What do you think?
Rate this book
Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller
Ex-investigative journalist, Rita Mars loses an old friend to what looks like suicide. She’s convinced he was murdered to cover unethical maneuvers and save reputations in the abyss that is Congress. Back stabbings inside the beltway sometimes extend beyond metaphorical. She’s going to butt heads with the local good ole boy authorities and navigate the deliberately stoked smoke screens of the duly elected, but she is never going to give up.
- GenresFiction
404 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2021
60 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Webster
2 books26 followersValerie Webster is a crime fiction author whose 30+ year career was focused on developing and implementing technology applications for criminal surveillance and tracking, information security, crime deterrence and homeland security. She interlaces her work on real cases and policing applications throughout her writing and her storytelling leads you through the shadow worlds of the criminal as well as the crime fighters. Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller is her debut novel in the series. Her new book, Objects of Desire, has launched to rave reviews. Valerie makes her home near Boulder, CO. Learn more about Valerie and her work at www.valeriewebster.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 22, 2021
**'Sometimes a storyline plot exists so that the characters can discover what they really like and also forcing them to whatever choice and action..'
Great read!
A surprisingly really good mysterious story. Highly recommend!
Great read!
A surprisingly really good mysterious story. Highly recommend!
January 19, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DRIVEN: A Rita Mars Thriller by Valerie Webster is a debut P.I. thriller/crime mystery with an interesting new protagonist and cast of characters that I am looking forward to following in hopefully many more books to come.
Ex-investigative journalist, now private investigator Rita Mars shows up for a meeting with an old journalist colleague, only to find he has committed suicide. Something is not right with the scene, and Rita will not stop asking questions. Her friend was working an investigation in the beltway where dark money and unethical maneuvers seem to be behind a big pharma legislative bill.
At the same time, she is hired by a woman to document proof of a picture-perfect high-profile ex-husband stalking and terrorizing her. As Rita is investigating this case, he focuses his deadly
obsession not only on his ex but also on Rita.
Two cases overlap and Rita is in the crosshairs.
Rita is an interesting protagonist. She is 45, a lesbian, has switched professions, has a lesbian police Captain best friend and a trans ex-Navy SEAL secretary/assistant. She also has past trauma in her life from an abusive alcoholic policeman father who committed suicide. I felt an instant connection to these characters, but there were a few times they felt more like caricatures, especially Bev. Rita’s assistant. The flow of the intertwining crime plots is realistic with believable investigations and build up at an ever-increasing pace to satisfying conclusions.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut P.I. thriller and will be looking for more in this series.
DRIVEN: A Rita Mars Thriller by Valerie Webster is a debut P.I. thriller/crime mystery with an interesting new protagonist and cast of characters that I am looking forward to following in hopefully many more books to come.
Ex-investigative journalist, now private investigator Rita Mars shows up for a meeting with an old journalist colleague, only to find he has committed suicide. Something is not right with the scene, and Rita will not stop asking questions. Her friend was working an investigation in the beltway where dark money and unethical maneuvers seem to be behind a big pharma legislative bill.
At the same time, she is hired by a woman to document proof of a picture-perfect high-profile ex-husband stalking and terrorizing her. As Rita is investigating this case, he focuses his deadly
obsession not only on his ex but also on Rita.
Two cases overlap and Rita is in the crosshairs.
Rita is an interesting protagonist. She is 45, a lesbian, has switched professions, has a lesbian police Captain best friend and a trans ex-Navy SEAL secretary/assistant. She also has past trauma in her life from an abusive alcoholic policeman father who committed suicide. I felt an instant connection to these characters, but there were a few times they felt more like caricatures, especially Bev. Rita’s assistant. The flow of the intertwining crime plots is realistic with believable investigations and build up at an ever-increasing pace to satisfying conclusions.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut P.I. thriller and will be looking for more in this series.
August 8, 2021
An average private investigative mystery, featuring an older lesbian former journalist. Kindle Unlimited.
Rita Mars is mid forties, and a private investigator after having been a newspaper journalist previously. She is looking into an old journalist friends 'suicide' which may not be a suicide, at all. We get some basic background info about Rita, a former girlfriend who had apparently done a heck of a number on her and still affects her deeply. Plus history with her now deceased father and how he passed and how it affects her.
Rita also ends up investigating and offering safety to a woman named Karin, whose ex-husband is high profile but keeps stalking and threatening her in round-a-bout ways, that cannot be fully proven. The two women become closer, but it never really lifts off the ground. Which is basically how I felt about the entire novel. There's nothing inherently wrong here story wise, it's just that there's nothing special or unique, either.
