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Rachel Ryder #3
Overkill
With a suspected drug ring operating in the local school system, Rachel must go undercover to help bring them down.
Deputized as a Drug Enforcement Agent and working with a provisional task force, Rachel Ryder takes on her toughest case yet.
Caught between multiple agencies and working undercover from inside the local schools, Rachel lays it all on the line to protect the youth of her new community.
USA Today Bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers an exciting third installment to the riveting Rachel Ryder series.
Deputized as a Drug Enforcement Agent and working with a provisional task force, Rachel Ryder takes on her toughest case yet.
Caught between multiple agencies and working undercover from inside the local schools, Rachel lays it all on the line to protect the youth of her new community.
USA Today Bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers an exciting third installment to the riveting Rachel Ryder series.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
1688 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
148 books543 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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October 24, 2021
Overkill
By Carolyn ridder aspenson
Coming October 26th-2021
Book 3.
My Favorite place
Hamby Georgia, With detective Rachel Ryder.
This case, has drugs written all over it.. Overdose . Mysterious deaths..
Time for undercover work
Detective Rachel Ryder And her partner are tagged to be Dea undercover at the at the high school.
Undercover as a counselor.
To bring down a drug ring.
Bishop is living his dream of Being an assistant football coach. However long at last..
Bringing down the drug pushers.
At what ever cost..
But Rachel and Bishop will do what Needs to be done.
For the sake of the kids. And the town.
My favorite books by this author.
This series....
By Carolyn ridder aspenson
Coming October 26th-2021
Book 3.
My Favorite place
Hamby Georgia, With detective Rachel Ryder.
This case, has drugs written all over it.. Overdose . Mysterious deaths..
Time for undercover work
Detective Rachel Ryder And her partner are tagged to be Dea undercover at the at the high school.
Undercover as a counselor.
To bring down a drug ring.
Bishop is living his dream of Being an assistant football coach. However long at last..
Bringing down the drug pushers.
At what ever cost..
But Rachel and Bishop will do what Needs to be done.
For the sake of the kids. And the town.
My favorite books by this author.
This series....
October 28, 2021
Overkill by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Rachel Ryder #3
Rachel Ryder is a force to be reckoned with and the team she works with talented and interesting professionals. Book three was excellent and I can’t wait for more!
What I liked:
* Detective Rachel Ryder: professional, intelligent, capable, widow, working undercover in this book, strategist, someone I admire and hope to get to know better as the series progresses.
* Detective Rob Bishop: Rachel’s partner, seasoned veteran, balances Ryder at work, good rapport between the two, great supporting character
* Jimmy Abernathy: Rachel’s boss and friend, husband of Rachel’s friend Savannah, not involved as much in this book but hope to see more of him and Savannah in the future
* Michels, Ashley, Bubba, and some other supporting characters add a lot to the story and hopefully will be seen in future books of the series
* That Rachel remains in touch with Chicago friends and colleagues
* Special Agent Kyle Olson: DEA Agent, professional, intelligent, tactician, capable, intriguing, potential love interest for Rachel – looking forward to seeing more of him in the future
* The plot, location, and writing
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* That the bad guys, for the most part, were eventually determined and dealt with
* Hector: Rachel’s pet fish, confidant, and a presence that adds interest to Rachel’s life
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Everything and everyone I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the drug problem in schools and communities and how cartels and other evil people prey upon them
* Knowing that this book is probably very real in many parts of the world.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Rachel Ryder #3
Rachel Ryder is a force to be reckoned with and the team she works with talented and interesting professionals. Book three was excellent and I can’t wait for more!
What I liked:
* Detective Rachel Ryder: professional, intelligent, capable, widow, working undercover in this book, strategist, someone I admire and hope to get to know better as the series progresses.
* Detective Rob Bishop: Rachel’s partner, seasoned veteran, balances Ryder at work, good rapport between the two, great supporting character
* Jimmy Abernathy: Rachel’s boss and friend, husband of Rachel’s friend Savannah, not involved as much in this book but hope to see more of him and Savannah in the future
* Michels, Ashley, Bubba, and some other supporting characters add a lot to the story and hopefully will be seen in future books of the series
* That Rachel remains in touch with Chicago friends and colleagues
* Special Agent Kyle Olson: DEA Agent, professional, intelligent, tactician, capable, intriguing, potential love interest for Rachel – looking forward to seeing more of him in the future
* The plot, location, and writing
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* That the bad guys, for the most part, were eventually determined and dealt with
* Hector: Rachel’s pet fish, confidant, and a presence that adds interest to Rachel’s life
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Everything and everyone I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the drug problem in schools and communities and how cartels and other evil people prey upon them
* Knowing that this book is probably very real in many parts of the world.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
January 3, 2022
Overkill by Carolyn Ridder is the third in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.
First, let me thank the publisher Severn River Publishing (in particular Cate Streissguth) and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband. The people responsible are dead. She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby. Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of 30 years.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel and Rob are sent undercover in a high school to infiltrate a drug ring. They are deputized as Drug Enforcement agents, and will work closely with both the police force and the DEA. Rachel is not happy. She's not particularly fond of kids. But kids are dying, and this must stop.
My Opinions:
I am really disappointed that again, for the third book of this series, the topic does not appeal to me. It is again about a drug cartel. Apparently this series will not be about true murder mysteries, but instead center on drug-related cases. I may have to re-think my interests.
This is sad, because I really like the protagonist. She has really grown on me. Yes, she is still a bit of a time-bomb, and her mouth gets ahead of her brain, but she is interesting. Her supporting cast are also likeable. As well, the writing is good, and the dialogue is quite witty. The plot ended up being quite interesting, and although I had the suspects pegged from the start, it was still well-paced, and an easy read.
Okay, it looks like I am convincing myself. I'll be reading the next one. A woman can always hope for a straight-forward murder mystery!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
September 21, 2021
Detective Rachel and her partner are both tagged to be part of a DEA team to go undercover when kids start unexpectedly dying from a dangerous combination of illegal drugs and severe beatdowns of students and their parents from a school at a nearby town's high school, many with ties to the football program.
Rachel will be posing as a High School Counselor while Bishop will be living one of his dreams as a assistant football coach.
This is the third book in the Rachel Ryder series.
It's a little slower paced than the other stories but is also very intense throughout.
The story has developed characters and a strong plotline with a little humor added in.
There are no explicit scenes and while there is a good bit of profanity, none is used gratuitously.
I would like to thank author Carolyn Aspenson and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
Rachel will be posing as a High School Counselor while Bishop will be living one of his dreams as a assistant football coach.
This is the third book in the Rachel Ryder series.
It's a little slower paced than the other stories but is also very intense throughout.
The story has developed characters and a strong plotline with a little humor added in.
There are no explicit scenes and while there is a good bit of profanity, none is used gratuitously.
I would like to thank author Carolyn Aspenson and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
October 25, 2021
Ryder is back and better than ever! A gripping thriller that draws you in and keeps you turning pages as you just can't bear to stop reading! Drugs are an issue that any parent worries about, but this book is the stuff of nightmares for parents of teens. You'll definitely want to follow along as Rachel Ryder, the sarcastic, witty and intelligent detective gets drawn into an investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next!
October 28, 2021
What a thrilling, suspenseful story. Detective Rachael is on the case of a killer amongst high schoolers. Going undercover to find why high school football players are dying from drugs. With lots of suspects and no one talking, this page turner keeps you engaged until the very end. This was my first Detective Rachael book and I will definitely be reading the two previous books in this series. I received this ARC in exchange for a review. I would highly recommend Overkill.
October 28, 2021
This author is the queen of mysteries. I started out reading her cozy mysteries. I highly recommend any and all of those books for fun mystery reading. She knows her subjects. I would place this into police procedural/thriller/mystery genre. If that’s what you like, stop reading this and get the book. This is book 3 in the series. You can read it as a stand-alone. You will enjoy it more reading in order. There are some references to prior books but nothing you can’t follow if you did not read those books.
Rachel Ryder is a tough cookie and a tougher detective. She came from Chicago, (where I lived for a lot of my life), and was with the police there. All the references to Chicago and gangs there, in this series, ring true. Rachel and her husband, Tommy, moved to small town Georgia. They were getting away from Chicago crime and criminals you hide from. They were going to ride horses. They didn’t get that chance. Turns out determined criminals can find you and small towns can have major crimes. I like that Rachel moves slowly in her personal life. She has been hurt and lost love. She has had hard experiences and seen things that scar. She is flawed but is a character you, the reader, would want to be friends with.
Drugs have been in schools for decades. I don’t know exact statistics but I would say a majority of teens have either tried drugs or have a friend who did. I would also venture to say most teens, drug user or not, can point you in the direction of where to get drugs. We kid ourselves if we think they are unaware. I personally believe a number of middle schoolers have this information. Sad fact of society. Another sad fact of society is that most parents are probably acquainted with someone who supplies the drugs. They may not know it but everyone has secrets. Some are devastating.
In Overkill, Ryder and her partner, Bishop are brought into a drug investigation after they respond to the death of a teenager. They go undercover at the high school hoping to stop the influx of drugs. But as the body count rises will they be able to take down the operation?
The story is a heartbreaking one as the author doesn’t sugar coat the action. She did a great job with planting suspects and keeping you from being able to positively identify the criminals. I kept flip flopping on The who, why, and how. I also kept turning pages. Pick this one up and plan to read past your bedtime.
Rachel Ryder is a tough cookie and a tougher detective. She came from Chicago, (where I lived for a lot of my life), and was with the police there. All the references to Chicago and gangs there, in this series, ring true. Rachel and her husband, Tommy, moved to small town Georgia. They were getting away from Chicago crime and criminals you hide from. They were going to ride horses. They didn’t get that chance. Turns out determined criminals can find you and small towns can have major crimes. I like that Rachel moves slowly in her personal life. She has been hurt and lost love. She has had hard experiences and seen things that scar. She is flawed but is a character you, the reader, would want to be friends with.
Drugs have been in schools for decades. I don’t know exact statistics but I would say a majority of teens have either tried drugs or have a friend who did. I would also venture to say most teens, drug user or not, can point you in the direction of where to get drugs. We kid ourselves if we think they are unaware. I personally believe a number of middle schoolers have this information. Sad fact of society. Another sad fact of society is that most parents are probably acquainted with someone who supplies the drugs. They may not know it but everyone has secrets. Some are devastating.
In Overkill, Ryder and her partner, Bishop are brought into a drug investigation after they respond to the death of a teenager. They go undercover at the high school hoping to stop the influx of drugs. But as the body count rises will they be able to take down the operation?
The story is a heartbreaking one as the author doesn’t sugar coat the action. She did a great job with planting suspects and keeping you from being able to positively identify the criminals. I kept flip flopping on The who, why, and how. I also kept turning pages. Pick this one up and plan to read past your bedtime.
October 26, 2021
Another Kickass Detective Story (#3) from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Willingly transplanted Chicago PD Detective Rachel Ryder is still surviving and trying to fit in to her small town Georgia PD female detective role. Token female that is. At least she helped (meaning lead the effort) to push out her old criminal PD boss and now the Department is lead by someone she respects and the feeling is mutual. But when high school athletes end of dying of overdose of some new designer drug badly laced with fentanyl, the feds step in and she's now part of a joint task force with them.... Again.
This time, its not the one time fling with the lead agent she fears, its the role she's asked to play: high school guidance counselor! Her? Kids, nigh worse, teenagers! She can't relate to them! She can't even talk to them without being tongue tied squeamish and adult! Guidance counselor? Give her a dealer, A murderer or even crooked politician any day but teens? Still they need to find their source and put this dealer and their bosses out of bus ie for good before any more kids die!
Great read. Impossible to put down without picking up the story where you left off and reading on.
This one easily stands alone meaning it is not entirely necessary to read the first two in the series so if this is your first Rachel Ryder book, read on. You'll want to read the first two anyhow.
Willingly transplanted Chicago PD Detective Rachel Ryder is still surviving and trying to fit in to her small town Georgia PD female detective role. Token female that is. At least she helped (meaning lead the effort) to push out her old criminal PD boss and now the Department is lead by someone she respects and the feeling is mutual. But when high school athletes end of dying of overdose of some new designer drug badly laced with fentanyl, the feds step in and she's now part of a joint task force with them.... Again.
This time, its not the one time fling with the lead agent she fears, its the role she's asked to play: high school guidance counselor! Her? Kids, nigh worse, teenagers! She can't relate to them! She can't even talk to them without being tongue tied squeamish and adult! Guidance counselor? Give her a dealer, A murderer or even crooked politician any day but teens? Still they need to find their source and put this dealer and their bosses out of bus ie for good before any more kids die!
Great read. Impossible to put down without picking up the story where you left off and reading on.
This one easily stands alone meaning it is not entirely necessary to read the first two in the series so if this is your first Rachel Ryder book, read on. You'll want to read the first two anyhow.
October 10, 2021
Rachel and Bishop are asked to join the DEA task force to infiltrate a high school experiencing unexpected deaths from illegal dangerous drugs. As such, Rachel portrays a school counselor while Bishop portrays as a history teacher/assistant football coach. Rachel feels unequipped since she is unfamiliar with dealing with kids. Join Rachel and Bishop as they work with the school staff and DEA Agent Kyle Olsen and his team as they uncover who is supplying the drugs to not only the football players but some students as well. Rachel and Kyle had a very brief encounter during a previous operation and now she is struggling with those emotions. Will they uncover the ring before another student dies and will a relationship build between Rachel and Kyle?
This is a very intense story with a great plot line, wonderful characters and some humor between Bishop and Rachel. The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. This is an emotional thriller, where lives are exploded and perceptions are twisted and shattered! Look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very intense story with a great plot line, wonderful characters and some humor between Bishop and Rachel. The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. This is an emotional thriller, where lives are exploded and perceptions are twisted and shattered! Look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
Detective Rachel Ryder continues to deal with the death of her detective husband who was murdered. She moved from Chicago to Georgia, but made sure that the killer and the man who hired him paid for her husband’s death. She is working undercover at the high school as a counselor after the recent overdose death of a football player. Rachel had worked with DEA Special Agent Kyle Olsen on a prior case and their time spent together ended with them spending one night together. When other players die in the same manner, they are in a race to find who is supplying the drugs. Rachel has several possible suspects among the staff and works closely with another undercover agent who has been on campus for a few years. Rachel is one tough detective and I enjoyed her “in your face” attitude when dealing with those who questioned her authority. A thrilling mystery all the way until the final takedown! Will she finally give Kyle a second chance? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
October 27, 2021
Ms. Aspenson has pulled off another winner, and I’m so impressed by her talent! Rachel Ryder is a great lead character—tough, attractive but not girly, stubborn, and smart. I have read all of the books in the series so far, have loved every one, and have stayed up way too late on each of them, because I just couldn’t stop reading! Rachel’s partner Bishop and her best friend Savannah are likable and funny characters, who help to round out the interesting cast, in addition to a few others.
I won’t repeat the storyline, since others already have, but I will say that this book, which deals with drugs among high school students, sure did make me glad that my own children are grown, but somewhat concerned at what my grandchildren will certainly face in the future. It struck even closer to home since we live in the Atlanta area, where this story takes place. Regardless, Ms. Aspenson has become one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this series. I received this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my honest and voluntary opinion.
I won’t repeat the storyline, since others already have, but I will say that this book, which deals with drugs among high school students, sure did make me glad that my own children are grown, but somewhat concerned at what my grandchildren will certainly face in the future. It struck even closer to home since we live in the Atlanta area, where this story takes place. Regardless, Ms. Aspenson has become one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this series. I received this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my honest and voluntary opinion.
September 25, 2021
An intense, spine tingling new Rachel Ryder thriller that will keep you riveted from one chapter to the next. Rachel and her partner are once again called to work as under cover in a local school by the DEA task force. Although there are enough twists and turns to keep this moving at a fast pace, there are also some light moments woven in that give the reader a chuckle throughout. Great character development along with so many others from earlier books in the series make this book easy to follow as one death upon another add suspense and tension early on. I appreciated the storyline, particularly coming from a small town setting (with millions of visitors each year) and being a "senior" I am not up to date on issues like this. A very well written and researched book that I would highly recommend.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
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February 4, 2025Book #3 of the Rachel Ryder Series
This was book #3 of the Rachel Ryder series! I have loved every book in this series and this one did not disappoint. I ref the first 2 within 48 hours, this one took me a little longer to finish. I kept falling asleep while reading it, but it was still great! Rachel become part of a DEA task force to take down a drug rig. She had to go undercover as a school counselor. In order to do this job, she had to watch what and how she said things, which was not an easy task force her. She was not a fan of kids to begin with, so she was terrified of this particular job, but she was able to pull it off because she knew kids lives were at stake. Multiple teenagers were coming up dead from the highly dangerous drugs that were on the streets. Does she pull off the role of school counselor and take down those involved? You will have to read to find out!
This was book #3 of the Rachel Ryder series! I have loved every book in this series and this one did not disappoint. I ref the first 2 within 48 hours, this one took me a little longer to finish. I kept falling asleep while reading it, but it was still great! Rachel become part of a DEA task force to take down a drug rig. She had to go undercover as a school counselor. In order to do this job, she had to watch what and how she said things, which was not an easy task force her. She was not a fan of kids to begin with, so she was terrified of this particular job, but she was able to pull it off because she knew kids lives were at stake. Multiple teenagers were coming up dead from the highly dangerous drugs that were on the streets. Does she pull off the role of school counselor and take down those involved? You will have to read to find out!
October 14, 2021
Overkill is the third book in the Rachel Ryder series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson in which Bishop and Rachel go undercover with the DEA at East Forsyth High School with Agent Shelly Christman. Rachel is the the new High School Counselor and Bishop is getting his dream job as the Assistant Highs Coach. Rachel is having a hard time doing her job since she doesn't like kids! Seems the football players are dropping like flies and it's up to Bishop and Rachel to get to the bottom of it. With lots of suspects, twists and turns along the way, it seems like Rachel and Bishop won't figure out the drug dealer at the school.
As always Carolyn Ridder Aspenson does a wonderful job in her writing this series. I highly recommend this series for anyone that loves a good mystery. Thank you NetGallery and Severn River Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
As always Carolyn Ridder Aspenson does a wonderful job in her writing this series. I highly recommend this series for anyone that loves a good mystery. Thank you NetGallery and Severn River Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 2, 2024
A very good story that describes in full the astonishing levels of drug addiction in our schools. It's not only the light drugs (if any of them could really be labeled that way) but the hard, very addictive, and incredibly damaging to anyone's health. Through the years the drug cartels have gained more and more space in our society and drug addiction has soared worldwide. This problem is tackled in Overkill's plot in a very straightforward way, and although a work of fiction, I believe it describes the situation of many schools around America and the world. It's heartbreaking to watch of drugs are doing to people and it's, for sure, something that has to be fought by all of us through education, parenting, and law enforcement.
I downloaded a free copy f this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy f this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
September 21, 2021
In this 3rd book in the series, Rachel and her partner go undercover for the DEA at a local high school, Rachel as counselor and Bishop as history teacher and on the football coaching staff, to help uncover a drug ring involving the local schools after the deaths of several teens, some of which are football players that had promising futures. With Agent Kyle Olsen, a potential new love connection heading this project, and her unfamiliarity with dealing with teens, Rachel is reluctant but she gives it her all in the hopes of stopping it before more teenagers wind up dead. This series has a wonderful character base and each one is equally enjoyable. Rachel is one strong female character, and doesn't let her co-workers or teenagers intimidate her!
November 1, 2021
I loved this book! Rachel and Rob are back, going undercover for the DEA in a high school rife with drug problems. Rob gets to be a history teacher and assistant football coach, right up his alley. But Rachel has to pose as a counselor and gain the trust of the students, not a job she is looking forward to nor feels the least bit suited for since she doesn't like kids. Football players are dying of overdoses and they must act fast to prevent more deaths. The characters are great in this series, very believable and like old friends. Rachel is becoming a little more comfortable in the small southern town and she and Rob work well together. The plot is unfortunately timely and realistic. The action is fast in this one and I read it in one sitting.. I can't wait for more!
October 14, 2023
Immersive
Watching Rachel struggle with her personal life in a different way is good. I don't like it when books jump, I thought I had missed one and spent time checking that I was reading in order, but it has served to move Rachel on emotionally, whilst retaining her harass col persona.
The plotline is sound, reflecting the problem caused by drugs but fuelled by the pressures felt by young people in 1st world countries these days, often but not always, fuelled by parents and caregivers.
The book becomes immersive when you read beyond the kickass action, well thought out plotlines and well described human relationships.
It touches on many of the frailties of humankind and shows that there are so many shares between black and white.
Watching Rachel struggle with her personal life in a different way is good. I don't like it when books jump, I thought I had missed one and spent time checking that I was reading in order, but it has served to move Rachel on emotionally, whilst retaining her harass col persona.
The plotline is sound, reflecting the problem caused by drugs but fuelled by the pressures felt by young people in 1st world countries these days, often but not always, fuelled by parents and caregivers.
The book becomes immersive when you read beyond the kickass action, well thought out plotlines and well described human relationships.
It touches on many of the frailties of humankind and shows that there are so many shares between black and white.
September 18, 2021
BMW was outside a stately home with a for sale sign out front.
Murder happened to 16 year old Hunter, high school, football player
Mother arriving home inebriated,, and step father drove up in his car.
Yelling they had a showing of over twenty people, it had to be sold
Which seemed to be his priority at the moment, and why let wife drive
Finding tutors were needed for most of the football guys.
Drugs and mafia involved in too many deaths lately were they also here.
A good detailed plot of what happened. Good detectives characters
How detectives could stay calm around parents. Enjoyed.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releases October 26, 2021
Murder happened to 16 year old Hunter, high school, football player
Mother arriving home inebriated,, and step father drove up in his car.
Yelling they had a showing of over twenty people, it had to be sold
Which seemed to be his priority at the moment, and why let wife drive
Finding tutors were needed for most of the football guys.
Drugs and mafia involved in too many deaths lately were they also here.
A good detailed plot of what happened. Good detectives characters
How detectives could stay calm around parents. Enjoyed.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releases October 26, 2021
October 25, 2021
In Overkill, Rachel and Bishop, working for the DEA, go undercover at a high school where several students have died from a lethal drug. Several of the dead students have ties to football so Bishop is serving as a history teacher and assistant coach. Rachel tries to rein in her normal persona since she is supposed to be a counselor. (Talk about a fish out of water!) This riveting mystery kept me up most of the night because I could not put it down. Racing the clock, Rachel, Bishop and the DEA hope to make a major bust before more teens die.
October 26, 2021
Rachel Ryder leaves Chicago and the high school drug problems behind only to find the schools in small town Georgia have these same troubling problems. Teachers selling drugs to students to enhance their mental and physical abilities so the schools can shine. This is a story which is true to life and it takes good teachers and involved parents to crush this insidious evil destroying our children and ruining families forever. Sad, bold, and honestly portrayed, Ms. Aspenson has written a heartfelt, gut-wrenching novel for readers of all ages. Very Highly Recommended.
October 28, 2021
Another great addition to the series!
Rachel goes undercover as a staff member at a high school, in order to dig up information regarding drug use and purchase, after a teenager dies. When more teens are hurt (or worse) Rachel, and the task force she's part of, ramp up their efforts to uncover the big players.
I really get drawn into these stories. The characters are tough but relatable, there's action, intrigue and drama, all creating a compelling read.
While I enjoyed this author's lighter stories, these are my favourites. Can't wait to see what's in store for Rachel next.
Rachel goes undercover as a staff member at a high school, in order to dig up information regarding drug use and purchase, after a teenager dies. When more teens are hurt (or worse) Rachel, and the task force she's part of, ramp up their efforts to uncover the big players.
I really get drawn into these stories. The characters are tough but relatable, there's action, intrigue and drama, all creating a compelling read.
While I enjoyed this author's lighter stories, these are my favourites. Can't wait to see what's in store for Rachel next.
November 1, 2021
Great story....
....but a very sad reality in this day and age. Drugs have ruined more lives than we could possibly count. Another reality is the people that should know better, that do know right from wrong, that understand the consequences that come along with the drugs are sometimes the ones in power that turn their backs on the problem. They turn a blind eye or even worse they help feed the problem. The saddest thing is this issue is only getting worse and more and younger children are succumbing to and dying from this crisis.
....but a very sad reality in this day and age. Drugs have ruined more lives than we could possibly count. Another reality is the people that should know better, that do know right from wrong, that understand the consequences that come along with the drugs are sometimes the ones in power that turn their backs on the problem. They turn a blind eye or even worse they help feed the problem. The saddest thing is this issue is only getting worse and more and younger children are succumbing to and dying from this crisis.
November 2, 2021
I enjoyed this police procedural story. Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner, Bishop, go undercover at a high school where students are dying from a new drug. This story will give parents of high school age kids nightmares. The story could be based in any high school anywhere and that is scary!! The storyline is packed with action and red herrings that kept me guessing throughout. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, you will love Overkill. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
December 3, 2021
Who knew! Ripped right out of today's headlines!
Whoa, as 1st time reader of Rachel Ryder books, I am beyond impressed. Great believable characters, with Rachel stealing the show doing the best she can in an undercover position she feels ill suited for. But kids are being murdered, and that is the driving force in both the book, and Rachel (and the rest of the DEA crowd) doing the above and beyond what's needed. Great read. Great murder mystery, great action, and oh so very believable!
Whoa, as 1st time reader of Rachel Ryder books, I am beyond impressed. Great believable characters, with Rachel stealing the show doing the best she can in an undercover position she feels ill suited for. But kids are being murdered, and that is the driving force in both the book, and Rachel (and the rest of the DEA crowd) doing the above and beyond what's needed. Great read. Great murder mystery, great action, and oh so very believable!
March 23, 2022
Overkill (Rachel Ryder Book 3), my seventeenth highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson & the third in her new Rachel Ryder Series, the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, more serious mystery than cozy mystery. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 15, 2024
Wow. Just wow. I’ve been giving this series way too many passes for sexist, racist & homophobic descriptions and commentary. But the buck is stopping here. This third book starts with the death of a 16yr old boy. The main character’s interior monologue about the mother (and step-father) as they were questioned was way over the line. It was so judgmental and unnecessary. If the author was trying to make me dislike the main character, consider that a success. I’m going to pass on reading any further books as I think I have this author’s number and it will just be more of the same in every book.
November 2, 2025
Outstanding Suspense Thriller
This is the 3rd book in a series that should be read in order. Each book is a completed case, but the interpersonal relationships continue to evolve. This episode is about drugs in high school. It involves drug overdose deaths and the actions of drug addicts, which may trigger some. It is a clean story with no foul language, minimal violence, no gore, and no intimacy. I am enjoying each story and love the social interaction. I highly recommend this series and this author.
This is the 3rd book in a series that should be read in order. Each book is a completed case, but the interpersonal relationships continue to evolve. This episode is about drugs in high school. It involves drug overdose deaths and the actions of drug addicts, which may trigger some. It is a clean story with no foul language, minimal violence, no gore, and no intimacy. I am enjoying each story and love the social interaction. I highly recommend this series and this author.
September 20, 2021
A young high school football player is found dead in his driveway. The police find out there was drugs in his system, but he was also beaten with what is found to be a tire iron. Soon there are more young football players dead from drugs. Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner go undercover at the high school working with the DEA task force to find out who is supplying the drugs to students. It's a race against time to find and arrest whoever is responsible before more students die.
October 21, 2021
When local high school students begin dying of drug overdoses, it’s a race to find the source of the drugs before another death occurs. This riveting book has a cast of well-developed characters, a great plot with multiple suspects, plenty of action and skilled storytelling. This book was a joy to read and I am looking forward to Ms. Aspenson’s future work. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
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