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Detective Gemma Monroe #4
Shatter the Night
An enthralling, atmospheric new novel from the author of acclaimed debut Inherit the Bones, featuring Colorado police officer Gemma Monroe.
It's Halloween night in Cedar Valley. During the town's annual festival, Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick or treating with her family to visit an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery, at his law office. To Gemma's surprise, Caleb seems worried--haunted, even--and confides in her that he's been receiving anonymous threats. Shortly after, as Gemma strolls back to her car, an explosion at Caleb's office shatters the night.
Reeling from the shock, Gemma and her team begin eliminating suspects and motives, but more keep appearing in their place, and soon another man is killed. Her investigation takes her from a chilling encounter with a convicted murderer at the Belle Vista Penitentiary, to the gilded rooms of the renovated Shotgun Playhouse, where Shakespeare's cursed play Macbeth is set to open in a few weeks.
Yet most disturbing of all is when Gemma realizes that similar murders have happened before. There is a copycat killer at play, and if Gemma can't stop him, he'll carry out his final, deadly act.
It's Halloween night in Cedar Valley. During the town's annual festival, Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick or treating with her family to visit an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery, at his law office. To Gemma's surprise, Caleb seems worried--haunted, even--and confides in her that he's been receiving anonymous threats. Shortly after, as Gemma strolls back to her car, an explosion at Caleb's office shatters the night.
Reeling from the shock, Gemma and her team begin eliminating suspects and motives, but more keep appearing in their place, and soon another man is killed. Her investigation takes her from a chilling encounter with a convicted murderer at the Belle Vista Penitentiary, to the gilded rooms of the renovated Shotgun Playhouse, where Shakespeare's cursed play Macbeth is set to open in a few weeks.
Yet most disturbing of all is when Gemma realizes that similar murders have happened before. There is a copycat killer at play, and if Gemma can't stop him, he'll carry out his final, deadly act.
447 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 2019
89 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Emily Littlejohn
6 books218 followersEmily Littlejohn is a Colorado-based novelist. She writes the Cedar Valley Mystery Series featuring Detective Gemma Monroe and is currently at work on a standalone thriller. She is a two-time Colorado Book Award finalist.
When Emily is not writing, she oversees collection development and management for a midsize public library system. She is passionate about literacy, access to information and the right to read.
Emily is available for book club conversations; public speaking engagements; and coaching authors through her business Catch Your Story.
When Emily is not writing, she oversees collection development and management for a midsize public library system. She is passionate about literacy, access to information and the right to read.
Emily is available for book club conversations; public speaking engagements; and coaching authors through her business Catch Your Story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 9, 2019
While I'm not writing long reviews for sequels these days, I feel it's fair to mention that this is book #4 in an ongoing series, and the number one reason I've seen stated in early reviews for not enjoying this book is due to the fact they went in expecting this to be a stand alone novel. It's certainly easy to separate each case as singular experiences, but the true joy in picking up the mysteries in this series is getting to revisit the characters that the reader has grown to adore over the past few years. If you're looking for a fast paced thriller that stands out on it's own, I wouldn't recommend jumping in here, but if you're a fan of the series or looking for a new set of books to become immersed in with deep characterization, I highly recommend these books.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
December 27, 2019
EXCERPT: 'Time's up, old friend. I will take your eyes and then your tongue, leaving you unable to see or speak. Only then will your lies end. I'm one nightmare you'll never wake up from.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It’s Halloween night in Cedar Valley. During the town’s annual festival, Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick or treating with her family to visit an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery, at his law office. To Gemma’s surprise, Caleb seems worried—haunted, even—and confides in her that he’s been receiving anonymous threats. Shortly after, as Gemma strolls back to her car, an explosion at Caleb’s office shatters the night.
Reeling from the shock, Gemma and her team begin eliminating suspects and motives, but more keep appearing in their place, and soon another man is killed. Her investigation takes her from a chilling encounter with a convicted murderer at the Belle Vista Penitentiary, to the gilded rooms of the renovated Shotgun Playhouse, where Shakespeare’s cursed play Macbeth is set to open in a few weeks.
Yet most disturbing of all is when Gemma realizes that similar murders have happened before. There is a copycat killer at play, and if Gemma can’t stop him, he’ll carry out his final, deadly act.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book of four in this series that I have read. This is an exciting read with just the right balance between Gemma's professional and private lives.
As the countdown to her wedding begins, there is an explosion that rocks the town in more ways than one. Set at Halloween, it involves injustices and revenge.
Just like Gemma, I kept coming up with suspects, but I was wrong every time. I enjoyed this fairly fast paced read and it was almost a five star read for me except for two things...one would be a spoiler so I'm not going there, and the second is that I found the ending, although exciting, a little jumbled and untidy.
This is a series that I intend to continue to follow. I like the characters and the setting of Cedar Valley. I do recommend that, should you want to read this book, you start at the beginning of the series. While Shatter the Night could work as a stand alone, references are made to incidents in the previous books, and there are things in the characters histories that you will not understand. This series would make an ideal holiday binge read.
Highly recommended.
😍😲😍😮
Two quotes from this book that I just loved:
'Halloween. What a joke. The ghouls are here now, they're always here. As if they'd only come out on one night to play.'
'Marriages are like leftovers in the fridge; you stop paying attention and pretty soon you've got mold on what was once a nice meal.'
#ShatterTheNight #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Emily Littlejohn writes the Detective Gemma Monroe mysteries, called "a series to watch" by Booklist.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to St Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Shatter the Night by Emily Littlejohn for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It’s Halloween night in Cedar Valley. During the town’s annual festival, Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick or treating with her family to visit an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery, at his law office. To Gemma’s surprise, Caleb seems worried—haunted, even—and confides in her that he’s been receiving anonymous threats. Shortly after, as Gemma strolls back to her car, an explosion at Caleb’s office shatters the night.
Reeling from the shock, Gemma and her team begin eliminating suspects and motives, but more keep appearing in their place, and soon another man is killed. Her investigation takes her from a chilling encounter with a convicted murderer at the Belle Vista Penitentiary, to the gilded rooms of the renovated Shotgun Playhouse, where Shakespeare’s cursed play Macbeth is set to open in a few weeks.
Yet most disturbing of all is when Gemma realizes that similar murders have happened before. There is a copycat killer at play, and if Gemma can’t stop him, he’ll carry out his final, deadly act.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book of four in this series that I have read. This is an exciting read with just the right balance between Gemma's professional and private lives.
As the countdown to her wedding begins, there is an explosion that rocks the town in more ways than one. Set at Halloween, it involves injustices and revenge.
Just like Gemma, I kept coming up with suspects, but I was wrong every time. I enjoyed this fairly fast paced read and it was almost a five star read for me except for two things...one would be a spoiler so I'm not going there, and the second is that I found the ending, although exciting, a little jumbled and untidy.
This is a series that I intend to continue to follow. I like the characters and the setting of Cedar Valley. I do recommend that, should you want to read this book, you start at the beginning of the series. While Shatter the Night could work as a stand alone, references are made to incidents in the previous books, and there are things in the characters histories that you will not understand. This series would make an ideal holiday binge read.
Highly recommended.
😍😲😍😮
Two quotes from this book that I just loved:
'Halloween. What a joke. The ghouls are here now, they're always here. As if they'd only come out on one night to play.'
'Marriages are like leftovers in the fridge; you stop paying attention and pretty soon you've got mold on what was once a nice meal.'
#ShatterTheNight #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Emily Littlejohn writes the Detective Gemma Monroe mysteries, called "a series to watch" by Booklist.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to St Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Shatter the Night by Emily Littlejohn for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 4, 2019
3.5 Justice, revenge, a fearless killer on the loose in this small town. A retired judge, the first victim. Enter Gemma and Finn, partners on the force, but not in life. In fact Gemma is soon to marry the father of her baby Grace, the rehabilitated Brody. Plenty of course, I had a guess for the who done it, but I was wrong. I usually am, so good thing my role in life is not that of detective.
Enjoy the characters the mix between the personal and professional, and a fairly quick pace. Small Town life, where everyone knows everyone and usually quite of bit of their lives as well. So, how is it possible for this killer to hide so well? Plus, the theater, is putting on their first show, Macbeth, the play that holds many superstitions, could this be the problem?
The ending became a little crowded, but exciting all the same. A fairly new series, that definitely holds my interest. Good, solid police procedural.
ARC from Netgalley.
Enjoy the characters the mix between the personal and professional, and a fairly quick pace. Small Town life, where everyone knows everyone and usually quite of bit of their lives as well. So, how is it possible for this killer to hide so well? Plus, the theater, is putting on their first show, Macbeth, the play that holds many superstitions, could this be the problem?
The ending became a little crowded, but exciting all the same. A fairly new series, that definitely holds my interest. Good, solid police procedural.
ARC from Netgalley.
December 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this fourth instalment in the series. Detective Gemma Monroe from the little town of Cedar Valley is trick and treating with her partner and their one-year-old daughter Grace. She makes a detour to visit Judge Caleb Montgomery, who is an old family friend. She finds him looking older and stressed out about a series of anonymous letters with death threats he has been receiving. Gemma promises to look into the case. As she is walking back to her car, she hears a car explosion and quickly realises Judge Caleb has been murdered. Gemma sets out to investigate the case by checking out a long list of possible suspects. As you would expect the retired judge had made a lot of enemies during his career. And then it turns out that this murder is not the only one, and there is a serial killer out on the streets of Gemma's little town.
Gemma is a great female lead- she is tough and sensible, and above all, she is a mom who has to balance her work and family life. The little town setting works really well for this series. You might assume that in a small place like Cedar Valley everybody knows everything worth knowing about each other, yet, it isn't easy to work out who the murderer might be.
This is a fast-paced thriller and the fans of Emily Littlejohn and Gemma Monroe will find it a quick and exciting read. If you are thinking of reading this series, it might be better to start from the first book in order to appreciate the development of the recurring characters, especially Gemma herself.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Gemma is a great female lead- she is tough and sensible, and above all, she is a mom who has to balance her work and family life. The little town setting works really well for this series. You might assume that in a small place like Cedar Valley everybody knows everything worth knowing about each other, yet, it isn't easy to work out who the murderer might be.
This is a fast-paced thriller and the fans of Emily Littlejohn and Gemma Monroe will find it a quick and exciting read. If you are thinking of reading this series, it might be better to start from the first book in order to appreciate the development of the recurring characters, especially Gemma herself.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 14, 2019
Cedar Valley Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick-or-treating on Halloween night with her young daughter Grace and fiance Brody to visit a family friend, former Cedar Valley Judge Caleb Montgomery. Caleb tells Gemma that he's been receiving haunting anonymous threats on his life. As Gemma, Brody, and Grace return to the Halloween festivities, they hear a gigantic explosion. Gemma quickly learns it was Caleb's Mercedes. The well-respected judge is dead. This kicks off a twisted and grueling case for Gemma and her partner, Detective Finn Nowlin, leading them down the dark past of Cedar Valley. There are ties to former serial killer and the more Gemma and Finn dig, the more disturbing things they find. Even worse, it appears as if Caleb's killer might not be finished.
"We had summoned the evil to our town just as surely as if we'd mailed an invitation. We just didn't know it yet, and by the time we did know it, the damage would already be done. People would be killed. Lives would be changed."
This was such a good book, you guys. I've read the first three books in the Gemma Monroe series and really enjoyed them, and this was such an excellent addition to this series. To put it in perspective, I started reading this book about the same time as Michael Connelly's latest. I quickly realized that wouldn't work as they both involved plots with arson, and my small brain was getting addled. Well, I found this book so completely captivating that this was the one I kept with--and I mean, Connelly is my most favorite of authors. I have a cat named Harry Bosch. But there was just something about this one!
Gemma has become one of my favorite detectives. She's so easy to identify with. I love that she's a working mom, and that she can share her perspectives about working and motherhood with the reader. She even admits that she is probably a better mom because she works, but she still struggles being away from young Grace. She's human and fallible. We also see her make some strides in her personal growth in this book. She's awesome and tough, and I really like her.
"Since having my daughter, time seemed to speed up at incredible rates."
The plot in this one is wonderful. It's creepy and builds up suspense. I was completely captivated. I love a book that keeps me guessing, and Shatter The Night definitely did that. There are a lot of suspects, and it was really fun to try to figure out what was going on and who might be our bad "guy(s)." The book weaves in the town's legacy, intertwining the history and its elders, so to speak. So you have a past that features Caleb and his ancestors; the police and their history; even Gemma's family. I don't want to go deeper than that, but Littlejohn weaves it all together flawlessly.
Overall, this was a great read. Interesting story, wonderful characters (the recurring characters are the best--please live forever, Tilly Krinkle), and a strong female lead. What more can you ask for? Maybe it's time to name a cat Gemma Monroe. :) 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an honest review; this book is available everywhere as of 12/10/2019.
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"We had summoned the evil to our town just as surely as if we'd mailed an invitation. We just didn't know it yet, and by the time we did know it, the damage would already be done. People would be killed. Lives would be changed."
This was such a good book, you guys. I've read the first three books in the Gemma Monroe series and really enjoyed them, and this was such an excellent addition to this series. To put it in perspective, I started reading this book about the same time as Michael Connelly's latest. I quickly realized that wouldn't work as they both involved plots with arson, and my small brain was getting addled. Well, I found this book so completely captivating that this was the one I kept with--and I mean, Connelly is my most favorite of authors. I have a cat named Harry Bosch. But there was just something about this one!
Gemma has become one of my favorite detectives. She's so easy to identify with. I love that she's a working mom, and that she can share her perspectives about working and motherhood with the reader. She even admits that she is probably a better mom because she works, but she still struggles being away from young Grace. She's human and fallible. We also see her make some strides in her personal growth in this book. She's awesome and tough, and I really like her.
"Since having my daughter, time seemed to speed up at incredible rates."
The plot in this one is wonderful. It's creepy and builds up suspense. I was completely captivated. I love a book that keeps me guessing, and Shatter The Night definitely did that. There are a lot of suspects, and it was really fun to try to figure out what was going on and who might be our bad "guy(s)." The book weaves in the town's legacy, intertwining the history and its elders, so to speak. So you have a past that features Caleb and his ancestors; the police and their history; even Gemma's family. I don't want to go deeper than that, but Littlejohn weaves it all together flawlessly.
Overall, this was a great read. Interesting story, wonderful characters (the recurring characters are the best--please live forever, Tilly Krinkle), and a strong female lead. What more can you ask for? Maybe it's time to name a cat Gemma Monroe. :) 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an honest review; this book is available everywhere as of 12/10/2019.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
January 23, 2020
I've been anxiously waiting for the next book in this series. There is something about Gemma Monroe and her police partners that I really like. I also have liked the small Colorado town and its cast of odd characters. So I was a little surprised when I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have previous books in this series. Let me divide the book into two parts - the actual crimes and investigations and Gemma's personal life.
There is a monster in the town who has blown up the former judge's car with the judge inside and robbed a bank shooting one of the guards for no apparent reason. Now Gemma suspects there will be a third, far more deadly massacre that she has to stop - but can she figure out who is doing this crime spree in time.
IF this were the entire book - the crime, the reasons for the crime and solving of it, I would have loved the book. It was interesting and based on a unique theory. The writing for this was spot on. However, when writing about the personal aspects of the characters' lives, this book had me reeling.
I'm not a fan of Gemma's fiance, Brody. No explanation other than the fact that he has cheated on her once and I don't see the compatibility there. At the end of the book, before her WEDDING, I was unclear if Gemma was trying to convince herself or the reader that she was happy and doing the right thing. If I had been her friend, I would have told her to RUN! So, generally, I skip over all parts of the book that mentions Brody and I hate skimming over parts. There also is her grandfarther who is depressed and thinking of moving to France. Let's be clear - people my age and older don't just move to Europe. It would be fun if it were true but you just try to be a retired old person from the US trying to move to Europe right now. I know. I've tried. You can visit, you can visit for a while. You aren't moving there. Gemma's grandmother has a dementia and is in a care facility and her parents were killed. At times it's all too much. Especially when she runs to the ER because her baby has an ear infection. I'm jaded, right? Then let me add one more thing ....
There is a new character - a fire inspector - who is a POC, a veteran, a woman who has a chip on her shoulder and who has been raped multiple times because that happens. It doesn't.s not No less than four times in the book she yelled (!) you have your freedoms because this woman fought in Iraq for you. C'mon. Seriously? Publishers are telling those of us who review their books not to discuss politics but what do you expect if your authors are promoting propaganda. Sorry, folks, no one fought in Iraq for MY freedom or for yours. There is a never ending war going on over there so that the war machine and oil companies can get rich. My freedoms have been greatly diminished BECAUSE we are fighting there. They have not been protected at all. Maybe you believe differently and that is your choice but I'm sick of propaganda disguised as fiction pretending to be truth. So, this will be the last Emily Littlejohn book I read. Ugh!
There is a monster in the town who has blown up the former judge's car with the judge inside and robbed a bank shooting one of the guards for no apparent reason. Now Gemma suspects there will be a third, far more deadly massacre that she has to stop - but can she figure out who is doing this crime spree in time.
IF this were the entire book - the crime, the reasons for the crime and solving of it, I would have loved the book. It was interesting and based on a unique theory. The writing for this was spot on. However, when writing about the personal aspects of the characters' lives, this book had me reeling.
I'm not a fan of Gemma's fiance, Brody. No explanation other than the fact that he has cheated on her once and I don't see the compatibility there. At the end of the book, before her WEDDING, I was unclear if Gemma was trying to convince herself or the reader that she was happy and doing the right thing. If I had been her friend, I would have told her to RUN! So, generally, I skip over all parts of the book that mentions Brody and I hate skimming over parts. There also is her grandfarther who is depressed and thinking of moving to France. Let's be clear - people my age and older don't just move to Europe. It would be fun if it were true but you just try to be a retired old person from the US trying to move to Europe right now. I know. I've tried. You can visit, you can visit for a while. You aren't moving there. Gemma's grandmother has a dementia and is in a care facility and her parents were killed. At times it's all too much. Especially when she runs to the ER because her baby has an ear infection. I'm jaded, right? Then let me add one more thing ....
There is a new character - a fire inspector - who is a POC, a veteran, a woman who has a chip on her shoulder and who has been raped multiple times because that happens. It doesn't.s not No less than four times in the book she yelled (!) you have your freedoms because this woman fought in Iraq for you. C'mon. Seriously? Publishers are telling those of us who review their books not to discuss politics but what do you expect if your authors are promoting propaganda. Sorry, folks, no one fought in Iraq for MY freedom or for yours. There is a never ending war going on over there so that the war machine and oil companies can get rich. My freedoms have been greatly diminished BECAUSE we are fighting there. They have not been protected at all. Maybe you believe differently and that is your choice but I'm sick of propaganda disguised as fiction pretending to be truth. So, this will be the last Emily Littlejohn book I read. Ugh!
December 14, 2019
Detective Gemma Monroe is shocked when a friend is killed in an explosion moments after she last spoke with him. He was receiving anonymous threats, so Gemma immediately jumps on the case to catch a killer. The case turns out to be incredibly complex, with other similar killings tying in with it. Is this a case of revenge? Or is a serial killer on the loose?
Shatter the Night is the 4th book in the Gemma Monroe series. This is by far the best in the series so far, in my opinion. The plot was suspenseful and engaging. There were plenty of suspects, and the case evolved at just the right speed to keep me reading. I couldn't put this book down....I was reading until 3 am to find out the killer's identity. I had a guess for how this story would end -- and I was completely wrong! I love it when a suspense novel surprises me!
This book can be read as a stand alone story, but to completely understand the characters, their relationships, etc...it really is best to read this series from the beginning.
Great book! I can't wait for the next story in this series! I like Gemma Monroe as a main character....she struggles with being a working mom but loves her job. I like all the side characters and the plots are always engaging.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Shatter the Night is the 4th book in the Gemma Monroe series. This is by far the best in the series so far, in my opinion. The plot was suspenseful and engaging. There were plenty of suspects, and the case evolved at just the right speed to keep me reading. I couldn't put this book down....I was reading until 3 am to find out the killer's identity. I had a guess for how this story would end -- and I was completely wrong! I love it when a suspense novel surprises me!
This book can be read as a stand alone story, but to completely understand the characters, their relationships, etc...it really is best to read this series from the beginning.
Great book! I can't wait for the next story in this series! I like Gemma Monroe as a main character....she struggles with being a working mom but loves her job. I like all the side characters and the plots are always engaging.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
December 14, 2019
When Gemma Monroe and her husband Brody take little Grace trick or treating on Halloween, an old friend of the family confides in Gemma that he's been receiving death threats the last few months. Before she has a chance to investigate, he is killed by a car bomb.
As she looks for answers with her partner Finn, Fire investigator Liv Ramirez and her dog Fuego, another body turns up, leaving the group with more questions than answers. With a new, much larger threat looming, can the Detectives find the culprit and keep the residents of Cedar Valley, Colorado safe?
This traditional mystery features a charming setting with a well built cast of characters. It was a fun mystery to read and features lots of clues that can steer you in the wrong direction. While this is book 4 in the series, it was pretty easy to read as a stand alone. There is a brief mention of a previous event that would have been nice to have a little more information on, though. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
My thanks to NetGalley, Emily Littlefield, Saint Martin's Press, and Minotaur books for gifting me an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
As she looks for answers with her partner Finn, Fire investigator Liv Ramirez and her dog Fuego, another body turns up, leaving the group with more questions than answers. With a new, much larger threat looming, can the Detectives find the culprit and keep the residents of Cedar Valley, Colorado safe?
This traditional mystery features a charming setting with a well built cast of characters. It was a fun mystery to read and features lots of clues that can steer you in the wrong direction. While this is book 4 in the series, it was pretty easy to read as a stand alone. There is a brief mention of a previous event that would have been nice to have a little more information on, though. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
My thanks to NetGalley, Emily Littlefield, Saint Martin's Press, and Minotaur books for gifting me an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2019
"People would be killed. Lives would be changed. And Cedar Valley would never be the same again."
Evil had crept into Cedar Valley and Detective Gemma Monroe and her colleagues are soon involved in a very complicated case that had it roots in events from long ago. The death of her grandfather's friend, Judge Caleb Montgomery, in a car bombing is just the first incident in what will prove to be a demanding investigation that requires the talents and skills of many different people to bring this killer they've dubbed "Ghost Boy" to justice. NO SPOILERS.
This is the 4th in the series and, although I've only read #3, I had no difficulty jumping right into this well-written crime thriller. It was great to reconnect with familiar characters and meet some new ones. I was most pleased, however, by further development in Gemma's character and I like her quite a lot. She's not a mess like many in this genre and, though she has her scars and some sad things in her past, she's a good detective, plays nicely with her fellow team members, and uses her head to manage the procedural aspects of this escalating situation. I am excited about the developments in her personal life as well, and I hope she can settle in with Brody and baby Grace and combine being a mother and a detective with a happy home life. The plot is quite convoluted and there's a lot going on until it all finally comes together in a satisfying conclusion. It was easy to read in a single sitting and I enjoyed the setting as well as the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Evil had crept into Cedar Valley and Detective Gemma Monroe and her colleagues are soon involved in a very complicated case that had it roots in events from long ago. The death of her grandfather's friend, Judge Caleb Montgomery, in a car bombing is just the first incident in what will prove to be a demanding investigation that requires the talents and skills of many different people to bring this killer they've dubbed "Ghost Boy" to justice. NO SPOILERS.
This is the 4th in the series and, although I've only read #3, I had no difficulty jumping right into this well-written crime thriller. It was great to reconnect with familiar characters and meet some new ones. I was most pleased, however, by further development in Gemma's character and I like her quite a lot. She's not a mess like many in this genre and, though she has her scars and some sad things in her past, she's a good detective, plays nicely with her fellow team members, and uses her head to manage the procedural aspects of this escalating situation. I am excited about the developments in her personal life as well, and I hope she can settle in with Brody and baby Grace and combine being a mother and a detective with a happy home life. The plot is quite convoluted and there's a lot going on until it all finally comes together in a satisfying conclusion. It was easy to read in a single sitting and I enjoyed the setting as well as the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
December 10, 2019
Emily Littlejohn is an excellent author! She must have one complex story board. Again Detective Gemma Monroe is trying to juggle being a mother, getting married, and finding a killer. This was such a great crime drama that it is hard to pick out the best parts. "The past repeats itself" Her team help in tracking down this monster that is terrorizing her small town. New characters are introduced that I hope will be seen again on Littlejohn's pages. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars. In Cedar Valley, Colorado, it's Halloween night. Detective Gemma Monroe and her family are trick-or-treating at friend Judge Caleb Montgomery's law office. A couple of minutes after they leave, the judge is blown up in his new Mercedes. Gemma and her partner Finn must solve this crime.
This is the 4th book in the series that I've read over the past month. Although I enjoyed this one, I found it to be the least compelling so far. I'm wondering about new character Liv Ramirez who has a giant chip on her shoulder. Gemma's personal life has a resolution but could this book be the last one in the series?
This is the 4th book in the series that I've read over the past month. Although I enjoyed this one, I found it to be the least compelling so far. I'm wondering about new character Liv Ramirez who has a giant chip on her shoulder. Gemma's personal life has a resolution but could this book be the last one in the series?
June 28, 2020
This was definitely a tense mystery! The suspense built at a steady pace and there was no dearth of suspects. As Gemma pieced together clues necessary to solve one murder, there would be another murder. Suspects abounded! Gemma continues to be a memorable character, as is the rest of her team, her fiance and her baby daughter. I like them ALL.
November 23, 2021
My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minataur books and Netgalley. I enjoyed this book, but I think it's one of those where I should have started at the beginning. This was still a fully contained whodunit. Alas! I do read enough of these type of books that there wasn't anything new or exciting about it. This may also be a case of its not you, it's me. "Seldom do I say that!" I don't much care for books that take place in the U.S.A, unless it's in a snowbound or very cold environment! Otherwise, it must be a story that grasps me by the throat. This didn't. My review overall? That would be Meh. Just a whole heaping pile of meh.
December 5, 2019
The 4th book in the Gemma Monroe series is an atmospheric, chilling thriller.
Minutes after leaving a visit with a family friend, an explosion rips into Halloween night. Gemma races back to the retired judges home but it’s too late...her dear friend is lost to the explosion. The police investigation reveals this was an intentional act and Detective Gemma will stop at nothing to find her friends killer.
𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 was another dark and twisty mystery in this series! The case is perplexing and intricate, with enough suspects to throw the reader for a loop. The dark mystery is broken up with personal details about Gemma and her cute little family. Fans of Louise Penny or Sue Grafton will enjoy this cozy series featuring a strong female detective. 4⭐️
Thank you @stmartinspress for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review!
Minutes after leaving a visit with a family friend, an explosion rips into Halloween night. Gemma races back to the retired judges home but it’s too late...her dear friend is lost to the explosion. The police investigation reveals this was an intentional act and Detective Gemma will stop at nothing to find her friends killer.
𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 was another dark and twisty mystery in this series! The case is perplexing and intricate, with enough suspects to throw the reader for a loop. The dark mystery is broken up with personal details about Gemma and her cute little family. Fans of Louise Penny or Sue Grafton will enjoy this cozy series featuring a strong female detective. 4⭐️
Thank you @stmartinspress for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review!
December 10, 2019
Another really good mystery in this series. It kept me guessing til the very end. I really enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
December 22, 2019
“It was Halloween, and the quaint mountain town of Cedar Valley, Colorado, held more than tricks and treats. There was a dark energy, a dark spirit, summoned from the past that moved through the roaming packs of shrieking children. People would be killed. Lives would be changed. And Cedar Valley would never be the same again.”—from Shatter the Night
Gemma’s Halloween starts out with a visit with a retired judge, Caleb. Caleb received nine anonymous and threatening letters in the past few weeks. He thinks it is nothing—just part of being a judge. Gemma agrees to investigate. On her way home with her fiancé and their one-year-old daughter, there is an explosion. Someone has made good on the threat and killed the judge in a bombing.
Shatter the Night is a fast-paced thriller with a slew of suspects. However, I think the characters are what keeps bringing me back to this series. Gemma has changed a great deal since the first book, Inherit the Bones. I believe that I liked this book, the fourth in the series, is more enjoyable when read after the other three, which I have done. Still, even as a standalone, this book rates 4 stars!
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Gemma’s Halloween starts out with a visit with a retired judge, Caleb. Caleb received nine anonymous and threatening letters in the past few weeks. He thinks it is nothing—just part of being a judge. Gemma agrees to investigate. On her way home with her fiancé and their one-year-old daughter, there is an explosion. Someone has made good on the threat and killed the judge in a bombing.
Shatter the Night is a fast-paced thriller with a slew of suspects. However, I think the characters are what keeps bringing me back to this series. Gemma has changed a great deal since the first book, Inherit the Bones. I believe that I liked this book, the fourth in the series, is more enjoyable when read after the other three, which I have done. Still, even as a standalone, this book rates 4 stars!
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 17, 2020
This is my first Detective Gemma Monroe mystery even though there are three novels prior to this one. I thought at first that it would hinder my enjoyment of the novel but it didn’t. I really enjoyed the story and found the characters complex enough to become attached to them and interested in what they were going to do and why.
There is an historical aspect to it. A series of murders that occurred more than 50 years prior to the present day in the novel is being reenacted and so the police are trying to connect the two events which is not easy considering the time that has elapsed between the two.
There is an historical aspect to it. A series of murders that occurred more than 50 years prior to the present day in the novel is being reenacted and so the police are trying to connect the two events which is not easy considering the time that has elapsed between the two.
December 12, 2019
In all honesty I requested an ARC of Shatter the Night by Emily Littlejohn (as you can see from the title of this book review), because I was moving to Colorado. I thought it would be a blast to read a murder mystery, while sitting in my new apartment, nestled in the mountains. Don’t pretend to be socked. You know this is completely me. New city, new local authors (Littlejohn hails from Denver) to support? Double plus!
Well, I got what I was looking for in the fourth book in the Gemma Monroe Mystery series, set on Halloween, in Cedar Valley. What shocked me? There was so much more what I was looking for when I dived in.
Full review at Novellives.com
Well, I got what I was looking for in the fourth book in the Gemma Monroe Mystery series, set on Halloween, in Cedar Valley. What shocked me? There was so much more what I was looking for when I dived in.
Full review at Novellives.com
November 27, 2019
Detective Gemma Monroe is back in the fourth installment of this series. This time it's Halloween in Cedar Valley and not everyone is giving out treats!
When Gemma stops in to say hello to a retired judge, Caleb Montgomery, in his offices, she finds him upset and tells her about threatening letters he has been receiving. Gemma is still thinking about his odd behavior when his car explodes with him in it. Who in the world would have wanted Caleb dead?
Suspects abound and just as quickly as Gemma and her team clear one, another pops on the scene. As her investigation takes her into the judge's old cases, there is one that sticks out. Making the trek to Belle Vista Penitentiary, Gemma doesn't know what to think about the supposed stone-cold killer and the way he takes the news of Caleb's death.
Soon enough another body is added to the pile and a major clue. This isn't the first murder like this. Gemma and her team have themselves what looks like a copycat killer.
And if history repeats itself, there will soon be a lot more bodies! With the new playhouse in town, the opening night would be the perfect time for the last send-off.
Will Gemma and her team uncover the killer as it uncovers a lot of secrets and corruption right here in the police department?
You'll have to read it! And then wait for the next one.
NetGalley/ December 10th, 2019 by Minotaur Books
When Gemma stops in to say hello to a retired judge, Caleb Montgomery, in his offices, she finds him upset and tells her about threatening letters he has been receiving. Gemma is still thinking about his odd behavior when his car explodes with him in it. Who in the world would have wanted Caleb dead?
Suspects abound and just as quickly as Gemma and her team clear one, another pops on the scene. As her investigation takes her into the judge's old cases, there is one that sticks out. Making the trek to Belle Vista Penitentiary, Gemma doesn't know what to think about the supposed stone-cold killer and the way he takes the news of Caleb's death.
Soon enough another body is added to the pile and a major clue. This isn't the first murder like this. Gemma and her team have themselves what looks like a copycat killer.
And if history repeats itself, there will soon be a lot more bodies! With the new playhouse in town, the opening night would be the perfect time for the last send-off.
Will Gemma and her team uncover the killer as it uncovers a lot of secrets and corruption right here in the police department?
You'll have to read it! And then wait for the next one.
NetGalley/ December 10th, 2019 by Minotaur Books
November 23, 2019
3.75 out of 5 stars
I want to thank Netgalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When I asked to review this book I didn't realize it was the fourth novel in a series but it is very easy to follow along. As Gemma narrates her story she drops enough info about her town, the people that live there and all the relationships in her life that she makes it very easy to follow along..
This definitely feels like a cozy mystery as it is set in a small town full of interesting characters. I view reading in the way I view food and this book was a great form of comfort food.
I want to thank Netgalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When I asked to review this book I didn't realize it was the fourth novel in a series but it is very easy to follow along. As Gemma narrates her story she drops enough info about her town, the people that live there and all the relationships in her life that she makes it very easy to follow along..
This definitely feels like a cozy mystery as it is set in a small town full of interesting characters. I view reading in the way I view food and this book was a great form of comfort food.
July 29, 2020
Atmospheric, spooky, and compelling, Emily Littlejohn’s 4th colorful mystery, “Shatter the Night,” is a standout holiday-themed crime novel.
The series’ protagonist hard-nosed, bride-to-be Detective Gemma Monroe is on the hunt for a murderous arsonist in this skillfully plotted whodunit.
Halloween is approaching the small town of Cedar Valley, Colorado, but disturbing incidents are transpiring around town, leaving Detective Monroe and her team working late into the night to find a killer.
Monroe investigates an anonymous death threat when she stops in at Judge Caleb Montgonemery’s house to talk to him on Halloween night. Sensing trouble, Judge Montgomery confides in Monroe that somebody is trying to kill him. Monroe promises the judge that she will look into the case. But after she leaves his house that night, Montgomery’s house goes up in flames with the judge in it.
Later, when another man is killed, Monroe finds herself combing the town for viable clues, trying to eliminate a handful of suspects from her list. Her search takes her to a penitentiary, a newly renovated theater playhouse, and to the haunted forest of Old Cabin Woods.
All of this plays out in a masterful narrative while Monroe is struggling to balance her personal life, planning her wedding to her fiance Brody, and raising and caring for their sick daughter.
Littlejohn mixes the cozy and thriller genres quite well, and her flawed characters are most appealing. The downside: descriptions of animal violence are tragic, violent, unappealing and unnecessary.
The series’ protagonist hard-nosed, bride-to-be Detective Gemma Monroe is on the hunt for a murderous arsonist in this skillfully plotted whodunit.
Halloween is approaching the small town of Cedar Valley, Colorado, but disturbing incidents are transpiring around town, leaving Detective Monroe and her team working late into the night to find a killer.
Monroe investigates an anonymous death threat when she stops in at Judge Caleb Montgonemery’s house to talk to him on Halloween night. Sensing trouble, Judge Montgomery confides in Monroe that somebody is trying to kill him. Monroe promises the judge that she will look into the case. But after she leaves his house that night, Montgomery’s house goes up in flames with the judge in it.
Later, when another man is killed, Monroe finds herself combing the town for viable clues, trying to eliminate a handful of suspects from her list. Her search takes her to a penitentiary, a newly renovated theater playhouse, and to the haunted forest of Old Cabin Woods.
All of this plays out in a masterful narrative while Monroe is struggling to balance her personal life, planning her wedding to her fiance Brody, and raising and caring for their sick daughter.
Littlejohn mixes the cozy and thriller genres quite well, and her flawed characters are most appealing. The downside: descriptions of animal violence are tragic, violent, unappealing and unnecessary.
October 17, 2019
SHATTER THE NIGHT follows Detective Gemma Monroe as she investigates two major murders. The first was a car explosion that killed a family friend of Gemma's and makes her that much more intense about following down the clues. At the same time, we follow her personal life with her fiance, Brody, and baby as she heads toward a wedding and deals with her daughter's unexpected fevers.
I don't want to give too much away, because the journey on this is key. The case takes many twists and turns that I enjoyed following. This is not one where you can really figure anything out. The end was pretty unexpected, and the clues only come together at the end. The writing is poetic in places, striking a pensive and deeper cord.
One of the things I really loved was the portrayal of a working mother and the difficulties faced as such, as well as the work/life balance challenges. Gemma is a great detective and a fantastic character to watch going through this journey. Media that helps to normalize/portray such scenarios is critical.
Overall, this was an intriguing procedural. I could easily see this series lasting for many books. Gemma is a great lead, and the supporting cast is just as interesting. Recommend for people who enjoy mysteries/procedurals.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I don't want to give too much away, because the journey on this is key. The case takes many twists and turns that I enjoyed following. This is not one where you can really figure anything out. The end was pretty unexpected, and the clues only come together at the end. The writing is poetic in places, striking a pensive and deeper cord.
One of the things I really loved was the portrayal of a working mother and the difficulties faced as such, as well as the work/life balance challenges. Gemma is a great detective and a fantastic character to watch going through this journey. Media that helps to normalize/portray such scenarios is critical.
Overall, this was an intriguing procedural. I could easily see this series lasting for many books. Gemma is a great lead, and the supporting cast is just as interesting. Recommend for people who enjoy mysteries/procedurals.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2019
Shatter the Night started off strong for me. It was Halloween night and a long time friend of Detective Gemma Monroe was murdered. The detailed description of the entire night was great. I could vividly picture everything that was happening and was really interested in figuring out the killer. A few chapters later, I began losing interest. The storyline seemed to drag on to me to where I could just read a little at a time. I ended up skipping ahead to see the twist and ending. The writing style was great and I think detective novel lovers will enjoy this read, but it was not for me. Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy.
February 16, 2020
Another good book in this series that I discovered by accident.
January 11, 2025
3.5 Excellent mystery, but something was lacking with the characters’ personal arcs. The ending felt rushed, perhaps?
December 8, 2019
Shatter the Night by Emily Littlejohn is a highly recommended mystery/police procedural and the fourth book in the series featuring Gemma Monroe.
On Halloween night in Cedar Valley, CO, Detective Gemma Monroe, fiancé, Brody Sutherland, and their daughter, Grace, stop by the law office of an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery. After admiring costumes, Caleb talks to Gemma privately and gives her a stack of threatening letters he's been receiving. Shortly after Gemma and her family leave, the judge's car explodes - with him inside. Gemma and her team immediately begin investigating suspects and motives, including the judge's past rulings from when he was on the bench. As the investigation continues, another man is murdered and the case becomes more complicated with perhaps decades old roots.
The plot flows smoothly as you follow the various threads of the investigation and the inquiries made as the team strives to find the killer in this adeptly written mystery. Part of the pleasure is in following working mom Gemma juggle the complex investigation and the needs of her family. All the characters, including the minor ones, are developed and come across as real people. Every little tidbit of information uncovered could be an important lead or a false trail as the tension slowly built through the novel. The culmination of the investigation was satisfying after plenty of suspects were considered and rejected.
Shatter the Night can certainly be read as a stand-alone novel. This is my first Gemma Monroe novel and I could very easily follow the plot and the backstory. I also liked the character of Gemma quite-a-bit and look forward to entering her world again someday.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Macmillian.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/1...
On Halloween night in Cedar Valley, CO, Detective Gemma Monroe, fiancé, Brody Sutherland, and their daughter, Grace, stop by the law office of an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery. After admiring costumes, Caleb talks to Gemma privately and gives her a stack of threatening letters he's been receiving. Shortly after Gemma and her family leave, the judge's car explodes - with him inside. Gemma and her team immediately begin investigating suspects and motives, including the judge's past rulings from when he was on the bench. As the investigation continues, another man is murdered and the case becomes more complicated with perhaps decades old roots.
The plot flows smoothly as you follow the various threads of the investigation and the inquiries made as the team strives to find the killer in this adeptly written mystery. Part of the pleasure is in following working mom Gemma juggle the complex investigation and the needs of her family. All the characters, including the minor ones, are developed and come across as real people. Every little tidbit of information uncovered could be an important lead or a false trail as the tension slowly built through the novel. The culmination of the investigation was satisfying after plenty of suspects were considered and rejected.
Shatter the Night can certainly be read as a stand-alone novel. This is my first Gemma Monroe novel and I could very easily follow the plot and the backstory. I also liked the character of Gemma quite-a-bit and look forward to entering her world again someday.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Macmillian.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/1...
April 4, 2021
This takes place at Halloween. The story involves murder, an old case, corruption, and a wedding. I liked how the old and new came together. I thought the story was going to go a different way, and I am glad it ended the way it did.
November 24, 2019
Vengeful Murder And More Visit Cedar Creek
Halloween is setting the atmosphere in Cedar Creek, a small town in Colorado. The heroine, Detective Gemma Monroe is out trick-or-treating with her daughter and fiancé. They stop by the law offices of retired Judge Caleb Montgomery. He was a close and longtime friend to Gemma’s grandfather and lifetime friend to her. While they talk, Caleb informs Gemma that he has been receiving disturbing letters. Gemma felt that Caleb was holding back something. Gemma and her family left and were walking down the street. Suddenly, there was an explosion behind them. Upon looking, she saw Caleb’s car engulfed in flames. Soon all the main characters arrive on the scene, her partner, the police chief, the fire chief and a new Fire Investigator.
From this start the main storyline proceeds with the all of the twists, turns and misdirections that quickly captured my interest all the way to the end of novel and definitely kept me reading. I quickly became involved in the storyline. I would say to myself, how about that person as the murderer. Next, or a little later, the storyline focused on that person. I got my hopes up as more aspects matched the murderer, but then it would fall apart. I just enjoyed reading this novel.
The B-storyline is quite rich, so much so that I actually thought that it was the first novel of a series. Obviously, most of the B-storyline centers on Gemma and her family and Gemma with her grandfather and other characters in the novel. The new fire inspector has an interesting background. It would be nice if this character stays around. Even the police intern who was only identified by his first name, Jimmy, was backed with an interesting B-storyline. These threads really contributed to my enjoyment in reading this novel.
There is very little I believe that readers will find objectionable in this novel. Swearing and vulgar language were minimal. There were not any sex scenes. Obviously, the explosion and immediate aftermath were described as it happened. The content was adult but not over emphasized. Most of the other violence was described after the fact and so does not have the same edge.
This is the fourth book in the series. It is the first that I have read of the series. I did not experience any issues with references or information from the first three novels obviously missing. If you have not read any novels in this series, you can start with this one. The read was easy and kept me engaged. The author kept the tension building throughout the novel. The characters were interesting, and even though this was not the first novel in the series, the characters were fully developed within this novel. I enjoyed reading this novel. I rate this novel with five stars.
I have received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from St. Martin’s Press with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Halloween is setting the atmosphere in Cedar Creek, a small town in Colorado. The heroine, Detective Gemma Monroe is out trick-or-treating with her daughter and fiancé. They stop by the law offices of retired Judge Caleb Montgomery. He was a close and longtime friend to Gemma’s grandfather and lifetime friend to her. While they talk, Caleb informs Gemma that he has been receiving disturbing letters. Gemma felt that Caleb was holding back something. Gemma and her family left and were walking down the street. Suddenly, there was an explosion behind them. Upon looking, she saw Caleb’s car engulfed in flames. Soon all the main characters arrive on the scene, her partner, the police chief, the fire chief and a new Fire Investigator.
From this start the main storyline proceeds with the all of the twists, turns and misdirections that quickly captured my interest all the way to the end of novel and definitely kept me reading. I quickly became involved in the storyline. I would say to myself, how about that person as the murderer. Next, or a little later, the storyline focused on that person. I got my hopes up as more aspects matched the murderer, but then it would fall apart. I just enjoyed reading this novel.
The B-storyline is quite rich, so much so that I actually thought that it was the first novel of a series. Obviously, most of the B-storyline centers on Gemma and her family and Gemma with her grandfather and other characters in the novel. The new fire inspector has an interesting background. It would be nice if this character stays around. Even the police intern who was only identified by his first name, Jimmy, was backed with an interesting B-storyline. These threads really contributed to my enjoyment in reading this novel.
There is very little I believe that readers will find objectionable in this novel. Swearing and vulgar language were minimal. There were not any sex scenes. Obviously, the explosion and immediate aftermath were described as it happened. The content was adult but not over emphasized. Most of the other violence was described after the fact and so does not have the same edge.
This is the fourth book in the series. It is the first that I have read of the series. I did not experience any issues with references or information from the first three novels obviously missing. If you have not read any novels in this series, you can start with this one. The read was easy and kept me engaged. The author kept the tension building throughout the novel. The characters were interesting, and even though this was not the first novel in the series, the characters were fully developed within this novel. I enjoyed reading this novel. I rate this novel with five stars.
I have received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from St. Martin’s Press with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
February 2, 2020
I had not read the prior books in the series. This is a solid police procedural but nothing exciting. Just solidly average.
December 8, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
Disclaimer this is the 4th book in the series. You could read it as a standalone, however to reach a deeper understanding of the characters and back story you should start with book 1.
Gemma is back, while out trick or treating with her daughter she stops by to visit old family friend Caleb Montgomery, but he is worried and admits that someone has been sending threats. Minutes after she leaves an explosion shatters the night and it came from Caleb Montgomery's car. Gemma knows something deeper is going on, especially when the body counts starts to rise. And it appears they are copycatting and old crime.
Gemma is on the hunt to figure out who is behind this all, and before it devastates the small town she lives in. Will she be able to put all the pieces together and figure it out? Or will the body count keep rising?
I still love Gemma, and this is pretty standard mystery, but there is just something about Gemma and the town that keeps me coming back for more. I really can't wait to see where the series is going. With each book Gemma is growing more and more. She is always open minded and willing to believe that anyone could be behind something even if she thinks she knows them well.
Disclaimer this is the 4th book in the series. You could read it as a standalone, however to reach a deeper understanding of the characters and back story you should start with book 1.
Gemma is back, while out trick or treating with her daughter she stops by to visit old family friend Caleb Montgomery, but he is worried and admits that someone has been sending threats. Minutes after she leaves an explosion shatters the night and it came from Caleb Montgomery's car. Gemma knows something deeper is going on, especially when the body counts starts to rise. And it appears they are copycatting and old crime.
Gemma is on the hunt to figure out who is behind this all, and before it devastates the small town she lives in. Will she be able to put all the pieces together and figure it out? Or will the body count keep rising?
I still love Gemma, and this is pretty standard mystery, but there is just something about Gemma and the town that keeps me coming back for more. I really can't wait to see where the series is going. With each book Gemma is growing more and more. She is always open minded and willing to believe that anyone could be behind something even if she thinks she knows them well.
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