I wanted to like this much more than I did, I ultimately ended up feeling really awkward about some of the ways the author has the characters talk about a Mexican conspiracy, and the language about them being quite racist and almost slurs in many ways - enough to make me as a non-American, who only knows very little about American/Mexican politics and racism, cringe.
So I would be interested to hear from someone with actual experiences in that area, to see if I'm reading something more into it - but I highly doubt it... The mentioned of taco trucks, mexican jumping beans and other similarly worded sarcastic jabs, made me wince.
There's also constant mentioned of Rita's secretary who is a former navy seal trans woman, that initially is called 'he' to introduce them, and only ever mentioned as 'her' every other time after, and then always called the 'chocolate amazon' woman throughout in descriptors, which again made me grit my teeth. She just came off as the flamboyant side-kick stereotype in many ways, which always makes me frown. I feel like perhaps the author needs to employ a sensitivity reader, it just felt ham-fisted - like very out-dated stuff we would have experienced in the 90's/2000's, in my view.
Rita Mars is mid forties, and a private investigator after having been a newspaper journalist previously. She is looking into an old journalist friends 'suicide' which may not be a suicide, at all. We get some basic background info about Rita, a former girlfriend who had apparently done a heck of a number on her and still affects her deeply. Plus history with her now deceased father and how he passed and how it affects her.
Rita also ends up investigating and offering safety to a woman named Karin, whose ex-husband is high profile but keeps stalking and threatening her in round-a-bout ways, that cannot be fully proven. The two women become closer, but it never really lifts off the ground. Which is basically how I felt about the entire novel. There's nothing inherently wrong here story wise, it's just that there's nothing special or unique, either.
I wanted to like this much more than I did, I ultimately ended up feeling really awkward about some of the ways the author has the characters talk about a Mexican conspiracy, and the language about them being quite racist and almost slurs in many ways - enough to make me as a non-American, who only knows very little about American/Mexican politics and racism, cringe.
So I would be interested to hear from someone with actual experiences in that area, to see if I'm reading something more into it - but I highly doubt it... The mentioned of taco trucks, mexican jumping beans and other similarly worded sarcastic jabs, made me wince.
There's also constant mentioned of Rita's secretary who is a former navy seal trans woman, that initially is called 'he' to introduce them, and only ever mentioned as 'her' every other time after, and then always called the 'chocolate amazon' woman throughout in descriptors, which again made me grit my teeth. She just came off as the flamboyant side-kick stereotype in many ways, which always makes me frown. I feel like perhaps the author needs to employ a sensitivity reader, it just felt ham-fisted - like very out-dated stuff we would have experienced in the 90's/2000's, in my view.
February 12, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
In this riveting novel, Rita Mars, an Ex-investigative journalist turned private investigator is convinced her friend was murdered. He would never commit suicide, and she’s not giving up on him. While she is investigating her friends murder, Rita is also investigating a high profile case in which she is in danger. With two dangerous cases, this fast-paced thriller will keep you up all night, biting your nails as you follow Rita on her journey. I found this book quite the interesting read. Rita was driven in her thoughts and determination to find out what really happened to her friend.
Author Valerie Webster does a fabulous job writing this book, with characters that you quickly communicate with as the story unfolds. The vivid scenes bring the story to life and makes readers feel like they are living the story with the characters. I like Rita, with her determined attitude, yet she was sensitive and funny at times. This is a story you don’t want to miss if you love thrillers. Go Grab this story and read it to see what happens with Rita and her busy schedule working these two cases. I'm giving this one Four Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In this riveting novel, Rita Mars, an Ex-investigative journalist turned private investigator is convinced her friend was murdered. He would never commit suicide, and she’s not giving up on him. While she is investigating her friends murder, Rita is also investigating a high profile case in which she is in danger. With two dangerous cases, this fast-paced thriller will keep you up all night, biting your nails as you follow Rita on her journey. I found this book quite the interesting read. Rita was driven in her thoughts and determination to find out what really happened to her friend.
Author Valerie Webster does a fabulous job writing this book, with characters that you quickly communicate with as the story unfolds. The vivid scenes bring the story to life and makes readers feel like they are living the story with the characters. I like Rita, with her determined attitude, yet she was sensitive and funny at times. This is a story you don’t want to miss if you love thrillers. Go Grab this story and read it to see what happens with Rita and her busy schedule working these two cases. I'm giving this one Four Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 7, 2022
Driven, the first Rita Mars Thriller, gives us a complex plot with two mysteries to solve.
Rita’s character is indeed “driven” in her quest to solve the two cases she’s working, one of which is personal. She’s intelligent and persistent, but she’s also brash, often taking assertiveness a step too far, into the pushy and rude zone.
While labeled a thriller, this felt much more like a mystery to me as far as content and pacing. We follow along with Rita as she investigates, uncovering clues and sidestepping danger, until we solve the whodunit. Rita connects with and gets help from some interesting characters along the way, giving the story lots of depth.
Driven has a solid ending, no cliffhangers.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
Rita’s character is indeed “driven” in her quest to solve the two cases she’s working, one of which is personal. She’s intelligent and persistent, but she’s also brash, often taking assertiveness a step too far, into the pushy and rude zone.
While labeled a thriller, this felt much more like a mystery to me as far as content and pacing. We follow along with Rita as she investigates, uncovering clues and sidestepping danger, until we solve the whodunit. Rita connects with and gets help from some interesting characters along the way, giving the story lots of depth.
Driven has a solid ending, no cliffhangers.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
February 17, 2022
Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller
by Valerie Webster
January 17 - February 11, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
#partnersincrimevbt
#RMarsAuthor
#thriller
#crimemystery
Synopsis:
Ex-investigative journalist, Rita Mars loses an old friend to what looks like suicide. She’s convinced he was murdered to cover unethical maneuvers and save reputations in the abyss that is Congress. Back stabbings inside the beltway sometimes extend beyond metaphorical. She’s going to butt heads with the local good ole boy authorities and navigate the deliberately stoked smoke screens of the duly elected, but she is never going to give up.
My Review:
☆☆☆☆
Driven
By Valerie Webster.
This Is a debu book.
A story about a Ex investigated reporter Rita Mars.
Working not One case but two cases. Proving that her friend did not commit suicide is going to be a chore for this reporter. She has her work cut out for her. But when you're driven to prove what's what's right and what's wrong because that's your lifestyle amongst other things. Rita always does the right thing.
Rita Mars Ex investigated reporter.
Won't give up until she's taken down the bad guy..
Thank you
#partnersincrimevbt and the author, Valerie Webster, for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed opinions here are unbiased and are my own.
Purchase @::
DRIVEN: A Rita Mars Thriller https://smile.amazon.com/dp/195234703...
Catch Up With Valerie Webster:
ValerieWebster.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram - @rmarsauthor
Twitter - @RMars4Hire
Facebook - @RMars4Hire
by Valerie Webster
January 17 - February 11, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
#partnersincrimevbt
#RMarsAuthor
#thriller
#crimemystery
Synopsis:
Ex-investigative journalist, Rita Mars loses an old friend to what looks like suicide. She’s convinced he was murdered to cover unethical maneuvers and save reputations in the abyss that is Congress. Back stabbings inside the beltway sometimes extend beyond metaphorical. She’s going to butt heads with the local good ole boy authorities and navigate the deliberately stoked smoke screens of the duly elected, but she is never going to give up.
My Review:
☆☆☆☆
Driven
By Valerie Webster.
This Is a debu book.
A story about a Ex investigated reporter Rita Mars.
Working not One case but two cases. Proving that her friend did not commit suicide is going to be a chore for this reporter. She has her work cut out for her. But when you're driven to prove what's what's right and what's wrong because that's your lifestyle amongst other things. Rita always does the right thing.
Rita Mars Ex investigated reporter.
Won't give up until she's taken down the bad guy..
Thank you
#partnersincrimevbt and the author, Valerie Webster, for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed opinions here are unbiased and are my own.
Purchase @::
DRIVEN: A Rita Mars Thriller https://smile.amazon.com/dp/195234703...
Catch Up With Valerie Webster:
ValerieWebster.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram - @rmarsauthor
Twitter - @RMars4Hire
Facebook - @RMars4Hire
July 29, 2021
Thriller
Great book held my attention couldn't put it down great new character I think you will enjoy this book recommend it to all your friends
Great book held my attention couldn't put it down great new character I think you will enjoy this book recommend it to all your friends
October 5, 2021
Really good read! Loved the characters and how well the story moved.
Can’t wait to read next Rita Mars adventure!
Can’t wait to read next Rita Mars adventure!
February 4, 2022
In her debut thriller novel, Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller, author Valerie Webster transports the reader to the locales of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., for an intriguing thriller that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.
The story centers around Rita Mars, ex-investigative jounalist turned private investigator, who is determined to find the killer of her friend and ex-jounalist co-worker, Bobby Ellis. Rita was supposed to meet up with Bobby at a Harpers Ferry hotel, but when she got to the hotel, Bobby was found hanging by the shower rod by a hotel maid, and the coroner concludes the cause of death as a suicide. Rita knows that Bobby didn't kill himself, so she embarks on an investigation that will lead to the halls of Congress, determined to piece together what Bobby had been working on, and who would shut him up permanently before he could reveal what he knew in a newspaper article. Rita also has a new client, Karin Van Dreem, a PR Consultant, who hires her to provide security because of her psychotic ex-husband, Dr. Douglas Servier, who has been stalking her, and she's afraid that he's going to kill her. And if that isn't enough, Rita is dealing with her own personal issues that continue to haunt her. Can Rita find who killed Bobby while keeping Karin safe from the psychotic ex-husband, or will this driven private investigator put herself in danger as well?
In her debut thriller novel, author Valerie Webster weaves a slow-building and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Rita's investigations into Bobby's killer and Karin's psychotic stalker of an ex-husband. As the reader follows Rita'sinvestigations, incidents occur and flashbacks to her traumatic past reveals an interconnection that has a lot of drama, tension, and a threat of danger around every corner, and where everyone is considered a suspect.
The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting. It is filled with enough family drama and secrets, motives, possible suspects, action, and intriguing twists and turns that definitely keeps the reader guessing until the surprising conclusion.
This was a really interesting story to read! The author does a wonderful job of providing enough clues to engage the reader, and I found myself so caught up on trying to figure out who is behind Bobby's murder, and the craziness behind Karin's stalker. I loved how Rita used her expertise as an ex-investigative reporter to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. I was absolutely stunned by the conclusion, I never saw it coming! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was also intrigued by Rita's backstory, she is a broken person who is still trying to overcome her traumatic childhood and ex-relationship issues. I look forward to reading Rita's next investigative adventure.
Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller will definitely take the readers on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher / author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
The story centers around Rita Mars, ex-investigative jounalist turned private investigator, who is determined to find the killer of her friend and ex-jounalist co-worker, Bobby Ellis. Rita was supposed to meet up with Bobby at a Harpers Ferry hotel, but when she got to the hotel, Bobby was found hanging by the shower rod by a hotel maid, and the coroner concludes the cause of death as a suicide. Rita knows that Bobby didn't kill himself, so she embarks on an investigation that will lead to the halls of Congress, determined to piece together what Bobby had been working on, and who would shut him up permanently before he could reveal what he knew in a newspaper article. Rita also has a new client, Karin Van Dreem, a PR Consultant, who hires her to provide security because of her psychotic ex-husband, Dr. Douglas Servier, who has been stalking her, and she's afraid that he's going to kill her. And if that isn't enough, Rita is dealing with her own personal issues that continue to haunt her. Can Rita find who killed Bobby while keeping Karin safe from the psychotic ex-husband, or will this driven private investigator put herself in danger as well?
In her debut thriller novel, author Valerie Webster weaves a slow-building and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Rita's investigations into Bobby's killer and Karin's psychotic stalker of an ex-husband. As the reader follows Rita'sinvestigations, incidents occur and flashbacks to her traumatic past reveals an interconnection that has a lot of drama, tension, and a threat of danger around every corner, and where everyone is considered a suspect.
The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting. It is filled with enough family drama and secrets, motives, possible suspects, action, and intriguing twists and turns that definitely keeps the reader guessing until the surprising conclusion.
This was a really interesting story to read! The author does a wonderful job of providing enough clues to engage the reader, and I found myself so caught up on trying to figure out who is behind Bobby's murder, and the craziness behind Karin's stalker. I loved how Rita used her expertise as an ex-investigative reporter to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. I was absolutely stunned by the conclusion, I never saw it coming! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was also intrigued by Rita's backstory, she is a broken person who is still trying to overcome her traumatic childhood and ex-relationship issues. I look forward to reading Rita's next investigative adventure.
Driven: A Rita Mars Thriller will definitely take the readers on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher / author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
January 20, 2022
The heroine in this novel, Rita, was a surprise for me as she is gay. Thoughts about her past relationship and a potential one were prominent. I felt too much text was given to the romantic tension. I don't think I have seen such an emphasis placed on the romantic tension when the heroine is a heterosexual. I felt the two cases Rita works on are really enough to carry the plot through so that only a hint of the romantic aspect would have been required.
Rita was a hard character for me to like. She irritates people, is forceful and often rude. I trust future novels featuring her will see her character level out a bit and become more confident in her abilities. Rita has some quirky friends, such as her trans secretary. The characters were well developed though I did think the trans character was a bit overdone.
I like the two thriller plot lines. I like the political aspect with underhanded financial activities being investigated. I like the suspenseful end although we were set up for it. I think this debut effort shows Webster has great potential as a thriller author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Rita was a hard character for me to like. She irritates people, is forceful and often rude. I trust future novels featuring her will see her character level out a bit and become more confident in her abilities. Rita has some quirky friends, such as her trans secretary. The characters were well developed though I did think the trans character was a bit overdone.
I like the two thriller plot lines. I like the political aspect with underhanded financial activities being investigated. I like the suspenseful end although we were set up for it. I think this debut effort shows Webster has great potential as a thriller author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 27, 2022
great read
This book has a strong female lead with a cast of quirky characters and a tight suspenseful plot. Highly recommended
This book has a strong female lead with a cast of quirky characters and a tight suspenseful plot. Highly recommended
September 4, 2022
Too many unforced errors spoiled what might otherwise have been an interesting read, with three promising main characters.
May 30, 2023
Interesting characters with depth and complexity. Valerie avoids common character tropes and builds a complex story without feeling formulaic or performative. Great read
Looking for more by this author.
Looking for more by this author.
June 22, 2023
Good book
Very interesting book love the characters the storyline The first I read for miss Arthur I probably will be reading more of her can't wait for the next book.
Very interesting book love the characters the storyline The first I read for miss Arthur I probably will be reading more of her can't wait for the next book.
November 22, 2023
Bev to the rescue
Loved the writing
Liked one problem at a time but 2nd problem still there
I'm still not clear about the Ex what happened that was so bad
Need answer
Loved the writing
Liked one problem at a time but 2nd problem still there
I'm still not clear about the Ex what happened that was so bad
Need answer
February 2, 2022
Rita Mars, the protagonist in Driven, receives a call from an old friend Bobby Ellis. He wants to meet up with her at The Overlook Inn in Harper’s Ferry. Before she can meet him, he is found dead, hung in the bathroom of his hotel room. Cause of death, suicide, does Rita believe this, no she doesn't, and she is going to do all she can to prove that it was not suicide.
Rita is an Ex-Investigative journalist, now a private investigator. Bobby was investigating a big Pharma bill in Congress. The more questions Rita asks the deeper she gets. Rita is also hired to document the doings of a well to do doctor who is stalking his wife. The two cases overlap, and she is right in the middle.
Rita is a lesbian with a trans ex-Navy Seal secretary/ assistant, Bev. Rita has a backstory, her abusive relationship with her father, also an ex-lover impedes her ability to move on, romantically. The two cases overlap which certainly keeps her busy.
With a cast of great characters, the suspenseful element kept me reading. I loved the plot, Rita's tough facade and the other characters that kept this story going. I hope the author is going to keep going with this story as I would love to read another one with Rita. I give it 4 stars!
Rita is an Ex-Investigative journalist, now a private investigator. Bobby was investigating a big Pharma bill in Congress. The more questions Rita asks the deeper she gets. Rita is also hired to document the doings of a well to do doctor who is stalking his wife. The two cases overlap, and she is right in the middle.
Rita is a lesbian with a trans ex-Navy Seal secretary/ assistant, Bev. Rita has a backstory, her abusive relationship with her father, also an ex-lover impedes her ability to move on, romantically. The two cases overlap which certainly keeps her busy.
With a cast of great characters, the suspenseful element kept me reading. I loved the plot, Rita's tough facade and the other characters that kept this story going. I hope the author is going to keep going with this story as I would love to read another one with Rita. I give it 4 stars!
February 1, 2022
This is the debut book in a possible new series by Valerie Webster. It is a crime/ mystery thriller. The protagonist and other characters are well developed though I think the Trans/ Lesbian gender roles were almost like trying to make this the focus. Too much attention to this. Rita was crude and sometimes a little obnoxious in her mannerisms and the way she dealt with people. All in all I think it is an interesting and believable plot that I enjoyed. The author did a great job in creating the crime scenarios. They are very realistic and many twists and unexpected turns that hold your interest. The clues and story line set you up for the ending, but I was still a little surprised. Bring on book #2! #partnersincrimevbt
March 20, 2024
This is the debut book in a possible new series by Valerie Webster. It is a crime/ mystery thriller. The protagonist and other characters are well developed although I think the Trans/ Lesbian gender roles were almost like trying to make this the focus. Too much attention to this. Rita was crude and sometimes a little obnoxious in her mannerisms and the way she dealt with people. All in all I think it is an interesting and believable plot that I enjoyed. The author did a great job in creating the crime scenarios. They are very realistic and many twists and unexpected turns that hold your interest. The clues and story line set you up for the ending, but I was still a little surprised. Bring on book #2!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews