The Devil's Safe: A Stella Fargo Mystery Book 1

by M.J. Holt

A complicated relationship with her mother turns deadly after Stella Fargo does an innocent favor for a widowed friend, three violent men try to kidnap and kill her.They want the murdered husband’s hidden millions of dollars of drugs and money. The police suspect that she belongs to the drug syndicate and they threaten to arrest her. Her vindictive ex-fiancé learns of her troubles and uses the situation to try to force her out of her job and academic position.When the three violent men murder the woman who was like a mother to her, she flees Seattle. She searches for a reason this is happening and uncovers dark family secrets, lies, and betrayals that plunge her into more danger.Her only ally is a man with a criminal past. While he is kind and helpful, she does not know if he is a friend or an enemy.Stella wants her life back, and only she can save herself or become one of the dead."... combines a fast-paced plot, engaging and dynamic characters, and breathless suspense to delight readers of thrillers and mysteries alike." 5 out of 5 stars — Book Review Directory“This on-the-run crime thriller offers mystery fans dynamic leads, intense action, and surprising twists.” — Publishers Weekly Booklife Reviews

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2021

Reviews

[P.B. Flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventures of Stella and Egan
The narrative starts with Augie’s death who was a dealer. His murder was accompanied with misplaced drugs in millions. It is unclear if he sold his source out or if he was robbed in a bad trade. This information comes to the MC Stella from Egan Bogart who has his own and one too many brushes with the law. By and large he is a good guy. Stella is house sitting for her friend Kit, who has involvement to drugs as well. Kit is connected with Bill who is married unhappily to Sunny. Thalia has been Stella’s acquaintance since childhood. She had an affair with Bill while he was with Sunny.
With Egan by her side, Stella goes on a quest to resolve mystery surrounding Augie’s and Sunny’s death, disappearance of Bill Angstrom and Kit, and the missing load. But soon they get tangled in the criminal world and are on the run for their life. There are many shady characters that make an appearance in the story. After much investigative work and running around the mystery gets resolved. Stella and Egan become a thing in the process.
The narration is extremely conversational and not at all descriptive of the ambiance. It is focused on task not illustration, leaving the reader to work their imagination. I’d say it is a good strategy.

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantastic tale of murder

This is a fast paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And Stella is an extremely likable character. I found myself literally chewing on my fingers a few times.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good first in Stella Fargo

I enjoyed reading this first novel. I have the next two ready to read! The story line is uncomplicated and moves along quickly.