saffron (a Lt. Kate Gazzara book #2)

Kate and her partner Lonnie have a mess on the hands, young girls are found dead, dumped after they had been strangled and raped! Killer unknown. Lonnie reached the point where he couldn't do the job anymore, he put in his retirement papers, leaving Kate with just two other detectives, Tracy and Frost to work with and her boss Assistant Chief Finkle was going to make Tracy her new partner! Kate went to the Chief of the Department and asked for his help. He assigns Janet to work with Kate, requests Tracy to work for him and yet, more girls show up, dead! You're going to have to read this book to find out how and if the cases are solved. You won't regret it. Can't wait to see what happens next with Kate and her new partner, Janet! Thanks for letting me get to know both in this novel.
Profile Image for Eve.
3 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2018
Another great book about Lt. Kate G!! Keep them coming, Blair. Looking forward to the next one as well as the newest Harry Starke book. Both characters are richly developed. Kate's viewpoint comes from the police mindset as well as her feminine side.

This latest book definitely dealt with that factor. The sadist killer was a male misogynist who used his brutality on young women as well as his significant others. The clues were few & far between. However, dogged police work and the use of female cops to trap the killer was woven into the story.

Even Kate had to deal w/misogyny in the workplace. Her final confrontation w/her antagonistic was the best part of the storyline.

Evie from Bama
383 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2019
This keeps listing as Kate Gazzara #2, but it is actually #3, after Jasmine and Cassandra. Weird. This book is another great read by Blair Howard. Harry has pretty much disappeared from the picture at this point, except for very brief appearances and mentions. Others have reviewed it much better than I could, but I have yet to read a Blair Howard book that I have not liked. I believe I need to catch up on Harry, now. I think I have only read 12, but have read the 2 Genesis entries. All are very good, interesting and intriguing, and keep you guessing. Not sure what order you should read all of these in, but the Genesis and Kate Gazzara's add depth to the whole story. Excited to read more. Keep them coming Blair Howard, love them all.
250 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2018
Det. Kate Gazzara has her hands full when the bodies of females start turning up all over the surrounding counties with the same MO. All they have to go on are a few brown hairs and some dog hair until they get a picture of a guy in a baseball cap. Now they are trying to identify tires and that is proving to be the hardest thing they have ever done but they put the team behind it. Will the power of the entire force be able to find the one who keeps getting away? Or will he get one of them first?
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,923 reviews9 followers
March 11, 2018
This the first book I have read by this author and I’m looking forward threading more! Even though this is the second book in the series if can be read as a stand alone.

Lt. Kate Gazzara is a tough wise cracking homicide detective. In this book she has a serial killer to catch and a sexually harassing boss to put in his place. There are five women dead and no hard evidence to be found, yet. She is very creative in backing off her harasser. Can she make an arrest before the killer strikes again?

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
1,485 reviews19 followers
September 3, 2023
Lieutenant Kate Gazzara is assigned to the Major Crimes Homicide Division Unit with the Chattanooga Police Department. Kate is assigned a case of finding the killer of a deceased woman named Saffron whose body was found in an alley behind the Sorbonne nightclub. As Kate investigates the case she stumbles upon many obstacles that prevent her from uncovering the truth to find the killer. I really enjoyed this incredible mystery crime thriller novel. I received this free e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Lcr.
905 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2018
LT Kate Gazarra has to solve a series of murders with absolutely nothing to go on. Saffron is a great book. Although it is the second Kate Gazarra book it is the first one I have read and it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. The thing I particularly liked about Saffron is the realistic time line. Too often cases in books like this can be solved in days or a couple of weeks but this is not the case here. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Brad.
704 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2018
Kate is faced with a plethora of problems: a serial killer who hasn't left much in the ways of clues, a boss who is sexually harassing her, a changing detective team, and the challenge of leading a multi-jurisdictional murder investigation. This was an enjoyable and fairly fast-paced read of an investigation that realistically spans a long period of time. We learn more about Kate as she narrates the story for us.

This was a great second book in the series.
135 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2018
Blair Howard writes a gritty tale of a girl who has found an untimely end and the team, led by Lieutenant Kate Gazzara, who are tasked with finding out who killed her. Starting with who was she? And what caused her to be left in the alley behind the Sorbonne? And how many others’ lives will the killer claim before they can figure out who he or she is? This is a well written book with plenty of imagination and suspense to keep you wondering and turning the pages well past midnight.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
April 3, 2018
"Exciting Story To Read"

On a dark and stormy night, Saffron's body is found beside a dumpster behind the Sorbonne. Then another body is found by two teenagers. The bodies begin to pile up as the killer is very clever. Even Detective Kate Gazzara is baffled. There are many puzzle pieces she'll have to find quickly to end this reign of terror. Great author, great story; you'll be enthralled. Read it now!!
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews18 followers
October 24, 2019
This was another Lt. Gazzara procedural. Young women were found, nude, tortured and strangled in various areas in an around Chattanooga. Kate and her team are assigned the case and spend weeks looking for clues and ways to identify the killer/s. It is extremely well written and well developed. This series is well worth the time and effort for any reader. Thanks to Blair Howard, the author, for and-galley for an honest review. I have become a fan.
2,000 reviews38 followers
August 28, 2020
When a young woman is found dead behind a local bar, Kate Gazzara is called on to begin an investigation that uncovers a string of brutal sexual assaults and murders while dealing with unwanted sexual overtures and the chauvinistic culture of a city police department.
Mystery, suspense, painstaking police work and a kickass heroine who doesn't take crap from anyone.
If you like good police mysteries, you'll love this one.
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
928 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2020
Saffron is an entertaining murder mystery starring Lieutenant Kate Gazzara (who is also in the writer’s Harry Starke series). Kate is a great character and the story is really good too.

Contains sexual content and graphic violence.

The narrator of the audiobook is well suited to the character and does a terrific job.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,914 reviews26 followers
January 1, 2022
Kate does not impress me and her solution to an ongoing problem is selfish as it may or may not protect her but certainly leaves other female officers vulnerable. If Chief Johnston supports her as is indicated why would it she go to him and figure out how to deal with the problem?

The murder case is intriguing but the telling of the tale is dull. Even the ending is anticlimactic.

I think I’ve seen enough of Kate.
776 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2018
This is a cracking thriller. Again feisty female, that is right up my street. The way she goes about any given situation is really stunning. I love fantasy books but I also love thrillers as well. This is about as good as it gets. Just a pity I didn’t start until book two. Very highly recommended must read.
1,260 reviews
March 4, 2018
Saffron Brooks is found murdered, stuffed in a garbage bag, and left by a dumpster. Gazzara must (and does) solve this and four other murders while fighting off an aggressive assistant chief of police. A serious and quick read with Gazzara's descriptions of her boss lol funny. I received this ARC from the author.
2,040 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2018
Enjoyed the unfolding of the mystery as to who the killer was and how "he" was getting away with the murders. While Kate's handling of her work situation with her boss fit her character, not sure that would work in real life. Can't wait to see what happens next. Hopefully we'll learn more about Lonnie's sudden decision to retire and how things go for him in retirement from the police force.
Profile Image for C..
249 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2018
How enjoyable to read a good mystery that is fast paced with twists outside of the main story. Blair Howard's writing flows so well that it's hard to find a spot to stop when it's time to turn out the lights. I received an ARC in return for a fair and honest review. This is the second Blair Howard book I've read and I'm certainly looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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