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Jess Kimball Thriller #0.5-1
Fatal Starts: Two Jess Kimball Thrillers
An alternative title & cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Introducing Jess Kimball, the relentless heroine you'll really love. Jess is on a mission only she believes in, only she can complete. Her son was stolen. She wants him back. While she searches, she's on your side.
Jess is a fiery woman, driven by her own past to fight for crime victims the justice system has failed. How can she win against killers who refuse to follow the rules?
Fatal Enemy - Jess Kimball hadn’t been in the same room with Richard Martin for more than a dozen years. Worse things than Richard had happened to her since she’d seen him last. He’d find out soon enough that she wasn’t a gullible sixteen-year-old anymore. She was his enemy now and he was hers, whether he knew it or not.
Jess decided long ago she would never yield to him again. Richard Martin would make his choice tonight. Would they become fatal enemies? In this tense battle of nerve and guile, who will survive?
Fatal Distraction - Three years ago, beloved Florida Governor Helen Sullivan’s world shattered when her only son died in a senseless car crash, killing his best friend, too. Helen quickly discovered Eric’s crash was no accident and lured the killer to her son’s funeral to be caught. When the shooting ceased in the small country church, Helen believed her nightmare was over. Instead, she’d unwittingly escalated her duel with a cunning and patient assassin.
Now, investigative journalist Jess Kimball is driven to find the horrifying truth. Is the Central Florida Child Killer guilty? Or is the real killer still out there? Helen and Jess together face the determined killer in a pitched battle of wit and nerve. Who will survive?
Introducing Jess Kimball, the relentless heroine you'll really love. Jess is on a mission only she believes in, only she can complete. Her son was stolen. She wants him back. While she searches, she's on your side.
Jess is a fiery woman, driven by her own past to fight for crime victims the justice system has failed. How can she win against killers who refuse to follow the rules?
Fatal Enemy - Jess Kimball hadn’t been in the same room with Richard Martin for more than a dozen years. Worse things than Richard had happened to her since she’d seen him last. He’d find out soon enough that she wasn’t a gullible sixteen-year-old anymore. She was his enemy now and he was hers, whether he knew it or not.
Jess decided long ago she would never yield to him again. Richard Martin would make his choice tonight. Would they become fatal enemies? In this tense battle of nerve and guile, who will survive?
Fatal Distraction - Three years ago, beloved Florida Governor Helen Sullivan’s world shattered when her only son died in a senseless car crash, killing his best friend, too. Helen quickly discovered Eric’s crash was no accident and lured the killer to her son’s funeral to be caught. When the shooting ceased in the small country church, Helen believed her nightmare was over. Instead, she’d unwittingly escalated her duel with a cunning and patient assassin.
Now, investigative journalist Jess Kimball is driven to find the horrifying truth. Is the Central Florida Child Killer guilty? Or is the real killer still out there? Helen and Jess together face the determined killer in a pitched battle of wit and nerve. Who will survive?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2012
About the author
Diane Capri
266 books776 followersBestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 2, 2022
Licensed to Thrill Vol. 2 is a compilation of the first two Jess Kimball mystery thrillers by Diane Capri, some behind the scenes short takes, and a Lee Child interview. Fatal Enemy is a short story introducing Jess Kimball. It raises more questions than it answers and serves to whet your appetite as to demonstrate the type of stories -- victims advocacy stories -- that Jess Kimball will investigate. This story might have been taken from a headline and equally as disconcerting. There is truth in this fiction, and it feels horrifying in a way that monster creature features can’t. Then in Fatal Distraction Jess Kimble is interviewing the governor to discern if Governor Sullivan will consider granting a stay of execution to a known child-killer when the governor’s mansion is attacked, and Jess Kimble is caught up in the subsequent firestorm. To my mind this is one of Diane Capri's best. Action-packed with real heart, this novel is not one I will soon forget. Not your typical murder mystery with a whodunit, because the author spoils it early on, but even so getting from here to there is an absolute thrill-ride. The governor is stalked by someone already in her circle, and they are trying to cause her pain by diminishing others in her circle. It's all about the cattiness. This is a real thriller with distinct plots happening simultaneously and concurrently. Really good boxed set.
December 7, 2018
Tense
Jess has a heartbreaking past, but doesn't let that stop her. She's an advocate for victims and an investigative reporter. She's smart and tenacious. Her stories are packed with action and tenacity. Stopping a killer is the main event.
Jess has a heartbreaking past, but doesn't let that stop her. She's an advocate for victims and an investigative reporter. She's smart and tenacious. Her stories are packed with action and tenacity. Stopping a killer is the main event.
January 18, 2020
A highly entertaining read.
I really like Jess and found every character developed to the point they needed to be to let you get to know them
The book lagged slightly in the middle, and could probably been 1/4 shorter and packed more punch, but t was s good story.
The one thing i found strange was the fact that I picked out the villain before he was revealed.
I really like Jess and found every character developed to the point they needed to be to let you get to know them
The book lagged slightly in the middle, and could probably been 1/4 shorter and packed more punch, but t was s good story.
The one thing i found strange was the fact that I picked out the villain before he was revealed.
April 20, 2020
Disappointing
The first short story was good, although a little bit too short and came across as rushed. As such you don't get to experience Diane's usual flare for detailed story telling.
With the second, I felt that the whole storyline was a bit disjointed. Whilst it has the usual complex and interweaving threads that link and pull the story together, the flow just feels a bit off. Usually at the end of a Jess Kimball book you understand why it all happened and what the motivation and reasoning was of the criminals. I don't feel that with this story. There are too many unanswered questions as to why Helen's family and friends were targeted in this way. Why and how was Mattie Crawford killed and how did the Wards find out. How was Valerie portrayed as working at her job at the diner and giving Jess the run around and then within 24 hours she's practically at deaths door with end stage emphysema; requiring oxygen therapy and a paramedic escort to the execution.
The overall story idea is a good one but unfortunately I don't feel this one comes together as well as her other Jess Kimball books.
The first short story was good, although a little bit too short and came across as rushed. As such you don't get to experience Diane's usual flare for detailed story telling.
With the second, I felt that the whole storyline was a bit disjointed. Whilst it has the usual complex and interweaving threads that link and pull the story together, the flow just feels a bit off. Usually at the end of a Jess Kimball book you understand why it all happened and what the motivation and reasoning was of the criminals. I don't feel that with this story. There are too many unanswered questions as to why Helen's family and friends were targeted in this way. Why and how was Mattie Crawford killed and how did the Wards find out. How was Valerie portrayed as working at her job at the diner and giving Jess the run around and then within 24 hours she's practically at deaths door with end stage emphysema; requiring oxygen therapy and a paramedic escort to the execution.
The overall story idea is a good one but unfortunately I don't feel this one comes together as well as her other Jess Kimball books.
June 25, 2020
Good fast reading
Fatal Enemy. Great short story!
Jess is an investigative reporter who is helping her friend protect her young daughter from her abusive ex-husband. He kidnaps the child and takes her to Canada where his family reside. Jess follows in a plot to bring the child safely back to the US and away from her father. Telling any more would be a spoiler, but this is a well written and well plotted story.
Fatal Distraction
Well done! This is also a Jess Kimball story. This was suspenseful, entertaining and engrossing. It was my first Capri novel. It won't be my last.
Fatal Enemy. Great short story!
Jess is an investigative reporter who is helping her friend protect her young daughter from her abusive ex-husband. He kidnaps the child and takes her to Canada where his family reside. Jess follows in a plot to bring the child safely back to the US and away from her father. Telling any more would be a spoiler, but this is a well written and well plotted story.
Fatal Distraction
Well done! This is also a Jess Kimball story. This was suspenseful, entertaining and engrossing. It was my first Capri novel. It won't be my last.
November 27, 2018
Gripping Tale
Jessica, Investigative Journalist, has her own secrets and agenda as she continues her personal crusade for victims rights. Today we are lacking good investigative journalism because of the danger to the journalist! Great journalism makes a permanent mark on history!
Jessica, Investigative Journalist, has her own secrets and agenda as she continues her personal crusade for victims rights. Today we are lacking good investigative journalism because of the danger to the journalist! Great journalism makes a permanent mark on history!
January 8, 2019
A Most Intriguing, Suspenseful Novel!
Capri is a master at quickly drawing the reader into this raging mystery that picks up speed and depth as it progresses to an exciting and unexpectedted ending . . . or did it really end! Easy to follow and visualize the characters and scenes throughout, Capri's writing style provides great entertainment!
Capri is a master at quickly drawing the reader into this raging mystery that picks up speed and depth as it progresses to an exciting and unexpectedted ending . . . or did it really end! Easy to follow and visualize the characters and scenes throughout, Capri's writing style provides great entertainment!
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It has everything going for it. It has a wonderful plot. The characters are wonderful. I love the main characters and how they get along with each other. I want to read more of this series. The author will keep you interested with lots of twists and turns. I will be reading more from this author.
January 26, 2023
Some people are hard to see for what they are.
This novel had several unexpected twists to the plot. Helen and Oliver Sullivan, in addition to Jess Kimball were obviously good people, but for several other people it was much more difficult to determine. Some people become bad as they age. Others are apparently born bad.
This novel had several unexpected twists to the plot. Helen and Oliver Sullivan, in addition to Jess Kimball were obviously good people, but for several other people it was much more difficult to determine. Some people become bad as they age. Others are apparently born bad.
October 22, 2018
Intense
Intense from the first page to the last. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention and keeps your interest until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a great thriller.
Intense from the first page to the last. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention and keeps your interest until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a great thriller.
November 22, 2018
2nd thriller best of the two
After reading the short thriller, I didn't know if I wanted to read any more due to the violence. But I gave the the second thriller a chance and the author developed the characters and plot to keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
After reading the short thriller, I didn't know if I wanted to read any more due to the violence. But I gave the the second thriller a chance and the author developed the characters and plot to keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
December 21, 2018
Gripping
What I did appreciate was the detail but forth by the author. The conclusion made you hold your breath. The only negative was the length of the novel. It could have been shorter. I prefer shorter reads with a lot of action.
What I did appreciate was the detail but forth by the author. The conclusion made you hold your breath. The only negative was the length of the novel. It could have been shorter. I prefer shorter reads with a lot of action.
January 11, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
I love this author and this series is just as great as the Jack Reacher books. Only down side of this book is that now I have to order all of the others lol.
I love this author and this series is just as great as the Jack Reacher books. Only down side of this book is that now I have to order all of the others lol.
January 14, 2019
A great read
A very well thought out plot by a good author. The only problem I had was probably mine as I kept losing the thred. I’ll probably read this again when I’m not suffering from flu and give a different review.
A very well thought out plot by a good author. The only problem I had was probably mine as I kept losing the thred. I’ll probably read this again when I’m not suffering from flu and give a different review.
June 1, 2019
A action packed fast pace story
The author has written a very intriguing story about deceit and manipulation with many twists and turns that will keep you entertained and guessing where the story will go next.
The author has written a very intriguing story about deceit and manipulation with many twists and turns that will keep you entertained and guessing where the story will go next.
August 18, 2019
Luck runs out
Great page turner.Reader has so many murders to follow that confused sometimes which one the plot is trying to solve. Author does great job with believable characters and their exchanges to put the limited clues on one suspect.
Great page turner.Reader has so many murders to follow that confused sometimes which one the plot is trying to solve. Author does great job with believable characters and their exchanges to put the limited clues on one suspect.
March 13, 2020
Great writing
Admixture of other books by this author, strong storyline, keeps the reader engaged throughout. While the murderer was hinted at throughout, strong conclusion. Thanks for another great read.
Admixture of other books by this author, strong storyline, keeps the reader engaged throughout. While the murderer was hinted at throughout, strong conclusion. Thanks for another great read.
April 20, 2020
Fatal starts is a fast paced package
Diane Capri winds a great tale involving politics, friendships, and fast paced action for a great read. Hard to put it down once I started. Highly recommended.
Diane Capri winds a great tale involving politics, friendships, and fast paced action for a great read. Hard to put it down once I started. Highly recommended.
May 3, 2020
Great thrIller
Loved this book. The author kept you guessing until the end. Even though Jess is the main character the other ones Helen and Oliver seemed to take center stage. Would definitely read more from this author.
Loved this book. The author kept you guessing until the end. Even though Jess is the main character the other ones Helen and Oliver seemed to take center stage. Would definitely read more from this author.
July 30, 2020
Fast Paced good book
Jess follows the leads in getting to the truth of the execution of a child murderer. Governor vSullivan’ child I’d killed as well. Now is her husband next? Hard to put down 5be book after getting to the 50% part of the book. Enjoy!!
Jess follows the leads in getting to the truth of the execution of a child murderer. Governor vSullivan’ child I’d killed as well. Now is her husband next? Hard to put down 5be book after getting to the 50% part of the book. Enjoy!!
September 28, 2020
Fighting For Justice
Thank you for this thrilling book set about Jessica and her fight for justice. The stories were fast-moving and it held my interest to the very end. The many different characters were fascinating. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you for this thrilling book set about Jessica and her fight for justice. The stories were fast-moving and it held my interest to the very end. The many different characters were fascinating. I look forward to reading more of your work.
October 28, 2020
An investigative reporter gets close to a governor just before a child killer goes to his execution. Both the governor and the reporter have lost sons. And a serial killer is on the loose. A very thrilling book!
October 29, 2022
Fatal Starts: Series Begins Here - First Two Jess Kimball Thrillers
Page turner from beginning to end.Jess is a very spunky woman, who doesn't give up no matter the adversity. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Recommend.
Page turner from beginning to end.Jess is a very spunky woman, who doesn't give up no matter the adversity. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Recommend.
March 10, 2026
I read a lot of mysteries and I have to say that this is one of the best I have encountered this year. The writing is exquisite and the plot is amazing. I think anyone who enjoys good mystery would enjoy this book.
October 25, 2018
Great story
Love the twists in this story. Jess is a terrific heroine. She can solve other people's problems but not her own.
Love the twists in this story. Jess is a terrific heroine. She can solve other people's problems but not her own.
October 26, 2018
I liked it — didn't love it — that's a pretty high standard after all the reading I've done. Any book I finish gets 3 stars. I don't finish a lot of books.
October 29, 2018
Details and Action with Motivation
S master story teller reveals her interesting people involved in interesting events. Why do people do what they do - the evil is on display.
S master story teller reveals her interesting people involved in interesting events. Why do people do what they do - the evil is on display.
November 3, 2018
Excellent
Loved this book. Great characters and heartfelt storyline. A little to easy to figure out who dunit but still a great read
Loved this book. Great characters and heartfelt storyline. A little to easy to figure out who dunit but still a great read
November 4, 2018
I tried, but it wasn't for me and couldn't finish it. Can't fathom the Jack Reacher comment either.
November 7, 2018
Great read
Love her books! Discovered her, as she writes about Reacher, Lee Child approved. Jess is a investigative reporter, looking for her abducted son.
Love her books! Discovered her, as she writes about Reacher, Lee Child approved. Jess is a investigative reporter, looking for her abducted son.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews