Ten years after a terrifying kidnapping ended in murder, can rookie FBI Agent Thomas Kamea unearth new clues and finally nail the killer? Every cop has a case they can’t let go of. The Nash case is rookie FBI agent Thomas Kamea’s. Now that he’s a federal agent, maybe their resources plus the advances in technology will help him bring the murderer to justice.
Maybe then Cedric Nash’s lifeless eyes will stop haunting his nightmares.
But little does Thomas know that the Nash case is a hornet’s nest, and he’s just kicked it wide open. Will Thomas be able to stay one step ahead of the crafty killer and bring this case to justice? Or will the killer succeed at staying in the shadows forever?
If you like the rich characters of Kendra Elliot and the suspense and noir of Jeffery Deaver, you’ll love this FBI cold case detective story.
AMY WAESCHLE is the author of the bestselling Cassidy Kincaid mystery series, the Meg Dawson Murder Mystery series, and the standalone books Going Over the Falls, Feeding the Fire, and the surf memoir Chasing Waves.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and after a career in outdoor education and traditional teaching, she dedicated her energy to writing. As a fan of mysteries since childhood, creating sassy, brilliant female characters solving crimes has been a natural fit.
Amy likes to surf, run mountain trails, travel, and spend time with her family. She and her husband live in Poulsbo, Washington with their two daughters.
I like that Waeschle was able to pack so much into this short story. As a newly minted FBI agent, Thomas Kamea wants to revisit a cold case from his time with Honolulu PD. This offers a little bit of everything: procedural, mystery, & suspense. I wish some of the minor loose ends would have been tied up better, but the length concentrated on the main points well.
Narration: My first listen narrated by Rob Brinkmann and I enjoyed his performance. He does a good job giving distinct character voices and adding to the anticipation/suspense aspect of the writing.
This is a short story of a FBI Cold Case with the main character being rookie FBI Agent Thomas Kamea, who is on his first day in his new job, in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2008. He was a young police officer on his first big case back in 1998, when he went to the scene of a kidnapping of a baby. The father, Cedric Nash, had gone to pay the ransom himself a day before it was due to be paid with the FBI on board. He was shot dead near a dumpster in an alley, late at night, and his empty briefcase was found nearby. His killer and the kidnapper, whether they are the same person or two different people, have never been found!
Thomas has been unable to forget this case and wants to use his access to better resources and the changes in DNA testing, to see if the FBI scientists can find anything on the old evidence, from ten years ago. There are a number of suspects, the nanny, the wife and a Private Investigator who was hired to see if the husband was cheating. He has no real evidence yet, so can only go back round the suspects and see what each of them says when they are re-interviewed. The first piece of evidence found at the scene leads to a gang member, but not necessarily at the time of the murder and nowhere near the kidnapping. It seems someone has been looking him up and is interested or should I say, worried, that he is opening up this case.
Someone is worried they may be found out and they will do what they can to try and stop him! This is a complex cold case with a murder and a kidnapping, somehow connected to each other. Thomas hopes to find out who was behind both events to give closure to the child and her mother, but to also no longer have the case haunting him. It will also be good for his record at his new job! The story might be quite short, but it covers everything in a timely manner and doesn’t leave you feeling anything was left out, or that it was too short. Great read for a short break and a taste of things to come, I hope. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Things I liked about the book: 1) An intriguing cold case murder mystery. 2) Interesting and strong characters. 3) A short story easily finished in one sitting. 4) Even though it is a short read, the story moves fast so that you don’t feel as it was rushed. 5) There were believable red herrings that made identifying the culprit difficult. 6) Listening to the audiobook after reading the eBook was a boon. I liked the dramatic reading. It was fun to compare his reading to the voices I had given the characters in my own mind while reading the eBook.
This book was gifted to me via a multiple author’s promotion when I signed up for the author’s newsletter. I was gifted the audiobook weeks later from the author in return for an honest review of the audiobook. These gifts did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
A man with a suitcase full of blackmail cash was shot and the murderer whispered in his ear "she's safe". Twelve years later, Thomas Kamea joined the FBI as a rookie agent, one of the cold cases from his old job that never left him was the kidnapping of a baby girl and the shooting of her father, Cedric Nash's cold, dead eyes never left him. Thomas wanted another crack at the case, could all the recourses of the FBI and twelve years advance in technology help him ? As with all Amy Waeschle's books there is plenty of action, suspense and of course numerous suspects. This is a very short story although non the less enjoyable but it is for that reason that I give it four stars.
My first novel from Amy and I found this a breath of fresh air, this story about a murder that then turns into a cold case is an unusual topic but for me it turned out to be a really good read. I found it to be well written and the descriptions of the areas and characters really wet your appetite. The characters are easily imaginable and the story is easy follow. You won't be disappointed reading this story. This review is based on an audio book. The narrator has a nice clear voice and does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. I received this book for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
This short story will keep you on edge from the beginning to the end, trying to guess who the murderer is in this chilling cold case mystery. FBI Agent Thomas Kamea was a rookie when he first tried to solve the case. But now that forensics has advanced, will he be able to finally close the file? Will the his life be in danger from the murderer trying to keep his secret? I loved the setting in this book and the local descriptions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
this is a wonderful, short read. If you’re looking for something enjoyable, but quick, this is the book you want to read. Because of the length of the book, it is packed with excitement! From the very beginning, you will not be disappointed! as an added bonus, I recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a great job of putting you right in the action! The author has a great story, the narrator really makes it come to life. Both of them together is a recipe for definite success! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed how author, Amy Waeschle, took us through the process of solving a cold case. Starting out with a view of the crime and then fast forwarding 10 years... we were able to see the whole picture. Rookie FBI agent Thomas Kamea had his work cut out for him, but he was tenacious and thorough.
Bob Brinkmann's narration really brought the story to life. It made for a very entertaining listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
A page turning, thrilling, intriguing and suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story moves fast and you find it hard to put the book down once you start reading. Strong characters that are well developed and easy to get to know throughout the story. If you're a fan of a good suspenseful mystery, then grab your copy today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thomas Kamea is newly promoted from local Hawaii police to the FBI. He immediately takes on a 10-year-old cold case that's been bugging him since his PD days. With the newer technology, a bit of luck, and some strong investigative skills he narrows in on the killer. Although short at an hour and 40 minutes, you're quickly immersed in the changed lives of all those involved in this cold case murder/kidnapping. BTW, I listened to the Audio version of the book.
Thomas Kamea had been a cop where an interesting kidnapping and murder still is unsolved. He is now a rookie FBI agent and he is able to reopen the case and he uncovers some interesting clues.
This is a novella what is very well written and it's a quick read. I've always enjoyed the books written
An easy to read and entertaining story which leaves the reader with the feeling of justice accomplished thanks to the dedication of detectives who will not stop at any point till they close the case. Really good mystery. I downloaded a free copy of this book from the author´s site and this is my honest review.
This is a wonderful short story about Thomas Kamea solving an FBI cold case. I enjoyed this story, it kept me entranced from the beginning to end. As someone who was born and raised in Hawai'i, I felt the author researched the island of O'ahu. She got the culture and the language of Hawai'i correct. I recommend this book. I received an ARC for an objective review.
Suitcases and Shadows by Amy Waeschle is such an amazing short story that I have read. I loved reading this amazing story cause I love reading about cold case mystery stories. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone who loves reading about mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderfully crafted short mystery story. The plot is an interesting one that has some great twists and turns so that I was kept guessing as to who did what and why. The characters are interesting and likable. A well written story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cold cases are always interesting and sometimes they are personal as in this plot. Baby girl abducted and father killed. A case of money gone and words “she safe” take on new meaning. He was a rookie, now a Federal Agent would he be opening pandora box for the family by looking again. Enjoyed the audio and good narration of this story. Given audio for my voluntary review
Don't understand why only one star showed up. I rated (or should say tried to rate this book) giving a 5 star rating , but changed to one star of it's own accord! Excellent short story! I received both the audio and ebook for free. I never found time to listen to more than 2 chapters on the audio, but finished the entire story on ebook. Nicely crafted and definately holds your interest!
A well written short story. The author jumps us right into the action. Fortunately no lead-in is necessary as the characters, the plot and the clues are pealed back just as needed. A perfect fit for the thoughtful and perceptive FBI agent. You’ll want to read it nonstop to catch the full impact of the story.
A very well-written short story with an interesting plot and very believable characters. I felt a bit cheated because it is such a good story that I think the book could have been much longer. I finished it so quickly that I felt at a bit of a loss at the end although the book has everything it needs including a proper conclusion and several interesting twists and turns.
A GRIPPING, HEARTBREAKING STORY LEAD BY A NEWLY MINTED AND INSIGHTFUL FBI AGENT. EASY-TO-READ AND EMOTIONAL, A NARRATIVE THAT NEEDS TO BE MUCH, MUCH LONGER. I LOOK FORWARD TO ALL OF AMY'S BOOKS. RECOMMENDED AN ARC BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.
This was a fun cold case mystery book to listen to. Finding a murderer 10 years after it happens is rare but so satisfying to watch. This is a new to me author but I will definitely be looking for more from her.
Thomas Kamea had been a cop where an interesting kidnapping and murder still is unsolved. He is now a rookie FBI agent and he is able to reopen the case and he uncovers some interesting clues.
This is a novella what is very well written and it's a quick read. I've always enjoyed the books written by Amy Waeschle and this is no exception. I look forward to reading the upcoming books in this series.
Updated to note that I have now listened to the audio book and it was very well done. The narrator did a excellent job.
Thanks to Amy Waeschle for the audio version of her short story, Suitcases and Shadows in exchange for an honest review. This book was a nice introduction to FBI Agent Thomas Kamea. I enjoyed that the book examined a cold case, investigating the kidnapping of baby Kayla, and the subsequent murder of her father, Cedric. I also like cases that involve DNA testing. Although the story was short, you still are given a good deal of character development and insight into the case. This is the perfect introduction to the next book in the series, Rescuing Reeve. I really like how Thomas is affected by this case, and the impact of Kayla's father's death on her life, leading to his career choice. Looking forward to following Thomas on his investigations and work.