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Detective Casey White #3
Saltwater Graves
Plunging under the cold ocean surface, her long blonde hair drags in the current and she frantically kicks towards the light. With her arms and legs tied she is helpless. As water fills her lungs, she has just one regret. She never told anyone about her date.
On a lonely stretch of coast at daybreak in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Detective Casey White is shocked to find the drowned body of a much-loved local woman, Ann Choplin, her beautiful face covered with specks of sand. The green and white rope binding her wrists reveals the terrifying truth that this innocent mother’s death was no accident.
With the incoming tide flooding the scene and swallowing all evidence, Casey’s team has nowhere to turn… but it’s Casey who realizes this beach will be devastatingly familiar to her partner, ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. His wife was found murdered here years ago, thrown into the ocean alive just like Ann. But the twisted and jealous woman guilty of that crime has been in prison for years.
Days later, another woman is found drowned on the same beach, her wrists tied. Casey fears a copycat killer is on the loose, playing a deadly game with Jericho by digging up the horrors of his past.
Certain that finding a link between these women will crack the case, Casey works through the night digging into their lives and finds an old photo of the two victims at school together, smiling in their cheerleader uniforms. But cold betrayal floods Casey as she sees Jericho in the background. She’d thought it was safe to let him into her life, but he never once mentioned he knew the victims. What other secrets is he hiding?
When a coil of green and white rope is found in his garage, Casey’s whole team is convinced that the mounting evidence is stacked against Jericho. But with Casey’s instincts screaming that Jericho could never hurt anyone, it will mean risking her own career—and her life—to clear his name. If she’s wrong, she is placing her trust in a killer... but if she’s right, more innocent women are in terrible danger.
An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Fans of Robert Dugoni, Kendra Elliot and Rachel Caine will be addicted.
On a lonely stretch of coast at daybreak in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Detective Casey White is shocked to find the drowned body of a much-loved local woman, Ann Choplin, her beautiful face covered with specks of sand. The green and white rope binding her wrists reveals the terrifying truth that this innocent mother’s death was no accident.
With the incoming tide flooding the scene and swallowing all evidence, Casey’s team has nowhere to turn… but it’s Casey who realizes this beach will be devastatingly familiar to her partner, ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. His wife was found murdered here years ago, thrown into the ocean alive just like Ann. But the twisted and jealous woman guilty of that crime has been in prison for years.
Days later, another woman is found drowned on the same beach, her wrists tied. Casey fears a copycat killer is on the loose, playing a deadly game with Jericho by digging up the horrors of his past.
Certain that finding a link between these women will crack the case, Casey works through the night digging into their lives and finds an old photo of the two victims at school together, smiling in their cheerleader uniforms. But cold betrayal floods Casey as she sees Jericho in the background. She’d thought it was safe to let him into her life, but he never once mentioned he knew the victims. What other secrets is he hiding?
When a coil of green and white rope is found in his garage, Casey’s whole team is convinced that the mounting evidence is stacked against Jericho. But with Casey’s instincts screaming that Jericho could never hurt anyone, it will mean risking her own career—and her life—to clear his name. If she’s wrong, she is placing her trust in a killer... but if she’s right, more innocent women are in terrible danger.
An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Fans of Robert Dugoni, Kendra Elliot and Rachel Caine will be addicted.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2020
1787 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Spangler
51 books302 followersB.R. Spangler is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Mysteries and Crime Thrillers.
A resident of Virginia with a wonderful family, including five cats, two birds and a lizard. During the day, the hours are filled with engineering work. Off hours, time is spent writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.
With too many stories to write, books are split across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.
A resident of Virginia with a wonderful family, including five cats, two birds and a lizard. During the day, the hours are filled with engineering work. Off hours, time is spent writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.
With too many stories to write, books are split across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 16, 2021
Bravo!!! Excellent read. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series with Detective Casey White. I had a hard time putting the book down wanting to know what was going to happen next. Thanks for writing.
December 14, 2020
Saltwater Graves is the third instalment in the Detective Casey White series, set in the Outer Banks stretch of coastline in North Carolina. Detective Casey White is settling in to her new life in the area and very much enjoying spending time with boyfriend and ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. She has been reunited with her daughter who was abducted 15 years earlier and plans to move in with widower Jericho and his 19-year-old son Ryan — a college freshman — when she finds out she's pregnant. Casey is called out to investigate when the the body of Ann Choplin is discovered. She had decided to go on an early evening jog along the local jogging trail but clumsily drops her water bottle and cannot find it. To the rescue comes a guy dressed in a hat and sunglasses, despite it being dark outside. He retrieves the bottle and hands it back to her and when, for a brief moment, he removes the disguise she recognises him from her school years. She carries on determined to complete her jog, but it soon hits her that she's been drugged. He must’ve slipped something into her bottle. Paralysis takes over her body before the man carries her back to his car. Dumping her in the ocean he tells her if she wants to live all she has to do is swim, but with her limbs tied together and her muscles malfunctioning due to the drugs, how was that possible?
Choplin is later discovered, but with her decaying body having been feasted upon by an army of ghost crabs finding evidence will be difficult; not to mention the fact that she was found on the beach leaving the team racing against the incoming tide. They soon realise the similarities between this case and that of Jericho's late wife, Jessie, who was murdered at the same beach; it doesn't take long before another corpse washes up. A link between the two women becomes clear and they both also have a connection to Jericho. As the case remains open with little progress to report, the idea that Jericho is involved in some way gains traction, but surely this is just people grasping at straws? This is a completely riveting and thoroughly enjoyable procedural from start to finish. Spangler sets the pace to quick fire and provides exciting developments and twisty-turny surprises aplenty topping it off with a superb cast of characters. Jericho still mourns his wife and these cases bring back bad memories making him relive his agony all over again. Not to mention that people's desperation to catch the killer has led to finger-pointing, which is exactly what he doesn't need when running a mayoral campaign as this will only hamper his chances. A compulsive, suspenseful and entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Choplin is later discovered, but with her decaying body having been feasted upon by an army of ghost crabs finding evidence will be difficult; not to mention the fact that she was found on the beach leaving the team racing against the incoming tide. They soon realise the similarities between this case and that of Jericho's late wife, Jessie, who was murdered at the same beach; it doesn't take long before another corpse washes up. A link between the two women becomes clear and they both also have a connection to Jericho. As the case remains open with little progress to report, the idea that Jericho is involved in some way gains traction, but surely this is just people grasping at straws? This is a completely riveting and thoroughly enjoyable procedural from start to finish. Spangler sets the pace to quick fire and provides exciting developments and twisty-turny surprises aplenty topping it off with a superb cast of characters. Jericho still mourns his wife and these cases bring back bad memories making him relive his agony all over again. Not to mention that people's desperation to catch the killer has led to finger-pointing, which is exactly what he doesn't need when running a mayoral campaign as this will only hamper his chances. A compulsive, suspenseful and entertaining read. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2020
This year had been the one with police procedurals. This was a solid one where the women found murdered on the beach had links to the ex-sheriff Jericho and Detective Casey’s current romantic lead, and it was all up to the good detective to find the killer.
Author B. R. Spangler niched a nice twist in the plot where all clues led the path to Jericho, incriminating him completely. Casey had to work doubly hard to get to the truth. The story was a good crime thriller where each lead was investigated thoroughly but quite slow in building its suspense. The latter half saw the book reaching its potential where the race was on.
The investigation was interesting, but the scenes saw Casey heartbroken in the end. I thought the story would progress beyond what was already shown in the earlier books, but it regressed quite unsatisfactorily. It came back to where it all started in book 1. So much angst in a police procedural was not needed.
Overall, it felt to be a good read, hoping that the next book would be fabulous.
3.5 stars
Author B. R. Spangler niched a nice twist in the plot where all clues led the path to Jericho, incriminating him completely. Casey had to work doubly hard to get to the truth. The story was a good crime thriller where each lead was investigated thoroughly but quite slow in building its suspense. The latter half saw the book reaching its potential where the race was on.
The investigation was interesting, but the scenes saw Casey heartbroken in the end. I thought the story would progress beyond what was already shown in the earlier books, but it regressed quite unsatisfactorily. It came back to where it all started in book 1. So much angst in a police procedural was not needed.
Overall, it felt to be a good read, hoping that the next book would be fabulous.
3.5 stars
February 21, 2022
This is the third book in a series and it doesn't work very well as a stand alone. The author tells you repeatedly what you missed, but the whole thing feels like an ongoing soap opera -- especially the ending.
I won't include spoilers but it's hard to say the many reasons I was angry at this book without doing so. Another reviewer called it "regressive" in the series and I wholeheartedly agree with that. Also, knowing that the author is a man and did *that* to this female main character makes my blood boil. That is not a plot device. Sigh. I would include trigger warnings but that would kind of give away a good deal of the end so....
I'm just very disappointed. I hated reading this for the first half because so much unpleasantness was heaped on good people (and also, why write your MC to be so dumb?) and then hated it even more by the ending -- for so many reasons! But all of them are spoilers, so I'll just say it was a two star for me -- "just okay."
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
I won't include spoilers but it's hard to say the many reasons I was angry at this book without doing so. Another reviewer called it "regressive" in the series and I wholeheartedly agree with that. Also, knowing that the author is a man and did *that* to this female main character makes my blood boil. That is not a plot device. Sigh. I would include trigger warnings but that would kind of give away a good deal of the end so....
I'm just very disappointed. I hated reading this for the first half because so much unpleasantness was heaped on good people (and also, why write your MC to be so dumb?) and then hated it even more by the ending -- for so many reasons! But all of them are spoilers, so I'll just say it was a two star for me -- "just okay."
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
November 23, 2020
My heart breaks over and over for Detective Casey White.
A woman's body washes up on an Outer Banks beach with striking similarities to a case from a couple years back involving the ex-sheriff, Jericho Flynn, Detective Casey White's romantic partner. Days later another woman is found, and both of them have ties to Jericho's past. Every clue uncovered seems to incriminate her loving partner more and more, and time is running out to catch this killer before he catches her.
Saltwater Graves was a good story, it would make a good episode of a crime drama to use as background noise when I'm doing other things, but it wasn't an edge-of-my-seat/can't-put-it-down thriller. The procedural aspect of this book was fun to read and was just like watching CSI or Bones as they try to find out what happened to the victims. The book doesn't really get into its crescendo until the third or fourth quarter of the book, until then I wasn't crazy about it. I did find myself so sad and heartbroken for Casey toward the end of the book as she faced one loss after another in rapid succession and couldn't catch a break. I also found the ending to be unsatisfactory, I'm sure there will of course be another installment in the Detective Casey White series, but this ending wasn't one urging me to read on. I do applaud the author's ability to break my heart for Casey.
I was mostly excited for this book because of the fact that the setting, the Outer Banks, is where I live and grew up. For me, I feel like it was a mistake on my part because this wasn't an Outer Banks setting this was more like a Virginia Beach setting through and through and the inaccuracies drove me up a wall, but that's just a personal grievance of mine and did not affect the rating I gave this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, B.R. Spangler, and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.
A woman's body washes up on an Outer Banks beach with striking similarities to a case from a couple years back involving the ex-sheriff, Jericho Flynn, Detective Casey White's romantic partner. Days later another woman is found, and both of them have ties to Jericho's past. Every clue uncovered seems to incriminate her loving partner more and more, and time is running out to catch this killer before he catches her.
Saltwater Graves was a good story, it would make a good episode of a crime drama to use as background noise when I'm doing other things, but it wasn't an edge-of-my-seat/can't-put-it-down thriller. The procedural aspect of this book was fun to read and was just like watching CSI or Bones as they try to find out what happened to the victims. The book doesn't really get into its crescendo until the third or fourth quarter of the book, until then I wasn't crazy about it. I did find myself so sad and heartbroken for Casey toward the end of the book as she faced one loss after another in rapid succession and couldn't catch a break. I also found the ending to be unsatisfactory, I'm sure there will of course be another installment in the Detective Casey White series, but this ending wasn't one urging me to read on. I do applaud the author's ability to break my heart for Casey.
I was mostly excited for this book because of the fact that the setting, the Outer Banks, is where I live and grew up. For me, I feel like it was a mistake on my part because this wasn't an Outer Banks setting this was more like a Virginia Beach setting through and through and the inaccuracies drove me up a wall, but that's just a personal grievance of mine and did not affect the rating I gave this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, B.R. Spangler, and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.
December 12, 2020
This is a great read.
Casey is about to move in with Jericho and Hannah is back in her life.
A woman’s body is then discovered so Casey heads out to the crime scene unaware how her life is about to change.
Another woman is found murdered and they both have links in the past with Jericho, so questions start to be asked.
The woman who killed his wife is in prison and contacts Casey, so intrigued, she goes to visit her. It seems she wants to play a game and Jericho warns Casey about seeing her.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a nail biting final few chapters that brings about more sadness for Casey.
I love the connection Casey and Jericho have and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Casey is about to move in with Jericho and Hannah is back in her life.
A woman’s body is then discovered so Casey heads out to the crime scene unaware how her life is about to change.
Another woman is found murdered and they both have links in the past with Jericho, so questions start to be asked.
The woman who killed his wife is in prison and contacts Casey, so intrigued, she goes to visit her. It seems she wants to play a game and Jericho warns Casey about seeing her.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a nail biting final few chapters that brings about more sadness for Casey.
I love the connection Casey and Jericho have and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 26, 2020
Two and a half stars rounded up to three. Warning, review contains spoiler.
The writing is as good as the first two books, taut and intense. The reader feels as if they are there as witnesses to almost everything...the murders, the interrogations, the desperation that comes as more complications arise. Although it’s the third book in the series, the author does a good job of connecting the threads from past books so you the reader doesn’t feel lost.
In this novel, there is a serial killer on the Outer Banks, targeting people who have a loose connection to Detective White’s lover, Jericho. Suspicion ultimately falls on Jericho, which doesn’t help his current political attempt as he runs for mayor.
Also central to the story is the killer who murdered Jerico’s first wife and who is obsessed with him still. Casey tries to outsmart this woman in order to solve the murders, with mixed results. This review will avoid additional information so as to avoid spoilers.
For readers who have read the first two novels, there may be a “sameness” to the writing that is off-putting or, if the reader prefers this type of angst in their books, they may find it totally satisfying. Spoiler alert: I found the ending to be disappointing as it plunged the reader back into the same set of circumstances that were believed to be resolved in the first novel. After three books, Casey White has not grown nor found any relief in her dark obsession to find her daughter who was kidnapped 15 years ago.
My thanks to Bookouture Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital copy of this novel for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The writing is as good as the first two books, taut and intense. The reader feels as if they are there as witnesses to almost everything...the murders, the interrogations, the desperation that comes as more complications arise. Although it’s the third book in the series, the author does a good job of connecting the threads from past books so you the reader doesn’t feel lost.
In this novel, there is a serial killer on the Outer Banks, targeting people who have a loose connection to Detective White’s lover, Jericho. Suspicion ultimately falls on Jericho, which doesn’t help his current political attempt as he runs for mayor.
Also central to the story is the killer who murdered Jerico’s first wife and who is obsessed with him still. Casey tries to outsmart this woman in order to solve the murders, with mixed results. This review will avoid additional information so as to avoid spoilers.
For readers who have read the first two novels, there may be a “sameness” to the writing that is off-putting or, if the reader prefers this type of angst in their books, they may find it totally satisfying. Spoiler alert: I found the ending to be disappointing as it plunged the reader back into the same set of circumstances that were believed to be resolved in the first novel. After three books, Casey White has not grown nor found any relief in her dark obsession to find her daughter who was kidnapped 15 years ago.
My thanks to Bookouture Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital copy of this novel for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
November 15, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Saltwater Graves, the third novel to feature Detective Casey White, set in the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
When a woman’s body is found washed up on the shore Casey and the team are assigned the murder investigation. Then another body is found in similar circumstances and leads to problems for Casey as her partner Jericho knew both the victims and the murders are similar to his wife’s murder a few years before. Paige Kotes was convicted of that crime but a conspiracy theory of Jericho being an accomplice gains ground and leads to him becoming a suspect.
I enjoyed Saltwater Graves to a point but I didn’t like the ending and the set up for the next novel in the series. I can’t say why without spoilers but I feel it’s regressive rather than progressive for the series.
The novel is told mostly from Casey’s point of view with several chapters detailing the unnamed killer’s actions in meeting and killing his victims. This is well done as his identity is well concealed until the final action scenes and denouement. As he’s on his spree Casey and the team are conducting their investigation. There is friction as Jericho comes under suspicion and Casey, not at the top of her game, tries to clear him, causing further friction with him. There are tense moments in the novel, like when Jericho is investigated, but I didn’t really get that overall feeling of dread you get in some novels. I also think there are too many leaps of faith, assumptions and lucky breaks to give the novel any sense of realism. Sure, it’s entertaining and moves along at a fast clip but it’s fairly superficial.
This is not a feel good read and there is little sense of optimism in it. It should be as it starts off that way but all the good things disappear as the novel progresses. I can’t say more than that.
Saltwater Graves is a solid read.
When a woman’s body is found washed up on the shore Casey and the team are assigned the murder investigation. Then another body is found in similar circumstances and leads to problems for Casey as her partner Jericho knew both the victims and the murders are similar to his wife’s murder a few years before. Paige Kotes was convicted of that crime but a conspiracy theory of Jericho being an accomplice gains ground and leads to him becoming a suspect.
I enjoyed Saltwater Graves to a point but I didn’t like the ending and the set up for the next novel in the series. I can’t say why without spoilers but I feel it’s regressive rather than progressive for the series.
The novel is told mostly from Casey’s point of view with several chapters detailing the unnamed killer’s actions in meeting and killing his victims. This is well done as his identity is well concealed until the final action scenes and denouement. As he’s on his spree Casey and the team are conducting their investigation. There is friction as Jericho comes under suspicion and Casey, not at the top of her game, tries to clear him, causing further friction with him. There are tense moments in the novel, like when Jericho is investigated, but I didn’t really get that overall feeling of dread you get in some novels. I also think there are too many leaps of faith, assumptions and lucky breaks to give the novel any sense of realism. Sure, it’s entertaining and moves along at a fast clip but it’s fairly superficial.
This is not a feel good read and there is little sense of optimism in it. It should be as it starts off that way but all the good things disappear as the novel progresses. I can’t say more than that.
Saltwater Graves is a solid read.
December 7, 2020
Domino disaster develops in Carolinian waters🌊
3.5🌟 stars
The serial killer investigation in this story was good though I would not classify it a page-turner for me. I liked the writing and the fact that author B.R. Spangler kept the character count at a reasonable number that I could keep straight. The identity of the killer remained a mystery almost to the action climax: another point I look for in a good police procedural. This was the first of the Detective Casey White series I read and I think it would have been helpful to read earlier books to really understand her even though the crimes in this book are standalone.
That said, this book was inconclusive and the ending just left me down emotionally. I won't spoil it by saying why, just know that things fall apart repeatedly and solving the murders is no real palliative for the trainwreck of trouble in this lead detective's turbulent life and collateral damage is unavoidable. I don't think I will be reading more of this series despite the gorgeous coastal backdrop and the promise of a sharp future policewoman shown by Casey's young mentee Tracy. And I REALLY disliked ambition-driven Cheryl who is likely to reappear as the series continues.
Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
3.5🌟 stars
The serial killer investigation in this story was good though I would not classify it a page-turner for me. I liked the writing and the fact that author B.R. Spangler kept the character count at a reasonable number that I could keep straight. The identity of the killer remained a mystery almost to the action climax: another point I look for in a good police procedural. This was the first of the Detective Casey White series I read and I think it would have been helpful to read earlier books to really understand her even though the crimes in this book are standalone.
That said, this book was inconclusive and the ending just left me down emotionally. I won't spoil it by saying why, just know that things fall apart repeatedly and solving the murders is no real palliative for the trainwreck of trouble in this lead detective's turbulent life and collateral damage is unavoidable. I don't think I will be reading more of this series despite the gorgeous coastal backdrop and the promise of a sharp future policewoman shown by Casey's young mentee Tracy. And I REALLY disliked ambition-driven Cheryl who is likely to reappear as the series continues.
Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 17, 2020
This is another enthralling read in the Detective Casey White crime thriller series but this one is also one filled with heartbreak and sorrow for the leading lady.
When a series of women are found murdered how does an ex-detective, a known killer, currently serving time in jail, seems to know what is happening? To make matters even more complicated for Casey, how does her romantic partner, Jericho Flynn, fit into it all? With more women being found dead and the evidence seeming to indicate Jericho as the perpetrator should she arrest him or trust her love and instincts and fight to clear his name?
This is a story of opposites, love and hate, belonging and ostracising, a story of betrayal, vengeance and a woman scorned. It has mysteries and murders along with some shocking surprises, heartbreaking revelations and devastating trauma in an engaging read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
When a series of women are found murdered how does an ex-detective, a known killer, currently serving time in jail, seems to know what is happening? To make matters even more complicated for Casey, how does her romantic partner, Jericho Flynn, fit into it all? With more women being found dead and the evidence seeming to indicate Jericho as the perpetrator should she arrest him or trust her love and instincts and fight to clear his name?
This is a story of opposites, love and hate, belonging and ostracising, a story of betrayal, vengeance and a woman scorned. It has mysteries and murders along with some shocking surprises, heartbreaking revelations and devastating trauma in an engaging read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
February 20, 2025
This is a Mystery/Suspense, and this is the third book in the Detective Casey White series. I enjoyed the first part of this book, but then it turned into more drama than suspense/mystery I had trouble staying into the story when it turned into drama. The last part of the book was good, but it was super sad.
November 29, 2020
i so enjoying this series each book makes you want more .Detective Casey White is so enjoying life she has her daughter back and is going to move in with her partner Sheriff Jericho and his son . Jericho is running for mayor . but everything changes someone is killing women who where once close to Jericho and his late wife who was murdered . the killer is killing them how Jericho s wife died someone is trying to frame Jericho . the one who killed Jericho s wife wants Casey to visit her in prison. Casey is racing against the clock to find the killer to clear Jericho i had tears at the end of this book this author has a way of pulling you in to the book with them wont say no more but this series is so so good cant wait for next book
March 26, 2025
Fantastic. Not your usual happy ending, I was shocked the author went *there* but pleased he had the guts to do so! The ending was *chefs kiss*
December 29, 2020
"With every high-profile case came a mountain of speculation and rumor."
And in this case, the rumors have to do with Detective Casey White's love, ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. Implicated in a series of murders, Jericho sees his mayoral campaign collapse. Meanwhile, the newly pregnant Casey is visiting a convicted serial killer in prison. Casey knows that Paige Kotes killed Jericho's wife, but now there's a shadow of doubt. NO SPOILERS.
This novel had every trope known to the typical female detective crime thriller. Although it is the third I've read in the series, it will be my last. I was very disappointed by the conclusion and outcome of this story and don't care to revisit the Outer Banks again. It's too bad that Casey has just one heartbreak and devastation after another, and I won't go down the road with her again. This wasn't a very exciting case and I struggled to get through it especially when I could see the direction it was going. I can see that others really like this series, so I'll leave them to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
And in this case, the rumors have to do with Detective Casey White's love, ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. Implicated in a series of murders, Jericho sees his mayoral campaign collapse. Meanwhile, the newly pregnant Casey is visiting a convicted serial killer in prison. Casey knows that Paige Kotes killed Jericho's wife, but now there's a shadow of doubt. NO SPOILERS.
This novel had every trope known to the typical female detective crime thriller. Although it is the third I've read in the series, it will be my last. I was very disappointed by the conclusion and outcome of this story and don't care to revisit the Outer Banks again. It's too bad that Casey has just one heartbreak and devastation after another, and I won't go down the road with her again. This wasn't a very exciting case and I struggled to get through it especially when I could see the direction it was going. I can see that others really like this series, so I'll leave them to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
December 15, 2020
I like the writing style of the books featuring Detective Casey White and the setting of the Outer Banks. In the book, The body of a woman is washed up on the beach and she has links to Sheriff Jericho. As the body count rises, Jericho becomes implicated and their relationship becomes strained. There are enough references to the previous books to fill in gaps for the readers. It's a slow, solid read with interesting characters. I must admit, I was disappointed with the ending in this and it makes me doubt if I will read the next in the sequence. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 23, 2022
Least favorite of the series. Spangler treats his characters like a guy kicking his dog. 😫
Thanks Net Galley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks Net Galley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2024
I picked this up, read a chapter, had to put it down... Picked it back up 4 days later and literally devoured it in that day. I don't know how I knew - I think the fact this author didn't care to kill off Ashtole in the previous book, which was so sad, made me hesitant to be too hopeful about Casey being pregnant. She had too many close calls, I just knew by the end of this book, something awful was going to happen. And while I didn't expect to discover that Hannah was not actually Hannah, I began to wonder if there was any chance that Tracey could be Hannah... But that's a possible discovery for another time. This book held my attention better than the previous one, maybe even better than the first. I felt like I was on the cliché edge of my seat the entire time. Looks like I'll be reading the next book ASAP!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
This was definitely the hardest for me to get through, but that also because it was so freaking sad. First, we had someone pinning murders on Jericho in such a way that it made him look guilty. Then, when Casey gets a lead to Paige Kotes, things just get worse. The end just broke my heart. Casey literally survived someone trying to kill her, just to find out she miscarried, AND Hannah isn't really Hannah. She was another kidnapped kid. I feel really bad for her, but I also don't think it would be very smart for her to leave Jericho behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
Another good installment in the Detective Casey White series. This one had a lot of dips- Casey not trusting Jericho and believing the rumors about his wife's murder (for a moment), Paige Kotes coming back into the story (and now missing again!), a pregnancy and then a pregnancy loss :( Hannah not being Hannah, and therefore the hunt for her continuing. I did like this one and found it the least gruesome etc of the books so far. I feel like the Hannah mystery has me hooked again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars.
February 24, 2025
4.5⭐️’s very solid book and so many twists and turns I didn’t expect!!
February 25, 2024
Gah, I was enjoying this series - despite the ‘sameness’ of the book arcs - until the second half of this book 😩 I think it would have been possible to continue the series without taking everything away from Casey. To be fair, it does make me wonder what happened to Hannah but I’m not sure if it’s enough to make me keep reading the series. (Edit, it was 😅 but only because the blurb for all the books in the series were included at the end provided some info)
Also, there’s a TW with this one for pregnancy loss.
Also, there’s a TW with this one for pregnancy loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2020
On a lonely beach, Detective Casey White has the incoming tide to contend with when she is called out to investigate the discovery of a woman's gnawed, partially sand-covered body. Ann Choplin, a well thought of, beautiful local has been bound at the wrists but the swirling seawater is quickly swamping the crime scene and removing all the evidence. Casey begins the race against the clock to establish a motive and find the killer for the murder.
I enjoyed this third book, Saltwater Graves as much as the first two in the series. Casey White is a great detective, being a determined, smart, and compassionate woman, though she carries a lot of emotional baggage. The other characters are also well created and developed, especially ex-sheriff, trustworthy and amiable Jericho Flynn. Casey and Jericho's interactions were interesting to read about in terms of the case and also their relationship, as things have moved on for them with Casey now pregnant. Set in Outer Banks, North Carolina the plot pacing was frenetic with plenty of action, and there was certainly no room for tedium or boredom. The story was fascinating and I revelled in the complexity of the investigation. Enthralling to the very end, I shall be watching out for the next in the series and I'm immensely keen to see where the talented B.R. Spangler takes Detective Casey White next. A highly entertaining and recommended, absorbing police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I enjoyed this third book, Saltwater Graves as much as the first two in the series. Casey White is a great detective, being a determined, smart, and compassionate woman, though she carries a lot of emotional baggage. The other characters are also well created and developed, especially ex-sheriff, trustworthy and amiable Jericho Flynn. Casey and Jericho's interactions were interesting to read about in terms of the case and also their relationship, as things have moved on for them with Casey now pregnant. Set in Outer Banks, North Carolina the plot pacing was frenetic with plenty of action, and there was certainly no room for tedium or boredom. The story was fascinating and I revelled in the complexity of the investigation. Enthralling to the very end, I shall be watching out for the next in the series and I'm immensely keen to see where the talented B.R. Spangler takes Detective Casey White next. A highly entertaining and recommended, absorbing police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 9, 2021
In this gripping book by B. R. Spangler, Detective Casey White begins an investigation after a woman is found drowned, murdered. Not only is it immediately clear that the case of death was indeed murder, Casey sees a connection to her romantic partner, and fellow law enforcement, Jericho Flynn's wife's murder of a couple of years ago.
Not only is Casey in a race against time searching for the murderer, things are complicated in her personal life. Recently reunited with her daughter Hannah, after being kidnapped years ago. Casey is also navigating hr personal relationship with Jericho and the changes this makes to her life.
One additional layer to this intense story is who Casey is forced to communicate with about the victims currently being murdered. All of these things together worked very well to create a tension-filled story that kept me turning pages faster and faster. I was drawn to Casey from previous installments in this series, but this book really hit me hard. There are sharp emotional edges to this story, making it a stellar read, one that brought a lot of emotions up in me.
With a shocking conclusion, I am more than eager to read the next book in this series. I really need to see what Casey and Jericho have in store for the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Not only is Casey in a race against time searching for the murderer, things are complicated in her personal life. Recently reunited with her daughter Hannah, after being kidnapped years ago. Casey is also navigating hr personal relationship with Jericho and the changes this makes to her life.
One additional layer to this intense story is who Casey is forced to communicate with about the victims currently being murdered. All of these things together worked very well to create a tension-filled story that kept me turning pages faster and faster. I was drawn to Casey from previous installments in this series, but this book really hit me hard. There are sharp emotional edges to this story, making it a stellar read, one that brought a lot of emotions up in me.
With a shocking conclusion, I am more than eager to read the next book in this series. I really need to see what Casey and Jericho have in store for the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 14, 2020
It’s often said that your heart can break in about one million pieces. I did not know it could break in even more pieces but it did while I was reading this book.
When something really devastating happens to you in the past, you grab every straw you can get. Little by little you have collected to many that you end up with a whole bale and the mystery is solved. You turn your life around. You have rose tinted glasses on because the future is very bright again.
When you think your happiness is complete the rug is not once, but twice pulled from under you. In stead of climbing up to arrive on cloud nine, you fall back down in one of the blackest pits you could ever imagine.
Will there be someone to pull you out of It again or even more important do you want someone to help you? Are you building bridges or walls…?
Detective Casey is one hell of a woman. What do you do when you have to trust someone you don’t trust at all? Everybody can change, right? Or should you always keep the saying about the leopard and the spots in mind?
I loved this 3rd book in the series and am very curious to find out what will happen next time. 5 stars.
Thank you, B.R. Spangler and Bookouture
When something really devastating happens to you in the past, you grab every straw you can get. Little by little you have collected to many that you end up with a whole bale and the mystery is solved. You turn your life around. You have rose tinted glasses on because the future is very bright again.
When you think your happiness is complete the rug is not once, but twice pulled from under you. In stead of climbing up to arrive on cloud nine, you fall back down in one of the blackest pits you could ever imagine.
Will there be someone to pull you out of It again or even more important do you want someone to help you? Are you building bridges or walls…?
Detective Casey is one hell of a woman. What do you do when you have to trust someone you don’t trust at all? Everybody can change, right? Or should you always keep the saying about the leopard and the spots in mind?
I loved this 3rd book in the series and am very curious to find out what will happen next time. 5 stars.
Thank you, B.R. Spangler and Bookouture
December 7, 2020
Misty's Corner Review
:
Will Detective Casey White ever catch a substantial break? Wow, I did not want to put this one down! Having read the first two books in this series, I was already fully invested in the lives of Casey, Jericho, and Hannah.
A woman found murdered in North Carolina’s Outer Banks with close ties to the public and the ex-sheriff, Jericho Flynn, leads those closest to Jericho raising questions. It's up to his girlfriend Detective Casey White and her team to solve not only this murder but those following. Already fragile to begin with, this case becomes increasingly tricky to navigate as damaging presumptions continue to arise.
This time around, with installment three in the series, Author B.R. Spangler lulls readers into a false sense of security with high hopes of a promising future. He has so expertly written this tale that through each twist and turn, my heart continued to break for Casey and her desires to find her happily ever after. Just as fast as her happiness comes, it's crushed blow by thorough blow.
I enjoyed not only the central insight into Casey’s persona but also that of the inmate and ex-cop, Paige Kotes! I can't wait to see how B.R. Spangler tops the suspense with his next book! I'd recommend ”Saltwater Graves” to crime thriller fans everywhere, especially those who enjoy a good series!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author B.R. Spangler and the publishers at Bookouture for my advanced copy of this ebook and my spot on this Books-On-Tour event on December 18th, 2020.
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
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Will Detective Casey White ever catch a substantial break? Wow, I did not want to put this one down! Having read the first two books in this series, I was already fully invested in the lives of Casey, Jericho, and Hannah.
A woman found murdered in North Carolina’s Outer Banks with close ties to the public and the ex-sheriff, Jericho Flynn, leads those closest to Jericho raising questions. It's up to his girlfriend Detective Casey White and her team to solve not only this murder but those following. Already fragile to begin with, this case becomes increasingly tricky to navigate as damaging presumptions continue to arise.
This time around, with installment three in the series, Author B.R. Spangler lulls readers into a false sense of security with high hopes of a promising future. He has so expertly written this tale that through each twist and turn, my heart continued to break for Casey and her desires to find her happily ever after. Just as fast as her happiness comes, it's crushed blow by thorough blow.
I enjoyed not only the central insight into Casey’s persona but also that of the inmate and ex-cop, Paige Kotes! I can't wait to see how B.R. Spangler tops the suspense with his next book! I'd recommend ”Saltwater Graves” to crime thriller fans everywhere, especially those who enjoy a good series!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author B.R. Spangler and the publishers at Bookouture for my advanced copy of this ebook and my spot on this Books-On-Tour event on December 18th, 2020.
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
——————————————
Follow Me:
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Pinterest | GoodReads | BookBub
December 21, 2020
Exciting changes for Detective Casey White and her lover Jericho Flynn as they move forward with their relationship. But the spectre of his first wife's murder hangs over the couple, especially when dead women wash up on the beach.
Saltwater Graves is the third book to feature Casey. It isn't necessary to have read the first books and there aren't spoilers about the previous cases to ruin your reading if you choose to go back and read Where Lost Girls Go and The Innocent Girls after this one.
Casey's personal happiness of the opening chapters is quickly tarnished by the murder investigation. The bodies are described in forensic detail but this is not too graphic.
Most of the plot is delivered through Casey's first person narrative. This is an excellent way of making us identify with her and follow the clues of the case. It also allows us to see her emotions and fear as the investigation progresses and her lover Jericho becomes the main suspect.
Other parts of the book are written from the third person perspective and we see the killer and his victims interacting, as well as Paige Kotes who is in prison for the murder of Jericho's wife. These alternative viewpoints give us a feeling of anticipation and tension as we prepare for more murders.
The chapters are short and the varying perspectives allow the twists of the plot to move along quickly. The ending is dramatic and leaves lots of potential for another sequel as Casey's life is changed personally and professionally.
Saltwater Graves was a hugely enjoyable police thriller. I loved the personal nature of the case and look forward to catching up with Casey in the next instalment.
Saltwater Graves is the third book to feature Casey. It isn't necessary to have read the first books and there aren't spoilers about the previous cases to ruin your reading if you choose to go back and read Where Lost Girls Go and The Innocent Girls after this one.
Casey's personal happiness of the opening chapters is quickly tarnished by the murder investigation. The bodies are described in forensic detail but this is not too graphic.
Most of the plot is delivered through Casey's first person narrative. This is an excellent way of making us identify with her and follow the clues of the case. It also allows us to see her emotions and fear as the investigation progresses and her lover Jericho becomes the main suspect.
Other parts of the book are written from the third person perspective and we see the killer and his victims interacting, as well as Paige Kotes who is in prison for the murder of Jericho's wife. These alternative viewpoints give us a feeling of anticipation and tension as we prepare for more murders.
The chapters are short and the varying perspectives allow the twists of the plot to move along quickly. The ending is dramatic and leaves lots of potential for another sequel as Casey's life is changed personally and professionally.
Saltwater Graves was a hugely enjoyable police thriller. I loved the personal nature of the case and look forward to catching up with Casey in the next instalment.
Read
December 15, 2020Saltwater Graves by B.R Spangler is the third detective Casey White book in the series. Set in the outer banks stretch of coastline in North Carolina, we see Casey getting used to her new life and spending time with her boyfriend and ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn.
She is called out to investigate when the body of Anne Choplin is found washed up on the shore. As another body is discovered in very similar circumstances it begins a chain of events that noone could have predicted. Jordan knew both victims and their murders draw a similarity to his wife's death in the past. There is someone who has been convicted already of his wife's murder but a conspiracy theory starts to be bandied about and begins to root so Jordan ultimately ends up as a suspect. Can Casey solve this, before it is too late?
A story told mainly from Caseys viewpoint with some chapters interspersed with the killers intentions, I enjoyed this as it really kept the mystery and tension flowing.I have already read some if this series and I enjoy my time reading about Casey and Jericho. This book is as fast as the others in the series and what a rollercoaster pace we go at! A riveting and truly entertaining police procedural that keeps you guessing till the very end. Along with the emotional rollercoaster this makes you feel like you have been on one hell of a journey!
Thanks to B.R Spangler, Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book so I could bring my thoughts on this book today
She is called out to investigate when the body of Anne Choplin is found washed up on the shore. As another body is discovered in very similar circumstances it begins a chain of events that noone could have predicted. Jordan knew both victims and their murders draw a similarity to his wife's death in the past. There is someone who has been convicted already of his wife's murder but a conspiracy theory starts to be bandied about and begins to root so Jordan ultimately ends up as a suspect. Can Casey solve this, before it is too late?
A story told mainly from Caseys viewpoint with some chapters interspersed with the killers intentions, I enjoyed this as it really kept the mystery and tension flowing.I have already read some if this series and I enjoy my time reading about Casey and Jericho. This book is as fast as the others in the series and what a rollercoaster pace we go at! A riveting and truly entertaining police procedural that keeps you guessing till the very end. Along with the emotional rollercoaster this makes you feel like you have been on one hell of a journey!
Thanks to B.R Spangler, Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book so I could bring my thoughts on this book today
April 8, 2025
I have not left any reviews on this series till now as I can't make up my mind if I am sold on it. My bugbear is the main character while there are some positives about her I feel there are far more negatives, constantly going off on her own, running in all directions instead of waiting for evidence to follow through and come on going to see her partners ex who is an imprisoned serial killer I just don't get the why as there was no real value in the final visit at all and now she's back to 4 walls and a thread board 🤦♀️
Even from the start of the series she sees a car trying to entice her toddler daughter into it and she goes back into the house to get her gun which should have been locked in a safe anyway....just stupid anyone would have just gone straight to her child
Then the pregnancy after one scare already and advised to rest she still has to go dashing off on her own heading to disaster knowing she was a likely target
The one positive I have about Casey White is her willingness to support the teams developement
I'm not too keen on the repetitiveness of the back story, thats just filling pages
While the plots are okay they are like a faded copy of the Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and a far cry from their success in my opinion
Even from the start of the series she sees a car trying to entice her toddler daughter into it and she goes back into the house to get her gun which should have been locked in a safe anyway....just stupid anyone would have just gone straight to her child
Then the pregnancy after one scare already and advised to rest she still has to go dashing off on her own heading to disaster knowing she was a likely target
The one positive I have about Casey White is her willingness to support the teams developement
I'm not too keen on the repetitiveness of the back story, thats just filling pages
While the plots are okay they are like a faded copy of the Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and a far cry from their success in my opinion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
Detective Casey White is getting used to her new life in the Outer Banks and enjoying time spent with ex-sheriff Jericho Flynn. Called in to investigate when the body of popular local resident Ann Choplin is found on a stretch of lonely beach she knows it is a location depressingly familiar to Jericho; his wife was discovered murdered there years earlier.
Shocked at the similarities between the two crimes Casey suspects there is the worrying possibility of a copycat killer in the area. This is made all the more feasible when a second victim is discovered on the same stretch of beach and then Casey discovers a link between the murdered women and Jericho.
Once again B R Spangler has written a taut, emotionally charged, novel which draws you in and keeps you enthralled until the very last words. There is clearly at least one more book after this which hopefully will keep both Casey and Jericho on their toes.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I would definitely recommend this excellent next instalment of such a good series.
Shocked at the similarities between the two crimes Casey suspects there is the worrying possibility of a copycat killer in the area. This is made all the more feasible when a second victim is discovered on the same stretch of beach and then Casey discovers a link between the murdered women and Jericho.
Once again B R Spangler has written a taut, emotionally charged, novel which draws you in and keeps you enthralled until the very last words. There is clearly at least one more book after this which hopefully will keep both Casey and Jericho on their toes.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I would definitely recommend this excellent next instalment of such a good series.
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