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Violet Darger #7.5
Trouble in Paradise
A missing girl in Caribbean paradise. And an old flame to complicate the trip.
Check out this beach-y Violet Darger short featuring Darger, Loshak, Owen, and Spinks.
When 17-year-old Micaela Tolliver goes missing during her beach vacation, FBI profiler Violet Darger heads to Curacao to investigate. The case vexes local law enforcement, with plenty of suspicious characters around and comparisons to Natalee Holloway aplenty.
Red herrings. False starts. People who will go great lengths to protect the island's long held secrets.
Further complications emerge due to someone else entangled in the case -- Darger's old friend and former lover, private investigator Owen Baxter. They're working together for the first time after a bad breakup. The tension is palpable, and Darger begins to question the knot of conflicts in her own heart.
Corruption. Death. Sand. Romance.
Once again, Violet Darger shines her light into the shadows. And what she finds there in the darkness will change her.
Check out this beach-y Violet Darger short featuring Darger, Loshak, Owen, and Spinks.
When 17-year-old Micaela Tolliver goes missing during her beach vacation, FBI profiler Violet Darger heads to Curacao to investigate. The case vexes local law enforcement, with plenty of suspicious characters around and comparisons to Natalee Holloway aplenty.
Red herrings. False starts. People who will go great lengths to protect the island's long held secrets.
Further complications emerge due to someone else entangled in the case -- Darger's old friend and former lover, private investigator Owen Baxter. They're working together for the first time after a bad breakup. The tension is palpable, and Darger begins to question the knot of conflicts in her own heart.
Corruption. Death. Sand. Romance.
Once again, Violet Darger shines her light into the shadows. And what she finds there in the darkness will change her.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2021
161 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,086 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 16, 2021
Loved the backdrop for this.story. Characters were good and liked the story as Violet finally works with Owen again. A young woman disappears, her father is blamed, but shouldn't it be her stepfather to blame? You'll have to read it for yourself.
October 7, 2021
sweet and short
Just the right length, killer was in front of us the whole time, helpful witnesses. Clever detectives. Beachy descriptions warmed me and made me nostalgic.
Just the right length, killer was in front of us the whole time, helpful witnesses. Clever detectives. Beachy descriptions warmed me and made me nostalgic.
September 11, 2021
A young girl has disappeared on the Caribbean island of Curacao. The local police want to brush it under the rug for fear it will kill tourism. Anyone will due as a culprit, guilty or innocent. Just as long as it's solved quickly and quietly. Unfortunately for the local police and fortunately for everyone else, that's not how Loshak and Darger work.
Michaela the daughter of Sully Tolliver and her boyfriend Christiaan have disappeared. Sully asked his friend of Owen Baxter to see if he could find her. After working on the case for 6 days with no luck Owen calls in Loshak and Darger to help. After all Curacao isn't that big of an island. But no one's talking and the local police isn't taking it seriously. Without local support Loshak and Darger work the case with the help of Jevon Spinks and Owen Baxter hitting dead end after dead end. When seemingly things couldn't be more confusing as to where Michaela is. The story ends up taking a twist that no one could have imagined.
I'd like to thank L.T. Vargas & Tim McBain for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Michaela the daughter of Sully Tolliver and her boyfriend Christiaan have disappeared. Sully asked his friend of Owen Baxter to see if he could find her. After working on the case for 6 days with no luck Owen calls in Loshak and Darger to help. After all Curacao isn't that big of an island. But no one's talking and the local police isn't taking it seriously. Without local support Loshak and Darger work the case with the help of Jevon Spinks and Owen Baxter hitting dead end after dead end. When seemingly things couldn't be more confusing as to where Michaela is. The story ends up taking a twist that no one could have imagined.
I'd like to thank L.T. Vargas & Tim McBain for a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 26, 2024
Great story, many surprises, wonderful ending.
November 4, 2021
This was a near-perfect little novella for Violet Darger, a good little filler between full books. Obviously, it's quick-paced given its length, so it was an easy read. It's not the most original story in the world, though, and I sorta saw where it was going, was able to put clues together quickly. Owen, Darger's ex (her choice, not his) summons her help in trying to track down a friend's missing daughter. Darger and Loshak heed the call, along with Loshak's buddy Spinks. Investigations begin, get a bit complicated, etc, etc. Despite the somewhat predictable nature of the plot, I was still thrown off my game here and there. So there still some nice little twists I didn't see coming. It was still adventurous and mysterious in its own right for a tiny story.
Honestly, all I really cared about what seeing Owen again, especially given how Darger badly sabotaged the VERY good relationship she had with him back in Book 4 (Bad Blood). I didn't like the way things ended between them, how little fight she put up for the wonderfully written guy that he was. I was quite miffed that she decided to let the man go just for the sake of her job. And yet, she's sooooo damn GOOD at the job, though. I get it, yes, but then...I just don't get it. I was bummed to see Owen's absence in the remaining books, so imagine my delight when he reappeared via phone call at the end of Book 7.
I for one loved being reunited with him. Darger did too. Sorta, but the woman's denial was irksome. The only thing I feel was lacking in their reunion was the sort of "tension" you'd see when two exes meet again, the airing out of dirty laundry, the full-on awkwardness. It was all very friendly and civil and proper. Not that I want people flailing their arms and causing scenes, but...I guess I woulda liked something more fleshed out between them, something dramatic to show these two characters really do still care. I'll blame the book's overall length, though. Can't have full-fledged stuff in a novella. Besides, it's not like what I got was unsatisfying. Without spoiling anything, I'm VERY glad to see Owen and Darger sharing pages again, and I hope it won't be the last. Darger needs her some love and she needs it PRONTO.
An entertaining read this was for sure. Can't wait for what's to come.
Honestly, all I really cared about what seeing Owen again, especially given how Darger badly sabotaged the VERY good relationship she had with him back in Book 4 (Bad Blood). I didn't like the way things ended between them, how little fight she put up for the wonderfully written guy that he was. I was quite miffed that she decided to let the man go just for the sake of her job. And yet, she's sooooo damn GOOD at the job, though. I get it, yes, but then...I just don't get it. I was bummed to see Owen's absence in the remaining books, so imagine my delight when he reappeared via phone call at the end of Book 7.
I for one loved being reunited with him. Darger did too. Sorta, but the woman's denial was irksome. The only thing I feel was lacking in their reunion was the sort of "tension" you'd see when two exes meet again, the airing out of dirty laundry, the full-on awkwardness. It was all very friendly and civil and proper. Not that I want people flailing their arms and causing scenes, but...I guess I woulda liked something more fleshed out between them, something dramatic to show these two characters really do still care. I'll blame the book's overall length, though. Can't have full-fledged stuff in a novella. Besides, it's not like what I got was unsatisfying. Without spoiling anything, I'm VERY glad to see Owen and Darger sharing pages again, and I hope it won't be the last. Darger needs her some love and she needs it PRONTO.
An entertaining read this was for sure. Can't wait for what's to come.
September 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this short Violet Darger story. It would make for a great beach read. As a fan of Agent Darger, it was fun to delve into her personality a bit more while she was not facing constant danger. The plot, featuring a missing teenage girl, ran smoothly with plenty of possible suspects, interesting characters, and mouth-watering food.
There was a feeling of satisfaction when the criminals were caught. Especially as Darger and Loshak were being stonewalled by the local police chief, and had to resort to a bit of trickery to get the information they needed.
I totally recommend this book for those who have read all of the previous Darger books, but it would also make a good introduction for new readers of the series.
Roll Over Beethoven!
There was a feeling of satisfaction when the criminals were caught. Especially as Darger and Loshak were being stonewalled by the local police chief, and had to resort to a bit of trickery to get the information they needed.
I totally recommend this book for those who have read all of the previous Darger books, but it would also make a good introduction for new readers of the series.
Roll Over Beethoven!
September 14, 2021
Violet Darger is back, boy am I happy. This was a little different than the full novels, you get to see a little more of Violet's personality. I still got my suspense and mystery, but Trouble in Paradise was a little lighter than other books in the series. I figured out who the culprit was from the start. I just couldn't figure out what Beethoven was up too. All questions are answered at the end. In my opinion Trouble in Paradise can be an introduction to Darger and Loshak. You don't need to have read the rest of the series, but I highly recommend it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
September 17, 2021
I am a long time fan of the Darger and Loshak series and of both of their separate series. I was SO happy when they finally got back together with one major exception. After reading this book I am beyond satisfied with everything that has happened thus far (with no spoilers) and can not WAIT to read the next book.
October 13, 2021
Always enjoy reading the Loshak and Darger series and this one was different and more relaxing since it takes place in Curacao. The great rapport between the two agents and the reintroduction to Darger's ex, Owen, plus the always welcome presence of Spinks made for an interesting and sort of fun book - even though there were a couple of brutal murders in the mix. Loved the facts about the island and the food descriptions. Again, more of a breezy feel to the book, instead of the usual emphasis on the killer or the killings, sort of refreshingly different.
October 8, 2021
Excellent
I really enjoy Violet Darger books. Lots of action and suspense. I wish it would have been longer because it’s a great read.
I really enjoy Violet Darger books. Lots of action and suspense. I wish it would have been longer because it’s a great read.
October 4, 2021
Great Whodunit
Loved the backdrop for this.story. Characters were good and liked the story.as Violet finally works with Owen again. A young woman disappears, her father is blamed, but shouldn't it be her stepfather to blame? You'll have to read it for yourself.
Loved the backdrop for this.story. Characters were good and liked the story.as Violet finally works with Owen again. A young woman disappears, her father is blamed, but shouldn't it be her stepfather to blame? You'll have to read it for yourself.
September 19, 2021
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
The Dark side of Paradise
In a tropical paradise a teenage girl goes missing in a manner eerily similar to past events. When the investigation gets bogged down in politics and nepotism, the girl’s father calls in a favor. Darger, Loshak, and Spinks arrive on the island to assist for a few days in between assignments, but when they arrive, they are stonewalled at every turn. When the missing girls shows up in a shallow grave and another body nearby fingers begin to point in many different directions. Is the culprit her well connected boyfriend, her father, her mother and stepfather or someone else altogether. Joined by Violet’s ex Owen, the team scour the small island of Curacao to uncover the truth. When Owen becomes a suspect the team realizes they need to pull out all stops to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Trouble in Paradise is a short novella that serves as a bridge between Dark Passage and the upcoming Countdown to Midnight, and while this is technically a part of a larger series, Trouble in Paradise can be read out of sequence without feeling as if you have missed most of the plot. While we see Violet reunited with her ex-flame Owen Baxter, we also witness a growing dynamic between Darger and Spinks. I can’t recall if this is the first time the two have worked a case together, but the early interactions in Trouble in Paradise give promise for a good rapport and tons of heartburn for Loshak. Even though the book only clocks in at around 150 pages, the character development was still excellent, and the story moved at a pace that kept my interest and had me laughing out loud at one particular “side” character. Whether this is your first introduction to Agents Darger and Loshak or if you’re a long-time fan like myself, Trouble in Paradise will not disappoint.
The Dark side of Paradise
In a tropical paradise a teenage girl goes missing in a manner eerily similar to past events. When the investigation gets bogged down in politics and nepotism, the girl’s father calls in a favor. Darger, Loshak, and Spinks arrive on the island to assist for a few days in between assignments, but when they arrive, they are stonewalled at every turn. When the missing girls shows up in a shallow grave and another body nearby fingers begin to point in many different directions. Is the culprit her well connected boyfriend, her father, her mother and stepfather or someone else altogether. Joined by Violet’s ex Owen, the team scour the small island of Curacao to uncover the truth. When Owen becomes a suspect the team realizes they need to pull out all stops to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Trouble in Paradise is a short novella that serves as a bridge between Dark Passage and the upcoming Countdown to Midnight, and while this is technically a part of a larger series, Trouble in Paradise can be read out of sequence without feeling as if you have missed most of the plot. While we see Violet reunited with her ex-flame Owen Baxter, we also witness a growing dynamic between Darger and Spinks. I can’t recall if this is the first time the two have worked a case together, but the early interactions in Trouble in Paradise give promise for a good rapport and tons of heartburn for Loshak. Even though the book only clocks in at around 150 pages, the character development was still excellent, and the story moved at a pace that kept my interest and had me laughing out loud at one particular “side” character. Whether this is your first introduction to Agents Darger and Loshak or if you’re a long-time fan like myself, Trouble in Paradise will not disappoint.
September 29, 2021
AWESOME
This awesome book has kept me awake way past midnight more than once this week, and yes!! It was super good. I'm stuck on all Vargus/McBain novels which always trap me Into an INCREDIBLE READ.
This awesome book has kept me awake way past midnight more than once this week, and yes!! It was super good. I'm stuck on all Vargus/McBain novels which always trap me Into an INCREDIBLE READ.
September 26, 2021
This book did NOT disappoint!
I finished this book toot sweet! I got so wrapped up in the story that I did not realize how far along I got so quickly.
