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Collateral Damage
A dead body found on a construction site—the sudden appearance of an old lover—and a gifted artist linked to both.
Architect Iris Reid's new project hits a dead end when a murder victim is discovered in the chimney. Her client becomes the prime suspect and Iris sets out to find the real killer. Things go from bad to worse when Iris' boyfriend reconnects with an old flame, bringing up buried secrets and unintended consequences that threaten to change Iris' life forever.
“Mystery and distinctive characters hone this remarkable tale.”
Kirkus Reviews
Cory teases out her twisty plot at the perfect pace, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Her multilayered characters are working at cross purposes, and even the most astute mystery reader won’t see where everything is headed until the final thread is unknotted. Completely absorbing, fast-paced, well-written and with a shocking ending guaranteed to satisfy.
P.M. Steffen, best-selling author of The Profiler’s Daughter and Killing Ulysses.
Architect Iris Reid's new project hits a dead end when a murder victim is discovered in the chimney. Her client becomes the prime suspect and Iris sets out to find the real killer. Things go from bad to worse when Iris' boyfriend reconnects with an old flame, bringing up buried secrets and unintended consequences that threaten to change Iris' life forever.
“Mystery and distinctive characters hone this remarkable tale.”
Kirkus Reviews
Cory teases out her twisty plot at the perfect pace, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Her multilayered characters are working at cross purposes, and even the most astute mystery reader won’t see where everything is headed until the final thread is unknotted. Completely absorbing, fast-paced, well-written and with a shocking ending guaranteed to satisfy.
P.M. Steffen, best-selling author of The Profiler’s Daughter and Killing Ulysses.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2020
171 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 15, 2020
A cleverly written mystery...
The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in Collateral Damage by Susan Cory. The author weaves a first-class murder mystery with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a compelling and fast-paced whodunit in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a mystery that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in Collateral Damage by Susan Cory. The author weaves a first-class murder mystery with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a compelling and fast-paced whodunit in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a mystery that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
October 18, 2020
A Fantastic Mystery Novel
A brilliant and well-told story. Collateral damage is another installment in the Iris Reid mystery series with a lot of excitement to offer. Susan Cory remains one of the authors I so much respect for her prowess and power of expression.
In this new installment, Susan Cory introduces an exciting list of new characters in the series. The author introduces us to Lawrence and Ash. She also takes us into the private life of Iris to tell us more about her love life with Luc—who also has a racy past.
Cory went a great length to provide details of the different settings in the story. Scenes like the restaurant are well detailed that it draws you into the pages. She also has an exciting way of wrapping up this story. You should read this book to understand what I mean. You certainly will not see the ending of this novel coming. It will take you by surprise.
I applaud the author once more for this brilliant novel and look forward to reading more titles from her. She is one author that understands how to tell a good story
A brilliant and well-told story. Collateral damage is another installment in the Iris Reid mystery series with a lot of excitement to offer. Susan Cory remains one of the authors I so much respect for her prowess and power of expression.
In this new installment, Susan Cory introduces an exciting list of new characters in the series. The author introduces us to Lawrence and Ash. She also takes us into the private life of Iris to tell us more about her love life with Luc—who also has a racy past.
Cory went a great length to provide details of the different settings in the story. Scenes like the restaurant are well detailed that it draws you into the pages. She also has an exciting way of wrapping up this story. You should read this book to understand what I mean. You certainly will not see the ending of this novel coming. It will take you by surprise.
I applaud the author once more for this brilliant novel and look forward to reading more titles from her. She is one author that understands how to tell a good story
October 19, 2020
Secrets in a Chimney and Elsewhere
Susan Cory is the creator and author of the Iris Reid Mysteries. Collateral Damage is the fourth authored novel in this series.
Each book stands on its own merit and is not a continuation of one story built upon another. However, if the other books in the series are as well-written as Collateral Damage, it would be worth the reader's attention to look into completing the set.
The storyline begins with Iris Reid and Luc Cormier sitting in their newly acquired apartment. It is a large Victorian house in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Surrounded by packed boxes they begin to settle in and as part of the process begin to sort through packed box after packed box. Like the couple in their new abode, the reader begins to settle in with them and in anticipation of what the unpacked pages have in store for the reader.
As the couple begin to turn their thoughts to more interesting ways of acclimating themselves into the home they are interrupted by a visitor. The visitor is Luc's sister and she has with her a box that has been packed by Luc's mom. The sister delivers the box to the new home.
Luc takes the box and begins to sift through some of the contents. As he does his countenance changes. A change that both women pick up on and immediately the reader is drawn into the story as their curiosity is peaked as to what Luc came across.
And so the well-written mystery unfolds which includes a body in the chimney. A body not placed there by accident, but the victim of foul play. Added to the intensity it is a house that Iris, as an architect, is redesigning. Add in an old romantic flame and a possibly corrupt investigation and you have the ingredients of a very entertaining and imaginative read.
Collateral Damage by Susan Cory is a refreshing mystery that provides numerous dramatic as well as suspenseful moments.
Susan Cory is the creator and author of the Iris Reid Mysteries. Collateral Damage is the fourth authored novel in this series.
Each book stands on its own merit and is not a continuation of one story built upon another. However, if the other books in the series are as well-written as Collateral Damage, it would be worth the reader's attention to look into completing the set.
The storyline begins with Iris Reid and Luc Cormier sitting in their newly acquired apartment. It is a large Victorian house in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Surrounded by packed boxes they begin to settle in and as part of the process begin to sort through packed box after packed box. Like the couple in their new abode, the reader begins to settle in with them and in anticipation of what the unpacked pages have in store for the reader.
As the couple begin to turn their thoughts to more interesting ways of acclimating themselves into the home they are interrupted by a visitor. The visitor is Luc's sister and she has with her a box that has been packed by Luc's mom. The sister delivers the box to the new home.
Luc takes the box and begins to sift through some of the contents. As he does his countenance changes. A change that both women pick up on and immediately the reader is drawn into the story as their curiosity is peaked as to what Luc came across.
And so the well-written mystery unfolds which includes a body in the chimney. A body not placed there by accident, but the victim of foul play. Added to the intensity it is a house that Iris, as an architect, is redesigning. Add in an old romantic flame and a possibly corrupt investigation and you have the ingredients of a very entertaining and imaginative read.
Collateral Damage by Susan Cory is a refreshing mystery that provides numerous dramatic as well as suspenseful moments.
October 18, 2020
A masterly and wonderfully atmospheric mystery in the Iris Reid series.
This is the forth book in the series about Iris Reid, the young architect who manages to get herself involved in all sorts of cases as an amateur detective. In this new case, a talented young and struggling artist is unfortunate enough to have the old warehouse where he is living and working, almost burn down. Although he is the new boyfriend of her goddaughter, Raven, she also admires his work and decides to help him renovate his home as well as promote his work. The body of someone who had been murdered, complicates the issue for her and the plot becomes fiendishly complicated as she is drawn into an investigation that promises to be as deadly as her previous case.
Although this book is part of a series, it may be enjoyed as a stand-alone as the characters are well introduced and there are no strong links to any of the previous books that are necessary to remember to appreciate this story. Lovers of good mystery and suspense will enjoy the well-developed characters as well as the details in this interesting plot. I simply enjoyed the atmosphere, the architectural details, and the clever twists in the plot, as Iris puts it all together and tries to get to the bottom of it.
This is the forth book in the series about Iris Reid, the young architect who manages to get herself involved in all sorts of cases as an amateur detective. In this new case, a talented young and struggling artist is unfortunate enough to have the old warehouse where he is living and working, almost burn down. Although he is the new boyfriend of her goddaughter, Raven, she also admires his work and decides to help him renovate his home as well as promote his work. The body of someone who had been murdered, complicates the issue for her and the plot becomes fiendishly complicated as she is drawn into an investigation that promises to be as deadly as her previous case.
Although this book is part of a series, it may be enjoyed as a stand-alone as the characters are well introduced and there are no strong links to any of the previous books that are necessary to remember to appreciate this story. Lovers of good mystery and suspense will enjoy the well-developed characters as well as the details in this interesting plot. I simply enjoyed the atmosphere, the architectural details, and the clever twists in the plot, as Iris puts it all together and tries to get to the bottom of it.
October 19, 2020
A fun read that is entertaining and exciting
Iris Reid finds herself wrapped up in a mystery. Her project is put on hold when a body is found in the chimney and she must now find the real killer and save her client. This story is action packed and a great read from the very first page. The Iris Reid series is a fun series that does not disappoint the reader. If you enjoy murder mystery stories, this is the story for you. The characters are well developed and the author paints a very good pictures as you turn the pages of this story following the evidence as you try to figure out what Iris is also seeking the answers to. Well written and full of suspense, this is a good one folks. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Iris Reid finds herself wrapped up in a mystery. Her project is put on hold when a body is found in the chimney and she must now find the real killer and save her client. This story is action packed and a great read from the very first page. The Iris Reid series is a fun series that does not disappoint the reader. If you enjoy murder mystery stories, this is the story for you. The characters are well developed and the author paints a very good pictures as you turn the pages of this story following the evidence as you try to figure out what Iris is also seeking the answers to. Well written and full of suspense, this is a good one folks. Check it out and let me know what you think.
September 22, 2020
***** Brilliant twist at the End!
This fourth mystery in the Iris Reid series finds her trying to help a young artist renovate a brick factory. When a corpse is found on the site and the artist becomes the prime suspect, Iris tries to unravel what really happened. But her life gets complicated when one of her boyfriend Luc's former lovers reappears on the scene.I loved meeting these well-developed new characters and re-connecting with the delightful regulars. Cory, as usual, brings us into the world of architecture while keeping the suspense mounting. The final twist was brilliant.... find out for yourself if you see the ending coming.
This fourth mystery in the Iris Reid series finds her trying to help a young artist renovate a brick factory. When a corpse is found on the site and the artist becomes the prime suspect, Iris tries to unravel what really happened. But her life gets complicated when one of her boyfriend Luc's former lovers reappears on the scene.I loved meeting these well-developed new characters and re-connecting with the delightful regulars. Cory, as usual, brings us into the world of architecture while keeping the suspense mounting. The final twist was brilliant.... find out for yourself if you see the ending coming.
March 22, 2021
Artistic Murder
This Book was a Book Bub recommendation. I am glad that I picked it up.I wish that the front of the book had shown which Number this book was in the series, but It did not affect My enjoyment of reading it.
Be writing in this book is tight. And it has a lot of interesting subject matter. Iris is an architect who ends up working with a young artist who is trying to start a business in an abandoned warehouse.
After the warehouse is set on fire, iris becomes Interested in helping the young man rebuild. She reaches out to very fascinating people to help her with this.
She has just moved in with her boyfriend Who has a restaurant on the 1st floor of their home and their loft is on the second floor. Her boyfriend Is a famous chef in Boston.They end up deep in a murder mystery along with mysteries about his past.
I recommend this book to people who appreciate a good murder mystery with very interesting people in it. I look forward to reading more of this series. Cheers!
This Book was a Book Bub recommendation. I am glad that I picked it up.I wish that the front of the book had shown which Number this book was in the series, but It did not affect My enjoyment of reading it.
Be writing in this book is tight. And it has a lot of interesting subject matter. Iris is an architect who ends up working with a young artist who is trying to start a business in an abandoned warehouse.
After the warehouse is set on fire, iris becomes Interested in helping the young man rebuild. She reaches out to very fascinating people to help her with this.
She has just moved in with her boyfriend Who has a restaurant on the 1st floor of their home and their loft is on the second floor. Her boyfriend Is a famous chef in Boston.They end up deep in a murder mystery along with mysteries about his past.
I recommend this book to people who appreciate a good murder mystery with very interesting people in it. I look forward to reading more of this series. Cheers!
October 24, 2020
Iris Reid is a successful architect, working on her newest project when it all comes to a screeching halt. A body is found in the chimney and her client is the prime suspect. Iris sets out to clear his name and figure out the true killer before everything goes down in flames. At the same time, her boyfriend is distracted by his old lover and secrets that were buried will be dragged to life once more, ultimately hitting Iris from left field, threatening to knock her off track.
This crime mystery is set to a fast pace that will knock your socks off. Iris is an architect who is drawn to investigate, but the twist with her personal life going up in flames, she has much to distract her. Well written, well-paced and an intriguing plot, this is a good book to distract you and lose yourself in for a few hours.
This crime mystery is set to a fast pace that will knock your socks off. Iris is an architect who is drawn to investigate, but the twist with her personal life going up in flames, she has much to distract her. Well written, well-paced and an intriguing plot, this is a good book to distract you and lose yourself in for a few hours.
October 27, 2020
The fourth installment of the Iris Reid Mystery series, Collateral Damage, was a stunning mystery suspense novel. It was interesting in more ways than one. The author of the book Susan Cory was able to pull off such a magnificent plot with a strong-willed, cunning woman as a main heroine. At first I admit that I had a bit of a doubt if I am going to enjoy it because I didn't quite connect to what was going on, but I was surprised to find myself enjoying everything as I went through the following chapters.
The mystery and suspense was very well excecuted. All throughout the book my mind really worked and I kept on guessing. Not to mention the romance incorporated in it, it made the story even more interesting. If you enjoy this kind of genre, I recommend you to read Collateral Damage and feel the rush from page to page.
The mystery and suspense was very well excecuted. All throughout the book my mind really worked and I kept on guessing. Not to mention the romance incorporated in it, it made the story even more interesting. If you enjoy this kind of genre, I recommend you to read Collateral Damage and feel the rush from page to page.
May 11, 2021
An easy fast but interesting read. It's true -the stories of our lives sometimes come full circle. Iris was trying to help a young artist, and gets into situations she never dreamed of. Iris impressed me with her calm and patient manner. I appreciated the fact that this was a clean story. No vulgar language. A little romance, murder, hidden secrets from the past and a couple of surprises. Enough mystery to keep your interest.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
March 19, 2021
A story about two people involved in a solid relationship until the unexpected happens
A story line with few characters with an unusual event which turns into a complicated story of doubt and mystery. As the story progresses new characters are introduced adding to the storyline with a surprise ending.
A story line with few characters with an unusual event which turns into a complicated story of doubt and mystery. As the story progresses new characters are introduced adding to the storyline with a surprise ending.
March 26, 2021
A Happily Ever After Kind of Book
Collateral Damage is a detective type book with no real detective. Iris and Luc have just discovered he is the dad of a twenty year old son. Happy Father's Day! If you like a little intrigue without the thriller part you probably will like to read collateral Damage.
Collateral Damage is a detective type book with no real detective. Iris and Luc have just discovered he is the dad of a twenty year old son. Happy Father's Day! If you like a little intrigue without the thriller part you probably will like to read collateral Damage.
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February 23, 2023Great Murder Mystery! Captivating!
I really liked this book!!! Great story involving love lost, murder, a Chef, an Architect and a Painter all entangled in the murder mystery! Great characters, story and location... Would recommend to anyone loving a good murder mystery with a little romance... 5 Stars from me... 😄
I really liked this book!!! Great story involving love lost, murder, a Chef, an Architect and a Painter all entangled in the murder mystery! Great characters, story and location... Would recommend to anyone loving a good murder mystery with a little romance... 5 Stars from me... 😄
March 17, 2021
Who dun It?
Cory weaves a spellbinder, making it very hard to establish who the killer is. Also gives a look into how far reaching the effects of drug use can be. I began reading & couldn’t put it down
Cory weaves a spellbinder, making it very hard to establish who the killer is. Also gives a look into how far reaching the effects of drug use can be. I began reading & couldn’t put it down
March 17, 2021
Great Mystery So good I couldn’t put it down!!!
This is one mystery where you really don’t find out the bad person until the end. Read in one day. Enjoy it a lot. Would recommend this to everyone who like a good mystery.
This is one mystery where you really don’t find out the bad person until the end. Read in one day. Enjoy it a lot. Would recommend this to everyone who like a good mystery.
March 19, 2021
A very good story inventively written. God daughter's boyfriend turns out to be closer related than thought and Iris's boyfriend's old flame is his mother with friends with a shady secret in their past. All will be revealed in the last chapters and well worth waiting for.
March 22, 2021
A good read
This story easily kept my attention. It was fun to read and had a few twists and turns. Some of it was tough to swallow but it is just like like life, people do things that are hard to believe.
This story easily kept my attention. It was fun to read and had a few twists and turns. Some of it was tough to swallow but it is just like like life, people do things that are hard to believe.
April 15, 2021
Good story yet again
I liked this one better than the last. There were a few discrepancies that I noticed. Such as finger prints on a fun can be wiped off. Medical personnel have their finger prints on file. There were a few typos but all in all a good story.
I liked this one better than the last. There were a few discrepancies that I noticed. Such as finger prints on a fun can be wiped off. Medical personnel have their finger prints on file. There were a few typos but all in all a good story.
March 31, 2022
boring
Honestly I couldn’t be bothered finishing it, it was so boring. Perhaps this book is one of a series, I don’t know, but I had no idea of the characters personalities, looks or anything’s, yet it read like I should have known. Which was very off putting.
Honestly I couldn’t be bothered finishing it, it was so boring. Perhaps this book is one of a series, I don’t know, but I had no idea of the characters personalities, looks or anything’s, yet it read like I should have known. Which was very off putting.
November 8, 2023
Another Great Mystery Read
Cory has a knack for creating characters that will pull you in to her story and stories that keep you reading, well into the night. Mercifully, Iris is relentless in her pursuit of the truth, because it’s always a wild adventure to find it.
Cory has a knack for creating characters that will pull you in to her story and stories that keep you reading, well into the night. Mercifully, Iris is relentless in her pursuit of the truth, because it’s always a wild adventure to find it.
April 3, 2021
Collateral Damage
An intrigue filled storyline with likable characters. Easy to read and interesting twists, for those who like to solve mysteries before the author dies!
An intrigue filled storyline with likable characters. Easy to read and interesting twists, for those who like to solve mysteries before the author dies!
April 3, 2021
It didn’t grip me like Doppelgänger did, but I still enjoyed it and the characters.
April 21, 2021
OK - 2.5 Stars is about right.
It was an interesting enough read. Ended a little too abruptly for my liking. If the Book is relatively cheap buy it, most will enjoy it.
It was an interesting enough read. Ended a little too abruptly for my liking. If the Book is relatively cheap buy it, most will enjoy it.
May 3, 2021
Pleasant surprise
Have not read this author before and wasn't sure what to expect. Was a pleasant surprise. Overall, well done plot and characters.
Have not read this author before and wasn't sure what to expect. Was a pleasant surprise. Overall, well done plot and characters.
May 3, 2021
Loved this series
Iris and Luc are a good creative couple. I love imagining the architectural designs and the culinary creations. Ms. Cory's scenarios are well conceived.
Iris and Luc are a good creative couple. I love imagining the architectural designs and the culinary creations. Ms. Cory's scenarios are well conceived.
March 18, 2023
Great thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of collusion and suspense. A pretty good love story also. Loved the twist who the killer ended up being.
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of collusion and suspense. A pretty good love story also. Loved the twist who the killer ended up being.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews