Fire & Ice

Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery #7

by Heather C. Myers, H.C. Cardona

The last person Mika Chalmers expects at her door is ex-girlfriend to Detective Alex Beech asking for Mika's help. Jeffrey Beech, the detective's father, is gone, and no one knows where he is. Since Beech is next in line to take over his father's motorcycle club, the club expects him to step up and lead them into a territory war - something Beech has been trying to get out of.

At the same time, Mika's father is getting blackmailed by an unknown source who wants the Buccaneer's to miss the playoffs this season. What her father has in his closet, he refuses to tell Mika. In fact, he doesn't want Mika's help at all. But Mika refuses to let someone threaten her father's livelihood, and she refuses to let Beech remain in a situation where he's forced to do something he doesn't want to do.

In the final book of The Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery Series, Mika must put everything on the line for the two most important men in her life. If she doesn't succeed, her father's legacy could be tainted and Beech could wind up dead.

Genres: Mystery

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2021

About the author

Full disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 23 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book seven of The Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery series and sees Mika and Beech finally together, but with everything else in their lives trying to pull them apart. A woman calls at her home and asks her to help find Beech’s father Jeffrey. The woman is Alex Beech’s ex-girlfriend, the one his own father pinched off him when he was nineteen. Mags is asking for Mika’s help, probably knowing that Beech wouldn’t lift a finger to help his father and his biker gang. He blames his father, and the gang, for the murder of his mother and how he treated Alex afterwards. The betrayal with Mags was just the final nail on the coffin of their relationship. Beech moved on and became a police detective, but was pulled back into the biker gang months ago, when Jeffrey dared to kidnap Mika, very nice and gently though, to get his own son’s attention. Beech is the heir to the biker gang and nothing he does will make that go away, no matter how uninterested he is in dealing with it or his father! At the same time, Mika is asked for help by her father, but all he will say is that he is being blackmailed and none of the details. Mika is furious with him for this and refuses to help, having enough to deal with after being raped, kidnapped, involved in a shooting and being unable to even face going back into her own office. She visits her therapist again and takes small steps to try and get herself back into work as a P.I. in her own office. Mika’s father is being blackmailed and the blackmailer wants him to throw the next game, which would leave the Buccs out of the playoffs right when they are close to getting in them. Beech doesn’t want Mika to get involved with his own father being missing and insists on helping her with her father’s blackmailing problem.
Mika takes Beech to visit her father at his home, but he is not exactly welcoming to the man who has supposedly taken her away from Eric, his star player who is now talking of retiring at the end of the season. He knows that Mika and Beech have been working closely for a number of years, but holds Beech to blame for her getting raped, as does Beech himself. Mika has to force her father’s hand and make him reveal who is behind the blackmail, which comes as a bit of a shock, and also comes with a twist. She is also adamant that Beech deal with his own father issues, before he is drawn back into the biker gang and forced to do something he can’t live with. Her father’s legacy is at stake and Beech could end up dead, as matters escalate and Mika is again used as a pawn in another man’s fight, as a rival biker gang are involved in Jeffrey’s disappearance and she is Beech’s weakness to be exploited. This time she has to stand up for herself and not let what has gone before, affect how she reacts to what is happening to her now in this dangerous situation. Beech will come for her, that is a dead cert and Mika will do everything she can for the two most important men in her life. This is the end of the road for this series and I for one am sad to see it end! Lots of fire and danger in this last episode, with just a little touch of ice and legacy. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fire & Ice Star“ is the conclusion to the “Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery” series by Heather C. Myers, an enjoyable and interesting lecture that blends character development and mystery in a way that reminds of any good mature aimed mystery movie series. Mika Chalmers (FMC) is a PI and daughter of the coach of the NHL Irving Buccaneers, who always has a ‘supportive role’ in all mysteries, and thus is only fitting that in this final book, his role is primordial, as Mika has to solve the mystery surrounding her father’s blackmail and at the very same time help Detective Alex Beech in finding his own ‘missing’ father, who with his father ‘out of the picture’ is being pressured to take over the motorcycle club and engage into a territorial war, he has not the slightest interest in. The stakes this time are very high, and any mistake would lead to Beech death and her own father legacy clashed down. But with Beech being Beech and Mika’s father refusing to accept her help, Mika’s task is more difficult than ever

This is a fast-paced, interesting mystery with unexpected turns and good plot twist that keep the reader guessing throughout the pages. The tension between Mika and Beech is palpable and credible, the resolution very satisfying, while her relationship with her father develops. Mika is a multifaceted character, that despite dealing with trauma due to past violence, or perhaps because of it, is very much capable to focus on the essential at any given time. A clear recommendation to any mystery fans, specially for those with an ice hockey fav.

The series follows Mika Chalmers throughout diverse adventures that are all comprised into a single story-arc, however, while the books are surely intended to be read in chronological order, they offer closed mysteries, that can be also enjoyed without any knowledge of the events related in previous instalments, as any key points relevant to the story at hand, are included (in a subtle manner) by the author. A very satisfying conclusion to the series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tying Up Loose Ends . . .

Responding to the knock on the door, Alex’s ex-girlfriend Mags was not someone Mika thought to ever find here. She needs Mika’s help because Alex's father, Jeffrey Beech, is missing. Although Alex shrugged it off as not his concern, Mags reminded him the rival MC that took him would come for Mika, and that got his attention. The rival gang saw him as the leader and were trying to catch Alex’s attention, not knowing his hostility toward his father would make it a moot point. But Alex is next in line to take over the MC and he’s the one they are after as the upcoming territory war gets closer. At first Mika was upset that he seemed unmoved by all of this. Then she noticed the “tells” and realized he was very concerned, just not letting Mags push him around.

Feelings were racing between Alex and Mika, but her past horror with being raped had always held things back. Then Alex told her he loved her, he wanted her, but he would never touch her until she was okay with it. He would wait forever if he had to. As she was about to speak what he needed to hear, her phone rang. It was her father and her situation with Alex would have to wait. She knew something was wrong.

Many things are changing and moving now as the series is wrapping up. Mika's father is being blackmailed by an unknown party, demanding the Buccaneers miss the playoffs this season. Her father wants her to stay out of it. But just as she will not let Alex be forced into a situation where he must do something he doesn't want to do, she cannot let someone threaten her father's whole livelihood. She will help the men she loves the most, because she will not risk losing either of them. Grab your copy and follow the changes that bring resolution to the story.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I kinda wish that Mika hadn’t been made a victim once again. I feel like she’s been through enough and if this is the last book in the series that there was some other way to wrap things up. Let her get her power back or at least not add something else she needs healing from. While I do think she is a survivor rather than a victim this book was a difficult ending for me. It feels like there’s a lot thrown at us with Eric, Mika’s parents, big secrets and then there the motorcycle club stuff that we kinda already did a couple books ago. This feels more like there were things thrown out that would be in future books but then there’s a wrap up that was a bit unsatisfying. I like that Mika and Beech came to an understanding finally I think. Maybe the simplest way to say it is there feels like there’s still too many questions. In each of the prior books there were open endings that got picked up in the next book. This one feels like that but it’s the last book. So I guess I just wish there was more of a wrap up, maybe an epilogue or something. That’s just my two cents your mileage may vary.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad this is the last book of the series, but knowing this author I am excited to see what she comes up with next.

This book picks up directly after the shooting in the last book. No sooner do Mika and Beech get to her house but Mags knocks on the door saying Beech's father is missing and she asks for Mika's help to find him. Beech is adamant Mika has nothing to do with the motorcycle club.

After three years of dancing around, they finally get their bow chicka bow wow time. They also both finally say they love one another (cue the hallelujah chorus!).

At the same time Mika 's father tells her he is being blackmailed but will not give her the details at first. Eventually she and Beech go to talk to him and get the information which is a shock but does not change how Mila feels about her father.

Mika get kidnapped, again, by the head of a rival motorcycle club. Beech gets all bad a** and has to deal with the situation. They are reunited and get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the seventh and final book in the Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery Series. It can be read as a stand alone but for the best enjoyment your should read the earlier books first. This is the continuing story of Mika Chalmers and Alex Beech. Mika is a private investigator and daughter of the Buccaneers Coach. Alex is a Detective who is trying to keep his father and his gang life away from his and Mika's life. This book has Mika and Alex trying to work out their new relationship in between investigating blackmail, kidnappings and retirements. This book generally wraps up all the lose ends that we have from the previous books. And of course there are a few surprises along the way as well. This book is well written and easy to read. It is a nice conclusion to this series. But it does feel like the door hasn't been completely closed and we may see another series with these two characters. We will have to wait and see. I enjoyed this book. I rated it 3 1/2 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this installment, Mike is tested in her relationship with Alex Beech and even her Dad. Beech seems to be holding things back from her. He does seem conflicted with him being a police officer and his dad’s motorcycle gang. She’s still dealing with her feelings from having been kidnapped and raped. She’s finally able to go back to work. Upon returning from the office, someone arrives at her home indicating he was sent by Alex’s ex-girlfriend and is kidnapped again!

She’s learning that she’s stronger than she thought and escapes along with Alex’s Dad who had also been held hostage.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting End to the Wonderful Series!!!

There are so many things going on in this book which is the last one in the series. The story line is well written, unique, and very original, it's easy to read with well developed cast, delightful characters and a lot of suspense and mystery, It keep me interested from beginning to end with the fast-paced story that flows well with lots of twists and turns that is very entertaining. I really enjoy this book and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans, I cannot wait to read more books from Heather C. Myers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the end of the road from Mika Chalmers. Having endured and survived a rape, kidnapping, and shooting, will she meet a tragic end in the last installment of this series. With boyfriend Beech's family connection to the gang life getting closer and her being his weakness, will she survive more violence or has her nine lives run out? Sad to see her story come to an end but happy to be introduced to this author's work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure that I had a specific vision in mind for how I thought this series would end, but I know the form this takes wasn’t even on my radar. There are lots of smaller plot threads that have followed us from previous books that get finally tied off, and we learn several new things about Mika and Alex. And to be honest, this doesn’t feel one hundred percent like an ending. It’s still just open enough that I believe we may run into Mika and Alex again at a future date.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to preface this with an admission. I have only read the first and last of the series. I thought it would be ok. And it was mostly. But I did feel like I was missing a lot. I could still follow the plot and still enjoyed the book, but I think I would have liked it more with the full context.

There was a fair amount going on in the book and it was a pretty quick read. The mysteries were interesting and I liked how everything was worked through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

some people are your soul family, according to a gypsy relative to her dad- the people who get under your skin and you cannot shake loose, even when you sometimes want to

Extreme situations face Mika and Beech

Her relationships with friends and family are challenged, and she learns a lot about her relationship with Beech - you cannot choose for others whom they allow in their circle, and how they relate to them.

intense drama, action and relationship challenges

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Fire & Ice, there is finally a HEA for Mika and Beech. I have followed the series from the beginning and the characters remained true throughout. Beech is still quiet and reserved about his thoughts and feelings. While Mika is the person that wants to help everyone, but is still dealing with her own issues. In this book, the author provides a closure for all the characters including Eric, Mika's Ex, her mom and dad and even the shyster defense lawyer. This is a book not to be missed for a happy ending for all.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Mika Chalmers series and I'm so sad to see it end! I love the characters of Mika and Beech -- they're great together. This book in the series is full of twists you don't expect. I will not spoil them, but there's some doozys! It's great storytelling. I've enjoyed every book in this series and am hoping the author will surprise us with more books to come. I highly recommend reading this entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book (for now) in the Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery series finds our heroine thrust into two separate cases as she discovers that Beech's father is missing and her father is being blackmailed.

This novel rounds off the series nicely and resolves some of the long overdue relationship decisions that Mika has faced throughout the story.

As I've said throughout the whole series, the balance between plot and relationship problems is a little too heavily weighted towards the romantic side but it still makes for a fun read

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star,last book in the series.Jeffrey Beech, Alex's father, is gone, and no one knows where he is.The member of the gang asking for Mika help to find him.
Territory war between the gangs,Mika's father being blackmailed, she have her hands full.

Last book in the series was a quick read,and I am sad to let it go.Still ,some things feel for me unfinished (Mika Mother) and rushed.I enjoy this mysteries,and will definitely check author other books.

Thank you booksprout and author for free copy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh and final book in the Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery Series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Mika Chalmers and Detective Alex Beech's story of both their Fathers in trouble, and all the ups and downs they go through. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. A very good ending to this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the conclusion to the series, and what an ending it is! Mika and Alex are (finally!) together. But it's not smooth sailing for them just yet. His past is going to pay them another visit. And there are some surprises from her father. I'm sad for the end of this story, but looking forward to seeing what else the author has in store. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire & Ice is the seventh and final book in The Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery series. The writing is well done, the characters are believable and the story is packed with the mystery of Beech's missing father, the blackmailing of Mika's father, and Mika and Alex's relationship journey to get their happily ever after. This is a great ending to the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line pulls you in, keeps you turning the pages and holds your interest. The characters are fun, enjoyable, work well together to solve the mystery and easy to get to know. A cozy mystery with the right amount of suspense, mystery, some humor and romance added in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I both loved and hated this book. I love that it finished up Mika’s story in a satisfying but not sickly sweet way, but I hate that there won’t be more Mika Chalmers stories. There are various subplots and scenes involving all the series regulars and Mika and Beech are able to work into their relationship. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Sabrina Nelson]

This is book 7 of the Mika Chalmers Mystery series. The last book of the series and it was great. So many secrets coming out. Blackmailing, Mika gets kidnapped again, and Oh you just have to read it. I had that it is ending, this is one of those series that I am okay with having 30 books to it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esmeralda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

H. C. Cardona delivers a thrilling and emotional conclusion to the Mika Chalmers Hockey Mystery Series in "Fire & Ice". This engaging mystery follows private investigator Mika Chalmers as she solves a complex case. With its intricate plot and complex characters, this book will keep you on the edge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Mika put everything aside and help Beech’s ex find his dad? Or will Beech not allow her to help this time? In the midst of this Mika’s dad is being blackmailed. Can Mika resolve that and find Beech’s dad? This was a good read. A few secrets were revealed. The story was engaging. Great ending to the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to end a series. The character work and story line were well written and entertaining as always. I look forward to seeing what Heather C. Myers brings us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good ending

A good ending- even though not all of the loose ends were tied up well. But good all the same- glad to be through the series and able to make inferences on how the characters end up.

[Aletha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of all so far, a little redundant in Mika’s thoughts and such, but a nice and practical continuation and potential ending of the series

[Kimberley O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only negative is the fact that the series ended... LOVED this book. What else can I say???

[Sheila Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cost of loving you

I am sad this was the last book! I love all the snark, mystery, chaos, miscommunication and misunderstandings but the characters and their trials make for great reading and even greater fun!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book