Violet Darger and Losack (sp) are great characters together. There was just a hint of romance between Violet and a prior boyfriend. Otherwise the book remained true to its intent to tell us the story of who died and how. I hate to tell snippets of the story line. So I will leave you hanging. …. Read this book to find out!
I finished this book toot sweet! I got so wrapped up in the story that I did not realize how far along I got so quickly.
Violet Darger and Losack (sp) are great characters together. There was just a hint of romance between Violet and a prior boyfriend. Otherwise the book remained true to its intent to tell us the story of who died and how. I hate to tell snippets of the story line. So I will leave you hanging. …. Read this book to find out!
September 24, 2021
Perfect beach day read.
This was just what I was looking for and what I have come to expect from Vargas and McBain. Love the characters Loshak and Darger and have read all the books. In this one we get to see a different side of Darger as they assist Owen in a search for a missing girl. Things take a dark turn and become complicated by the Island police. Recommend.
This was just what I was looking for and what I have come to expect from Vargas and McBain. Love the characters Loshak and Darger and have read all the books. In this one we get to see a different side of Darger as they assist Owen in a search for a missing girl. Things take a dark turn and become complicated by the Island police. Recommend.
September 25, 2021
Another crime solved in the Violet Darger series! This one was fun, like a little vacation. It's good to see Violet letting her hair down a little. If you like short shorts, cold drinks and air conditioning, this one is for you.
September 20, 2021
What an exciting read! Don't be fooled by the length--this is a nice "weekend read," short but with plenty of heft to the story. In this book, we see Violet Darger return with Loshak, Spinks, and Owen on the island of Curaçao to solve a mystery of a missing teenage girl. As usual, there are plenty of twists and turns in this one, and I had trouble putting it down!
September 21, 2021
The Three Musketeers Together Again !!!!
Three old colleagues reunite to solve a case. Owen asked for the two agents help in paradise with a missing person case that turns out to be much more.
Three old colleagues reunite to solve a case. Owen asked for the two agents help in paradise with a missing person case that turns out to be much more.
May 14, 2022
In September of 2021 I read Trouble in Paradise and my original review is included following this addition based on the audiobook I recently listened to. When I was offered a review copy of the audiobook for Trouble in Paradise by the authors, I immediately took the opportunity. Listening to Natalie Naudus narrate a story I had previously enjoyed, was an excellent experience, not only are Natalie’s narration skills top-notch, but she also brought the story to life by giving voice to each of the characters. Through listening to the story, I found myself finding items I had forgotten or misremembered from my initial reading.
Violet Darger is back and in the company of Victor Loshak and Leon Spinks as they take on a case set in the Caribbean. To say I was thrilled to see the line-up of characters in this story would be an understatement, I’ve been wanting them to all be in a story for quite a while. So, with all that said, this story isn’t the typical serial killer story we readers have become accustomed to in the previous Darger stories, but this story stands on its own right up there will all the previous Violet Darger stories. I can’t say which of them is my favorite, but I have developed a fondness for Trouble in Paradise because of the differences from the other stories, not to mention having all three of my favorite characters working together finally. Oh, by the way, this one is filled with more than enough action & intrigue not to mention misdirection to keep you on the edge of your seat and busy guessing how it’s going to finally be resolved. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide my honest review.
Violet Darger is back and in the company of Victor Loshak and Leon Spinks as they take on a case set in the Caribbean. To say I was thrilled to see the line-up of characters in this story would be an understatement, I’ve been wanting them to all be in a story for quite a while. So, with all that said, this story isn’t the typical serial killer story we readers have become accustomed to in the previous Darger stories, but this story stands on its own right up there will all the previous Violet Darger stories. I can’t say which of them is my favorite, but I have developed a fondness for Trouble in Paradise because of the differences from the other stories, not to mention having all three of my favorite characters working together finally. Oh, by the way, this one is filled with more than enough action & intrigue not to mention misdirection to keep you on the edge of your seat and busy guessing how it’s going to finally be resolved. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide my honest review.
September 20, 2021
so glad Violet and Loshak are back!
Loved this book! I could read Violet Darger books forever.
More blood and guts next time though, please! I’m more of a serial killer kinda girl lol
Loved this book! I could read Violet Darger books forever.
More blood and guts next time though, please! I’m more of a serial killer kinda girl lol
September 19, 2021
Brilliant again but wanted Darger in danger. Fingers crossed for the next book
September 20, 2021
Trouble in Paradise
Another good novella following FBI's Violet Darker and Victor Loshak who answer a friend's request to help solve a case involving a missing teenage girl.
Another good novella following FBI's Violet Darker and Victor Loshak who answer a friend's request to help solve a case involving a missing teenage girl.
September 24, 2021
Violet, Victor, Spinks and Owen! Oh my, great to see everyone on board for the mystery 😀
October 28, 2022
Darger & Loshak, plus Spinks & Baxter. Not a stand alone read.
FBI agents, Violet Darger and Victor Loshak, fly to the Caribbean to solve a missing persons case. With just a thought of this duo’s raison d'être, I knew this couldn’t be a MISPER. The murder plot isn’t as elaborate or bloody as the full-length books, and the “small-town w crooked cops” subplot is overdone, as though to help expose the culprit.
I loved the tropical setting in Curaçao, and I had a good chuckle thinking of Darger packing business-wear—to go detecting in the sweaty, steamy tropics during July. I was happy at the reappearance of secondary characters, Jevon Spinks and Owen Baxter. The characters made this worth the read, as did the epilogue.
FBI agents, Violet Darger and Victor Loshak, fly to the Caribbean to solve a missing persons case. With just a thought of this duo’s raison d'être, I knew this couldn’t be a MISPER. The murder plot isn’t as elaborate or bloody as the full-length books, and the “small-town w crooked cops” subplot is overdone, as though to help expose the culprit.
I loved the tropical setting in Curaçao, and I had a good chuckle thinking of Darger packing business-wear—to go detecting in the sweaty, steamy tropics during July. I was happy at the reappearance of secondary characters, Jevon Spinks and Owen Baxter. The characters made this worth the read, as did the epilogue.
February 13, 2023
Persistence Pays
Violet Darger is brilliant but somewhat troubled FBI Agent. She has excellent law enforcement skills but more than a few hangup that haunt her as she struggles to get job done. Troubles in paradise aren't all that unusual but Darger and Loshak (her partner) have a disappearance/murder that occurs on a tropical island destination that doesn't look as things seem upon closer inspection. To complicate matters, Violet has to face a memory and person that she has a history with. A person she once had a close relationship with. A person that she can't quite forget. Let the sparks fly!
Violet Darger is brilliant but somewhat troubled FBI Agent. She has excellent law enforcement skills but more than a few hangup that haunt her as she struggles to get job done. Troubles in paradise aren't all that unusual but Darger and Loshak (her partner) have a disappearance/murder that occurs on a tropical island destination that doesn't look as things seem upon closer inspection. To complicate matters, Violet has to face a memory and person that she has a history with. A person she once had a close relationship with. A person that she can't quite forget. Let the sparks fly!
October 11, 2023
This was a quick novella in the Violet Darger world. What I like about these novella is it is a way to get a glimpse into our characters life. Even though are characters are murder cops they have lives, loves, losses, and all the human emotions that are not alway seen in a big mystery book. All I can really say without getting into spoilers is that I wouldn’t want to skip any of the novellas while reading this series.
August 23, 2023
A must read series
Although these novellas are not listed with the original series, I highly recommend reading them all. You can find the reading order in most of the books descriptions, or possibly on the authors website.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Although these novellas are not listed with the original series, I highly recommend reading them all. You can find the reading order in most of the books descriptions, or possibly on the authors website.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
September 19, 2021
Short, sweet, concise
Caribbean setting, missing/murder/purported suicide in a steamy, picturesque setting with all sorts of obfuscation, deflection, and suppression of evidence blocking an out-of-jurisdiction foray, initially to help locate a missing American teen.
Caribbean setting, missing/murder/purported suicide in a steamy, picturesque setting with all sorts of obfuscation, deflection, and suppression of evidence blocking an out-of-jurisdiction foray, initially to help locate a missing American teen.
December 21, 2021
A great short read
You don't have to have read all the Violet Darger books to enjoy this novella, but for those of us who have binged the series this is a nice after dinner cocktail of a story.
You don't have to have read all the Violet Darger books to enjoy this novella, but for those of us who have binged the series this is a nice after dinner cocktail of a story.
January 10, 2022
Perfect.
I'm handcuffed here by the fact that I completely loathe anything even remotely resembling a spoiler, so I'll just say that the book keeps the focus exactly where it should be, 100% of the time.
I'm handcuffed here by the fact that I completely loathe anything even remotely resembling a spoiler, so I'll just say that the book keeps the focus exactly where it should be, 100% of the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews