What do you think?
Rate this book
Galveston Crime Scene #1
Look The Other Way
A young woman found bleeding to death on a stranger’s front lawn uses her last breath to whisper two words: I’m sorry.
That’s a first for reporter Kate Bennett. She’s determined to find out why a murder victim felt compelled to apologize. And she can’t wait to splash the news of an arrest in 48-point type across the front page of the Galveston Gazette.
Detective Peter Johnson has seen his share of human carnage. He knows from experience justice isn’t always that swift or simple. When the case goes cold right from the start, he clings to faith that the killer will eventually face a reckoning.
But that’s not good enough for Kate.
Vowing to find the answers he couldn’t, she quickly discovers the truth costs more than some people are willing to pay. Can Johnson convince her that justice is still worth fighting for, even if she can’t see it on this side of eternity?
Look The Other Way is contemporary Christian suspense exploring questions of faith and justice in an imperfect world that desperately needs both. If you like books by Creston Mapes, Lisa Harris, and Christy Barritt, you’ll love stories from the Galveston Crime Scene.
That’s a first for reporter Kate Bennett. She’s determined to find out why a murder victim felt compelled to apologize. And she can’t wait to splash the news of an arrest in 48-point type across the front page of the Galveston Gazette.
Detective Peter Johnson has seen his share of human carnage. He knows from experience justice isn’t always that swift or simple. When the case goes cold right from the start, he clings to faith that the killer will eventually face a reckoning.
But that’s not good enough for Kate.
Vowing to find the answers he couldn’t, she quickly discovers the truth costs more than some people are willing to pay. Can Johnson convince her that justice is still worth fighting for, even if she can’t see it on this side of eternity?
Look The Other Way is contemporary Christian suspense exploring questions of faith and justice in an imperfect world that desperately needs both. If you like books by Creston Mapes, Lisa Harris, and Christy Barritt, you’ll love stories from the Galveston Crime Scene.
- GenresMystery Thriller
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2021
About the author
Leigh Jones
6 books7 followersI am a Christian author writing about the intersection of faith and doubt, where hope in something bigger takes root.
The very first story I ever wrote involved an enterprising hamster making a bid to take over the world. It was riveting. At least, my mom says it was. And since she’s a completely unbiased source, I’m sure we can take her word for it.
I’m equally sure all the publishers I would have submitted it to would have rejected it. And so we’ll never know whether Elwyn the hamster achieved his goal of world domination. By the time I had enough skill to rewrite his story into something that might have graced a bookstore shelf, I had moved on from small rodents to hard news. (Dare I say, big rodents?)
All dreams of fiction writing set aside, I chased the daily adrenaline rush of seeing my byline in newsprint. It’s heady stuff, especially when it’s on the front page and above the fold, where you can see it in the rack. I wrote about school board meetings, city council intrigue, and the occasional heart-warming feature. I even covered a few murders and one very big hurricane.
I never considered writing fiction again until I became an editor and no longer got to see my byline on the front page. Facing serious adrenaline withdrawals, I began plotting out my first novel. Eight years later, it finally hit the virtual store shelves as Look The Other Way.
What, you thought book writing was a quick and easy process?
My second book, Adverse Events, came out in 2022. That one came together much faster than the first one, you might think. And you would be right. But since I actually started writing it seven years ago, you’re only partially right.
So what took so long? Well, that would be an inconvenient thing called life.
When I’m not writing, I have a day job as the features editor at WORLD News Group. It’s a national Christian media outlet that practices biblically objective journalism. I’m blessed to work on longform story projects for our biweekly magazine and our daily podcast.
I’m also married, and my husband and I have an 8-year-old daughter. If you’re connecting her age with the big gap in my writing, you’re quite insightful. Writing while parenting a tiny human is a challenge. We’re also involved in our church, where we serve as life group leaders. I’m president of the board at my daughter’s school, and I lead our local American Heritage Girls troop.
As my husband would tell you, it’s a lot. I don’t always like being so busy, but I love everything I do.
The very first story I ever wrote involved an enterprising hamster making a bid to take over the world. It was riveting. At least, my mom says it was. And since she’s a completely unbiased source, I’m sure we can take her word for it.
I’m equally sure all the publishers I would have submitted it to would have rejected it. And so we’ll never know whether Elwyn the hamster achieved his goal of world domination. By the time I had enough skill to rewrite his story into something that might have graced a bookstore shelf, I had moved on from small rodents to hard news. (Dare I say, big rodents?)
All dreams of fiction writing set aside, I chased the daily adrenaline rush of seeing my byline in newsprint. It’s heady stuff, especially when it’s on the front page and above the fold, where you can see it in the rack. I wrote about school board meetings, city council intrigue, and the occasional heart-warming feature. I even covered a few murders and one very big hurricane.
I never considered writing fiction again until I became an editor and no longer got to see my byline on the front page. Facing serious adrenaline withdrawals, I began plotting out my first novel. Eight years later, it finally hit the virtual store shelves as Look The Other Way.
What, you thought book writing was a quick and easy process?
My second book, Adverse Events, came out in 2022. That one came together much faster than the first one, you might think. And you would be right. But since I actually started writing it seven years ago, you’re only partially right.
So what took so long? Well, that would be an inconvenient thing called life.
When I’m not writing, I have a day job as the features editor at WORLD News Group. It’s a national Christian media outlet that practices biblically objective journalism. I’m blessed to work on longform story projects for our biweekly magazine and our daily podcast.
I’m also married, and my husband and I have an 8-year-old daughter. If you’re connecting her age with the big gap in my writing, you’re quite insightful. Writing while parenting a tiny human is a challenge. We’re also involved in our church, where we serve as life group leaders. I’m president of the board at my daughter’s school, and I lead our local American Heritage Girls troop.
As my husband would tell you, it’s a lot. I don’t always like being so busy, but I love everything I do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 14, 2021
EBook Review: LOOK THE OTHER WAY by Leigh Jones
(L) ust
(O) ften
(O) verrides
(K) indness
(T) hen
(H) orrible
(E) vents
(O) ccur...
(T) o
(H) er
(E) ach
(R) epresented
(W) hat
(A) ctions
(Y) ield
LOOK THE OTHER WAY. pretend didn't happen.
Those are the instructions, so tourists come.
Must keep good name, all a game.
Don't point any fingers, at important people.
But there are those, believe in justice.
Must get to answer, by asking questions.
Too many found dead, are they connected?
Two who can't ignore, keep on going.
What would we do, if we're them?
Is it worth it, see to end?
It was for me, so kept reading.
I followed every clue, and their reactions.
Were working as team, and still individually.
Because of their past, took to heart.
Critical to bring down, those doing harm.
That's what story's about, see it through.
The author definitely does, a great job.
It's an easy read, pick it up.
You will not stop, gets to you.
Each and every clue, keeps your attention!
**********************************
I received an advance review copy for free,
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***********************************
(L) ust
(O) ften
(O) verrides
(K) indness
(T) hen
(H) orrible
(E) vents
(O) ccur...
(T) o
(H) er
(E) ach
(R) epresented
(W) hat
(A) ctions
(Y) ield
LOOK THE OTHER WAY. pretend didn't happen.
Those are the instructions, so tourists come.
Must keep good name, all a game.
Don't point any fingers, at important people.
But there are those, believe in justice.
Must get to answer, by asking questions.
Too many found dead, are they connected?
Two who can't ignore, keep on going.
What would we do, if we're them?
Is it worth it, see to end?
It was for me, so kept reading.
I followed every clue, and their reactions.
Were working as team, and still individually.
Because of their past, took to heart.
Critical to bring down, those doing harm.
That's what story's about, see it through.
The author definitely does, a great job.
It's an easy read, pick it up.
You will not stop, gets to you.
Each and every clue, keeps your attention!
**********************************
I received an advance review copy for free,
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***********************************
July 3, 2026
Look The Other Way is an engaging Christian suspense novel that skillfully blends an intriguing murder mystery with thoughtful reflections on faith, justice, and forgiveness. What stood out to me most was how Leigh Jones transforms a compelling investigation into a deeper exploration of the difficult questions surrounding truth and redemption.
I especially appreciated the partnership between Kate Bennett and Detective Peter Johnson. Their different approaches to solving the case and to understanding justice itself add depth to both the mystery and the emotional journey. The pacing remains consistently strong, with each new revelation building suspense while allowing the characters to grow in believable and meaningful ways.
Thought-provoking, suspenseful, and emotionally rewarding, Look The Other Way offers far more than a compelling crime story. It's an inspiring novel that reminds readers that even when justice seems delayed, faith, hope, and truth continue to matter. A wonderful read for fans of Christian mystery and character-driven suspense.
I especially appreciated the partnership between Kate Bennett and Detective Peter Johnson. Their different approaches to solving the case and to understanding justice itself add depth to both the mystery and the emotional journey. The pacing remains consistently strong, with each new revelation building suspense while allowing the characters to grow in believable and meaningful ways.
Thought-provoking, suspenseful, and emotionally rewarding, Look The Other Way offers far more than a compelling crime story. It's an inspiring novel that reminds readers that even when justice seems delayed, faith, hope, and truth continue to matter. A wonderful read for fans of Christian mystery and character-driven suspense.
March 30, 2021
I received this book from the author and the fine folks at storyoriginapp.com in return for an honest review.
This book had an interesting concept looking at political corruption forum the point of view of a small town reporter.
I found that there were numerous avenues where this particular novel could go (other than what the author had planned). This story illustrates some of the hardships faced by the main character as she is hunting for her next story.
There were parts of this book that were filled with excitement and parts that seemed to drag on forever and as such I was three quarters of the way through the book and I was unsure of where the author was trying to go (and subsequently have put finishing the book on hold).
As far as a review of what I had read, I found this novel to be slow and plodding and worthy of three stars out of five stars.
As these things go, this is just my five cents worth.
This book had an interesting concept looking at political corruption forum the point of view of a small town reporter.
I found that there were numerous avenues where this particular novel could go (other than what the author had planned). This story illustrates some of the hardships faced by the main character as she is hunting for her next story.
There were parts of this book that were filled with excitement and parts that seemed to drag on forever and as such I was three quarters of the way through the book and I was unsure of where the author was trying to go (and subsequently have put finishing the book on hold).
As far as a review of what I had read, I found this novel to be slow and plodding and worthy of three stars out of five stars.
As these things go, this is just my five cents worth.
February 25, 2025
Great!
Although this book deals with the depravity of man, and does have some mild language, I would still consider it a clean action novel.
Kate Bennett is obsessed with exposing the truth and finding justice. Detective Peter Johnson also believes in truth and justice, but has realized that those that don't receive justice on earth will find it in eternity, good or bad.
When a young girl is found murdered, she has no ID and no one has reported her missing. With no leads to follow, Detective Johnson's frustration is only matched by Kate's determination to find answers.
Leigh Jones writes great action and suspense without adding unnecessary violence and vulgar language. Excellent!
Although this book deals with the depravity of man, and does have some mild language, I would still consider it a clean action novel.
Kate Bennett is obsessed with exposing the truth and finding justice. Detective Peter Johnson also believes in truth and justice, but has realized that those that don't receive justice on earth will find it in eternity, good or bad.
When a young girl is found murdered, she has no ID and no one has reported her missing. With no leads to follow, Detective Johnson's frustration is only matched by Kate's determination to find answers.
Leigh Jones writes great action and suspense without adding unnecessary violence and vulgar language. Excellent!
February 6, 2021
After the fatal shooting of an unidentified young woman on a stranger’s front lawn, reporter Kate Bennett is determined to find answers. It seems to her the police are not really going to great pains to solve the case. Is someone obstructing the investigation?
This story is a grim reminder of the abuse and cruelty victims of human trafficking must endure, while others just turn their heads because they are profiting from it. An impressive must-read.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
This story is a grim reminder of the abuse and cruelty victims of human trafficking must endure, while others just turn their heads because they are profiting from it. An impressive must-read.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
January 1, 2024
Finished this book in 2 days! Someone gave me this book, wanting me to read it. Not my favorite genre. In fact, it has probably been 20 years since I read anything mysterious or crime type stories. The author did an excellent job with the plot, and weaving different elements together. The two main characters were well developed, enough personal info about their lives that it was interesting, not all crime solving. Two characters experienced some extreme trauma, the author did an excellent job expounding without extraneous details that are unnecessary and gory. Great book.
July 9, 2024
Look the Other Way was so much more enjoyable than I expected!
Though it is long, the plot never lagged and each character, event, and perspective proved to be important. The mystery unraveled at a good pace. I grew to empathize with the main characters and feel an investment in how they will develop in the future.
This book is poorly edited, with several typographical and grammatical errors that could have been easily avoided. Aside from that, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and plan to continue the series.
Though it is long, the plot never lagged and each character, event, and perspective proved to be important. The mystery unraveled at a good pace. I grew to empathize with the main characters and feel an investment in how they will develop in the future.
This book is poorly edited, with several typographical and grammatical errors that could have been easily avoided. Aside from that, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and plan to continue the series.
July 10, 2026
ouch!
This book did not wrap itself up in a pretty bow at the end. Everyone did not agree. Righteousness did not prevail. God did not win the way the thought He should.
This was a hard story. It hits too close to home reminding me of another REAL and horrendous injustice to someone I know……even worse than this story.
Sex trafficking is not about women who want to have sex with men. It’s about vulnerable girls/women being forced into it by circumstances beyond their control.
Like I said this was a hard story to read, with an ending that didn’t end.
This book did not wrap itself up in a pretty bow at the end. Everyone did not agree. Righteousness did not prevail. God did not win the way the thought He should.
This was a hard story. It hits too close to home reminding me of another REAL and horrendous injustice to someone I know……even worse than this story.
Sex trafficking is not about women who want to have sex with men. It’s about vulnerable girls/women being forced into it by circumstances beyond their control.
Like I said this was a hard story to read, with an ending that didn’t end.
June 24, 2024
Suspense
Detective Peter Johnson and reporter Kate Bennett chase non-clues to a prostitution ring operating on Galveston Island. They solve the crimes but without witness testimony, the big fish gets away, perhaps to be caught a other day.
Detective Peter Johnson and reporter Kate Bennett chase non-clues to a prostitution ring operating on Galveston Island. They solve the crimes but without witness testimony, the big fish gets away, perhaps to be caught a other day.
December 17, 2021
I was hooked right away. The story was well written and kept me turning the pages. Great characters that were very likeable & easy to relate to. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews