Alexandra

Lt. Kate Gazzara #11

by Blair Howard

Alexandra Meyer is sixteen, from a wealthy family and enrolled in a private school.
She's also dead.

It's Kate Gazzara's first day on the job as a detective, and she has a new partner. One with an attitude and a past.

Investigating a murder solo is one thing, joining forces with a partner, as a new female homicide detective is a whole new level of complicated.

When the death of a second rich girl is reported, the game is on to catch the killer. Are the murders the work of a serial killer or has a green-eyed monster reared its head?

Can Kate and her new partner put their differences aside to work the case together and catch a murderer?

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2021

About the author

Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Reviews

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. A glance into the past that must have been a very frustrating case.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite Blair Howard book. It is the story of how Kate met Harry and became his partner. It gave us a look at young Kate when she was just starting as a detective. In later books she is an accomplished detective known for solving hard cases but here she is just learning and still making mistakes. It also fleshed out Harry Starke and made him even more like Stuart Woods's Stone Barrington whom he has always reminded me of. I always thought was a little rougher but this shows us Harry, the handsome lady's man, extremely wealthy from a trust fund from his mother just like Stone. He doesn't exactly wow Kate on first sight but I can see how this relationship developed. This book shows us their first case, the murder of a teenage girl named Alexandra. It was a convoluted frustrating case with an ending no one saw coming. I want more of the early Kate and Harry.

[Cindy Pendergraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved reading Kate's first case as a detective. Her character was portrayed perfectly for her. Kate and Harry seemed not to work together but they did. Blair always brings his characters to life for me. Enjoyable book. I received the book as an ARC reader, this is my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book where Kate first meets Harry. Kate has just made Detective and Harry is her new partner. Rumors about each of them are rampant, and they dance around each other much like boxers waiting for an opening, while they try to sort what is fact from fiction in the rumors while they work on their first case.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eleven of the Lt. Kate Gazzara series and takes the reader back in time to Kate’s first ever case as a detective and meeting her new partner, Sergeant Harry Starke. He is used to working alone and has quite a reputation with the rest of the department. Before she can even get settled at a desk, they have a murder to investigate, that of sixteen year old Alexandra Meyer, who is found out by the pool of her home with her throat slit. But that doesn’t seem to be the cause of death, due to the lack of blood. Her parents had awoken to find her bed not slept in, after they had left her home alone, whilst they were out, and they find she had friends round, leaving a bit of a mess behind. By the time the police arrive, most of the evidence of a party has been cleaned up, by an uptight and possibly OCD mother and overly friendly and nosy neighbour! Alexandra went to a private and very elite school and it seems most of the party guests were current or former students of the academy.

Kate has the usual problems of a new person in the squad, not helped by the fact she is an extremely attractive female and has made it to the position of detective in only a couple of years, leading to a lot of rumours about her sleeping her way to the top. Nothing on the rumours she hears about Harry, plus some of his questionable behaviour with a female colleague. But both are single and they should be able to do as they wish in their own time. Kate is left to do a lot of the follow up and paperwork for the case, as the newbie, she pretty much expected it. They go to the school, hoping to speak to the other students they know were at the small party, but it seems the headmistress has huge concerns about the legality of interviewing minors without their parents or a lawyer and she is worried about the school’s reputation and so won’t answer much of anything without warrants for any information they may want. Only one student gives them any details of the evening that ended in murder, but she was definitely hiding something. Unfortunately, they are unable to question her again, as she is the next to turn up dead.

Do they have a possible serial killer in the making, or does it have something to do with the school and the possible drug dealing fantasies of some at the party? Kate must get used to Harry’s way of working a case and learn all she can from him about being a detective, to further her skills levels as a detective and for the future career she hopes to carve out for herself in the police department. Whatever secrets Kate and Harry need to uncover from unwilling parents, fellow students and party goers as well as the school authorities, it is going to be a difficult journey to the truth and what may be uncovered will be beyond anyone’s expectations. A killer with far more to hide than they have revealed through their actions and it is the young students who have been left to pay the ultimate costs. An intriguing investigation for Kate and Harry, with Kate having to figure out her new partner and how he works, whilst making a few rookie errors of her own from eagerness to proceed and listening to rumours and overstepping her mark. She has much to learn about and from Harry and there is lots to come. A difficult first case and one that almost breaks them apart and gives her a bit of a taste of her boss and his inappropriate behaviour towards her. I can’t wait to read more of Kate’s journey with Harry and beyond. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but have already pre-ordered the book to add to my collection. The author has a range of tales to tell from Harry, Kate and the beginnings of both their careers, which all make for great reading and I wait with anticipation, each time a new one is announced. I would certainly recommend this for readers who love a good crime read, with complex characters and sometimes devastating crimes. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with Kate remembering her 1st case as a detective. It shows her assignment to Harry as his partner and shows the resentment that other members of the department had to her appointment.

This case begins with the discovery young girl that died at a party that she threw at her parent's house. Initial indications suggested she was murdered by slicing her throat. When Kate and Harry arrive to view the scene, they suspect that something is wrong, the place is too neat. As they interview the parents, they discover that the mother and a friend cleaned up the area because it looked too messy. The next day after meeting with the medical examiner, they discovered that the death was due to a drug overdose of oxycontin.

With what little information they had, Kate discovered a notebook that of Alexandra, the killed girl, that showed her drug sales by name and what was purchased. With this information in hand, they went to the private school where Alexandra attended. With names provided by the parents, they began to interview the students who had attended the party. As they started, the 1st person they began talking to had his parents show up and that ended the conversation. The principal of the school had notified all of the parents.

Kate later tried on a different day and was able to gain information from Patricia, Alexander's friend, that supplied additional names and who the individuals were that supplied the drugs. Unfortunately, Harry and Kate were notified that Patricia had been killed.

With hard work that Kate was doing, they eventually were able to close the case out, but it all fell apart. To discover who was behind the murders and what scheme was in play here you must read this book. The ending will floor you. You also will understand how the continued partnership continued later on.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Blair Howard you have done it again, I have loved all the Harry and Kate books but this was lovely because takes the reader back to the conception of Kate and Harry's partnership.
Kate Gazarra was newly promoted to detective and she was to be partnered with the infamous Harry Starke. Because Kate was a woman the consensus of opinion was that she had slept her way to her promotion.
Harry Starke was ultra wealthy and as his father was an eminent lawyer Harry had grown up knowing the elite of the area, despite Harry working hard to get a good degree it was still thought by those that he passed over that his money, influence and contacts had got him to where he was, this partnership was a match made in heaven.
When a sixteen year old girl was found, at her party, brutally murdered with her throat slit , Harry and Kate were on their first case together, Kate was to learn a lot from Harry even though he flew close to the wire, she was also to learn that his womanizing reputation appeared to be true,
When another girl from the same elite school was also found even more brutally murdered the stakes were raised even higher, the number of suspects escalated, all the kids at the party came from wealthy families and with that came high end lawyers to impede the investigation.
The nail biting suspense and roller coaster twists and turns meant that I couldn't put this book down, Harry and Kate were determined to find the killer but would wealth and influence obstruct the outcome. This author really knows his stuff, a well deserved five stars.

[Richard Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why we needed this one, but still enjoyed it.

I'm not entirely sure what had Blair Howard, in this, the 11th book of the Kate Gazzara series, which came about after the first set of Harry Starke novels had run, decide to have her "reminisce" about her first case as a detective. Gazzara is a tall attractive woman who went from.beat cop to detective quickly, spawning the obvious misogynistic "she must have slept her way to the job" bull.

She gets partnered with Starke, a wealthy guy who is living with the "he must have bought his way into his job" crap. In neither case are the rumors accurate, by the way. She mentions early on this was before they hooked up and were not just partners on the job. It's as close to an origin story as Howard has produced - at least for her. The man is good with first person narratives, whether he's being Gazzara or Starks (in other books). We are treated to her insecurities and her inner dialogue as they go about solving the murders of one, and then another teenage girl from wealthy.Chattanooga families. The conclusion is unexpected.

But what was the point? Was this intended to advance the series, or just finally writing out her beginning, marking time? I can't say. And perhaps it's not important - I know from what little writing I've attempted that some stories are there to be told and that's that.

If you're new to Kate, know that she's a kick butt cop who questions herself. If that sparks your interest you can't go wrong.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each new release in the Kate Gazzara series gives us a great story and this is no exception, it has everything you would expect, brilliant characters, a very clever plot, believable interplay between the characters and nice insights into what drives Kate as a detective.
This book is something of a retrospective as it actually goes back in time to when Kate is promoted to detective, and is partnered up with Harry Starke, the beginning of a long and involved relationship, which really doesn't start off too well. They are both accused of using underhand methods to gain their promotions, and have both gained rather unsavoury reputations. But Kate is pragmatic and is determined to learn as much as she can from the more experienced Harry on how to carry out an investigation, even though his methods aren't always strictly by the book!
In this story 16 year old girl from a rich family is found murdered at her party then another girl who gave them some background to the evening of the murder, but was obviously keeping something back, is also found killed. The investigation is hampered by all the families using high-powered lawyers to protect their kids, which makes it very challenging, Kate isn't helped by her immediate boss taking a rather inappropriate interest in her.
This is a superb tale and should appeal to anyone who loves great police stories or great thrillers.
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.

[wendi wigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diverse interests

Kate reflects on her first days as a rookie detective.
Meeting Harry Starke, drop dead gorgeous & a rich bed hopping rebel. So the local gossip tells her - true or false? Time will tell.
On her first day as a detective, she feels vulnerable without her uniform declaring her authority upon sight.
She arrives at the department, bright eyed, bushy tailed and very nervous, expecting today will be her initiation into the detective squad - wrong a message to see the chief, intro to her new partner and their first case together waiting for them.
A teenage girl found dead by her parents pool, throat cut, having had a party for friends whilst her parents were out.
The parents proclaim their daughter an angel, perfect all round. Kate digs into the family background and would need a large morgue for the family skeletons buried beneath so called respectability.
Plenty of threads to follow from suspect political fund donations, staged drug busts and usual teenage behaviour ramped up and covered up by the parents with deep pockets, more concerned with their public persona.
Their child's welfare disregarded by these 'model citizens'.
A second murder occurs, far more vicious than the first, and to Harry & Kate, this time the motive is obvious. Game on.
Excellent book, the beginning of the relationship which will set the scene for the many books to follow. Loved it.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first exposure to Mr. Howard’s writing – I'm positively impressed.  The story is well-written, with strong characters who don’t hold sugar-coat their opinions about anything.  It is a flashback to main character Kate Gazzara’s first case as a Detective with her veteran partner Harry Starke, both of whom were the subject of department gossip regarding how they got their jobs.  Although she had several years’ experience as a police officer, Kate has no investigative training.  She must learn by doing, and by observing Harry’s approach, as well as, being a rookie, also doing the busy work.  She is brash and outspoken, constantly questioning why Harry or the others in the department do (or don’t do) things the way she thinks they should be done.  This tends to disrupt the investigation at times, and the feedback makes her worry that she isn’t fitting in.  She gets to see firsthand that the reasons for actions/inactions aren’t always clearly known – just do it.  The story had an interesting plot, which pulled me in and kept me turning pages, to see whether Kate’ approach would jeopardize her detective role by being a square peg in a round hole.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will certainly read more of Mr. Howard’s writing.  He sent me a free copy of this book to see if would like his writing – this review is my honest opinion.  I purchased a copy of the book to support his efforts.

[Robert Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair has done it again, “Just Brilliant!”
“Just Brilliant!” Blair does it again in this Lt Kate Gazzara series this being book 11 and starts right back at the very beginning when Kate starts her first day of being promoted to detective and is also partnered with the infamous Harry Starke. Harry Starke has a reputation being known as a person with attitude and a reputation of being a womanizer as well as being very wealthy man.
Her very first case is a sixteen year old Alexandra Meyer is found gruesomely murdered at her parents’ home by the swimming pool following a party.
Several leads come to light but because of the wealth of those involved and the elite school they all attend plus the wealthy parents and their lawyers’ obstacles and lies all hinder their investigation and confuse the truth.
Kate and Harry’s relationship blossoms and develops as it goes along and you can’t but like this development and their up and down relationship which is similar but so very different.
A real rollercoaster action packed thriller as always written so well by Blair that you can’t but help getting into the book unable to stop reading until the end. I can’t give away too much but this is a book I highly recommend you to read whether you have previously read any of Blair’s or Lt Kate Gazzara before.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Even though we don't have any background on Alexandra, [before new Detectives Catherine, ('Call me Kate... everybody does') Gazzara and (her handsome new partner, whom his colleagues diss behind his back), Harry Starke, get to her parents Todd and Kayley Meyers' mansion, at the start of her eponymously titled Blair Howard novel], or the previous night's events, we shockingly learn at the very start, that she's dead! Was it murder?
What's the ME's verdict?
Alexandra's death turns out to be a ripple on the edge of a maelstrom of underage sex and drugs, with murder at its epicentre, that draws Harry and in particular, Kate, into its murky depths as things get ever darker.
Who's the next to die in the same way?
What's the school scam and who's running it?
Why does the investigation stall?

A tautly imaginative police procedural that sees Kate's first case both solved and covered up, leaving her frustrated and Harry asking for a new partner. Why - and what's the outcome?
Blair Howard is the Master of the Suspense Thriller and Alexandra is guaranteed to satisfy you, as you try to work out who the guilty party us, before the ugly truth surfaces. Get your copy today!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Howard does it again! Oh my goodness if you want to find out what it was like when Harry met Kate, you have to get this book! Not only was it great to see what Harry and Kate were like back in 2002, but we join them on their first case as partners! Have you wondered if they had instant chemistry? Well now you can find out! The case that they have to work on is a really great one also. Oh yeah Henry Finkle is in this one too! I really enjoyed seeing what all the characters I have come to know were like back just about 20 years ago. I'm thrilled for the day that I discovered this author as I have had lots of great books to read! I have also listened to some of his books on Audible and his narrator Tom Lennon will make you think you are listening to Harry tell his and Kate's stories. I have even listened to books that I had already read and it was great having them come to life! If you haven't read this author yet, what are you waiting for? If you like great characters going around the city of Chattanooga,, taking you into their haunts, taking down the bad guys with lots of action,suspense and romance. No swearing, no intimate sex scenes, just great crime thriller!!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another page turner from Blair Howard riveting, painful sad and intriguing. Just what is going on? Alexandra a supposedly lovely 16 year old feeling her way through the tricky teenage world is dead, violently and remorselessly. Who did it and why? Yet another body follows soon after so is it a serial killer on the loose? Kate starting out as a rookie and just paired with Harry a veteran detective with his own ways of doing things is soon finding out this is a tough job to do when your partner is less than impressed with you. Little by little they chip away at the witnesses and are shocked at what they uncover. It is definitely not what they were expecting and neither was I. Yet again a thoroughly enjoyable read taking you through a whole range of emotions as you experience the highs and lows of detective work as they fight their way through the gambit of lies, silence, truths and half truths from those they interview. Absolutely loved it and good to finally learn where their partnership started.
I received a free arc in return for an honest review. I have no hesitation in recommending this book whatsoever.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WHODUNIT WITH FLAIR!
A great story that takes us back to Kate Gazzara’s first case right after she was unexpectedly promoted to detective and was partnered up with the then top notch detective, Harry Starke. Since she’d had only two years experience as a cop under her belt, she figured her new position would be a challenge, and that it was. to say the least. Their first case as a team began with a very dead teenager by the name of Alexandra, from a wealthy family, who all seem to have a few secrets left untold to begin with, which leads to a real whodunit with many surprises in an excellent plot with several suspects. Then there's another murder -- If you try to solve either one, you may very well be changing your mind often as to whom the guilty could be. Well written, as are all of the Blair Howard books I’ve read so far, whether the story is about Kate or Harry. This author seems able to understand either one of their gut feelings or thoughts, which adds to each of their personalities. Kudos to that! My honest opinion, I enjoyed this one very much, I’ve got to give it 5 stars!

[Sally Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Kate Gazzara's first case as a detective. Her partner is Harry Starke. The grisly murder of a sixteen-year-old female student was horrifying. Harry left her to start working on the investigation because he had a previous commitment. The next morning they started the investigation in earnest. Interviews, reticence, tirades, clamming up ensued, as was to be expected. This happened in a very wealthy area of Chattanooga, so you can understand why no one wanted the word to 'get out'. It was a very prestigious school. Shortly after the first murder, a second murder took place. It was just as horrific, also a female student from the same clique. Is this a serial killer at large? Harry and Kate are stumped. Later in the investigation, a young man, also in the clique, tried to commit suicide. The ramifications that occurred during their quest to solve the crimes and the unpredictable results are for you, the reader, to learn. One again, Blair has written an excellent read.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes us back to the beginning when Kate was promoted to Detective and partnered with Harry Starke. We also get our first introduction to the "creepy" Captain Finkle. We get a look at how Kate navigates other cop's attitudes toward her promotion and rumors about her new partner.

Kate and Harry's first case together involves a high school girl who was killed in a gruesome manner. Of course, with Kate having been on the force only 2 years she's bound to make some mistakes while working to solve this murder. But she does have enough confidence in herself to make moves on her own without needing to be told what to do.

Along the way to solving the murder of Alexandra, it starts to become apparent that there is more going on behind the scenes. Kate also gets her first look at the politics that is involved sometimes in doing the job. This case ends up being a good learning experience for Kate.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for posting my honest review. *No spoilers*.

This was the first book I’ve read in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. It’s a little strange that I’m starting by reading book 11, lol, however this book is about the first case Kate had as a detective. On her first day she’s been partnered with Harry Starke who none of the other detectives seem to like or want to work with.

I found the story to be well written and it had a good pace. I never found myself skipping ahead to get by very slow areas. The author builds out the characters well. They are interesting, have depth and at least in my case, makes me want to read the other books in this series.

The case they are on is interesting and has twists that keep you reading. I did find that closer to the end I knew who was involved in the murder (but not the reason), however I did not see the twist involved.

I gave this book 5 stars and will be reading more in this series.

[Kay Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra hosts a small party for some friends from her elite school while her parents are away for the evening. Her mother goes to her room to wake her the next morning and finds Alexandra hasn’t slept there overnight. Looking out toward the pool, she sees Alexandra sleeping in a chaise lounge and goes out to wake her. Thus begins this twisted tale of murder, deceit, and corruption Kate discovers working her first case as Harry Stark’s partner.

I enjoyed this inside look into Kate’s first meeting and working with Harry. Imagine your first day on the job, everything is new and unfamiliar, and your partner is the infamous Harry Stark. The path is rocky at times, and Kate messes up a bit, will they still be partners at the end?

This is my voluntary review of an advance copy of Alexandra I received from the author.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 11th Kate Gazzara book by Blair Howard. In this one Kate is reminiscing about her first day on the job as a detective and her partnering with Harry Starke to solve the case of a murdered rich 16 year old. Things just don’t look right. Not enough blood at the scene. Another rich girl is murdered after talking with Kate and Harry. Is there a serial killer? Kate is a tall, attractive, & intelligent woman who makes mistakes and chastises herself for them. Harry is a rich, attractive, & smart man who has good gut instincts. Rumors abound both at the Private school the girls attended and at the precinct where our two detectives work. Political figures become involved and this changes the direction of the investigation. Karma has a way of providing justice in the end. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Philip Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school girls from well off families murdered early in Kate's career - 4.5 stars

This novel is set in the early stages of Kate Gazzara's career as a detective -- it is her first case.

Even though Kate and Harry Starke make a good professional partnership at the start, there are political considerations that make this case different. Well-connected parents, social cliques, and male-female competition combine to make Alexandra a memorable story.

Kate is a strong starter in her first assignment as detective. She acts independently and seems to know when to support and when not to stand in the way. Even so, a complete confession feels lacking because higher powers squelch the information.

Lawyered-up adults demonstrate the power that money can bring when "protecting" one's own children.

This is a quick, enjoyable read.

[Frank Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate reflects on first case as Detective

Kate as the newly promoted Captain reflects upon her first case as a Detective. Partners with Harry Starke they pursue rich teens trying to act as adults taking drugs etc. This leads into a mystery of two teens with their throats cut and one with excessive drugs in her body.
The leads take them to a Headmaster of an Exclusive school, her brother a Member of the states Congress. Hugh sums of money from some students parents to his campaign fund raises more conspiracy. In the end Kate and Harry are not happy with the outcome but they solved the case.
Then satisfaction finally! But you will have to read the book to find the answer!😊

Thank you for looking at my review. If you found this review valuable please click on the Helpful Icon. Thanks 😃

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to know what to say about this book. The characters are multifaceted, the story well written, and the mystery engaging. Having said all that it just doesn't seem like enough. If I could have given this book ten stars I would have.

The story takes us back to the beginning. Kate is a newly minted detective and she is partnered with Harry a detective sargent, a loner and loose cannon. Their first case takes them into the world of wealth and privilege to solve the murder of a sixteen year old. Before they are through another young girl is killed and the wealthy close ranks making this case as difficult to solve as any case they will work in their careers.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the Kate Gazzara series takes us back to 2008 when Kate has just been promoted to detective and is partnered with Harry Starke. Those of us who have enjoyed the series thus far were able to read about the very first case that these two detectives solved as a team. We see how Kate started out and the mistakes she made as a rookie that have made her the great detective she is today.
Blair Howard is a master writer, creating believable, strong characters that the reader will come to love. He has created a universe where Kate and Harry work and play together, solving unsolvable crimes. Once you start reading his series, you just can’t stop, as each book is better than the last.

[Julie Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only recently became acquainted with Kate Gazarra and Harry Starke in “Gone” and enjoyed it very much. “Alexandra” tells the story of Kate’s first case as a detective back in the early 2000’s. A local, wealthy teenager is murdered for no apparent reason at a party she hosts while her parents are out. Whilst only being 16 years old, the majority of the kids are drinking and taking drugs of various types. Whilst the investigation is going on, another teenager is murdered. With a background of the very exclusive, zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, school in the background, a tale of extortion and lies emerges. An interesting story in which those with power and wealth abuse their positions in society to get their own way.

[ANDRES CORTES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written police crime thriller. Kate Gazzara recently promoted to detective gets partnered with Harry Starke to investigate the murder of teenage Alexandra. But things are not as they seem, clues are lost, Alexandra's parents are hindering the investigation, and Kate and Harry clash on how to proceed. The book is filled with great twists and turns and unexpected clues. Will Kate be able to resolve issues such as sexual bias, a conflicting partner, lack of experience, un-cooperating witnesses etc. and be able to solve the mystery behind the murder? This is my first encounter with this author and I have thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of his work.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again author, Blair Howard takes us back. In book 11 of the Lt. Kate Gazzara novels we finally find out how Kate and Harry met. This in depth review (for lack of a better phrase) really gives you the inside as to how their relationship started. Kate's 1st day as a Chattanooga Detective is a doozy! Although not as "action packed" as many of their cases, this 1st case is full of unexpected twists and turns. This reader certainly appreciates the history lesson on not only Kate and Harry, but a little with our old friend (nemisis) Henry Finkle. A great story full of the depth. As an ARC reader for Blair Howard I was given an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Starke seems to have been a mixed blessing as a partner for Kate Gazarra.

This book finds Kate looking back from the perspective of Captain Kat on the brand new detective Kate

Harry seems determined to do much to skew perceptions against Kate - not through direct malice. Harry Starke just care about Harry Starke more than most anyone else

People of means and power are involved in this case in twisted ways.

Then detective Kate gets more than one lesson on how power eorks, political, between agencies, and among the police community

Action packed drama with political nuisance baggage

[Paula Sindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Harry Starke series and its offshoot, the Kate Gazzara series, really started in the middle of their work together. In his recent books Blair Howard has filled in a lot of the early background to Harry Starke. In Alexandra we have the Harry and Kate origin story and, like all of Howard’s books, it’s great. There’s so much going on - drugs and murder at an exclusive Chattanooga high school. Kate’s a newly detective and makes lots of newbie mistakes. There’s plenty of friction as new partners, Kate and Harry, work to solve the case. Very enjoyable!

I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.