No Accident

Posadas County Mystery #25

by Steven F. Havill

Good cops have no use for coincidence

When a driver slams his pickup truck—twice—into a tandem bike being ridden by Carlos Guzman and his fiancée, Tasha, in Briones, California, it's more than a simple hit-and-run; the driver clearly intended to harm them. Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman gets the call with the news of her son's accident and wastes no time racing to his side. She is greeted by Police Captain Eddie Mitchell, formerly of Posadas County, who allows Estelle to "consult" on the investigation—but only to a point.

While Carlos struggles with critical injuries, an employee at the bike shop where Carlos bought the tandem is found shot dead in a dumpster—the same man who had borrowed the truck that mowed down Carlos and Tasha. The local cops aren't convinced there's any connection between the two crimes. Not a believer in coincidence, Estelle pursues every possible angle with a cop's determination to solve the case, and a mother's resolve to keep her son safe at any cost.

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Crime, Police, Fiction

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

Steven F. Havill is an American author of mysteries and westerns.

Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Accident by Steven F. Havill is the latest installment in the Posadas County Mystery series and although the main part is set in California it is still everything you want and need from this great author. Undersheriff Guzman learns that her youngest son and his girlfriend has been in an accident so she leaves Posadas with her husband to help her boy anyway she can. I have loved this series from the start and even though my favorite character now is retired he does make an appearance. I love Bill Gastner. The book is as always well written and the story is twisting and complicated but great. I really like the characters created by Havill and wish I could rediscover them from the start again. I do like the fact that the crimes and mysteries in this series takes up most aspects of life may it be trivial or serious. If you like small town mysteries and police procedurals and a slower pace then this series and author is something you ought to try, I recommend it to all that I came across. A massive thanks to #PoisonedPenPress @poisonedpenpress @netgalley #Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book out in store March 22nd and of course #StevenFHavill for writing these books. #NoAccident

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is wrapping up a bar fight in Posadas, NM when she receives a call that her son in Briones, California has been injured in a bicycling accident along with his girlfriend. She is soon off with her husband for a bedside vigil. In the land of coincidence one of her former colleagues is a cop in the California county and a former kidnapping suspect from Posadas is connected to her injured son through the bike shop.

It turns out it was no accident. So Estelle is invited by her former colleague to observe the local police investigation. But she does more than that carefully staying in her lane but providing suggestions that quickly produce motives, evidence, and even some false trails.

Nicely told story that shows how investigators can miss clues and fixate on false trails.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: “Oh, Mama!”

When a call reaches Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman that her son and his girlfriend have been in a serious accident, she, her husband, and family, gather in California to learn that Carlos and Tasha were riding a tandem bicycle when they weren’t just struck by a pickup truck, but that the driver reversed and ran over them again. This was clearly no accident. An employee at the bike shop, who had borrowed the truck that mowed down Carlos and Tasha, is found shot dead in a dumpster. Fortunately, the Briones police know of Estelle’s reputation and invite her to join in the investigation.

What a treat to “discover” a new series on its 25th book. Even more interesting is to learn that the series began with a male protagonist, Sheriff Bill Gastner, who introduced Estelle Reyes-Guzman to the series when she was 19 and promoted her to Undersheriff in the 12th book. Kudos to the author for realizing his initial character was getting too old and switching things up completely.

There is so much to recommend this book. It starts with one crime scene in New Mexico and ends in the courtroom adjudicating the initial crime. This demonstrates the role, and limits, of the police.

One can become incredibly tired of angst. With Reyes-Guzman, there is a strong family unit. They are loving and fully supportive of one another. They also bring humor to the story which is refreshing.

One appreciates seeing different branches of law enforcement work together and hopes that’s a more accurate presentation of what really occurs. While Estelle is very much involved, she is also very aware and respectful of boundaries and jurisdictions. Rogue cops may be exciting, but one doubts they last that long.

It is suspected that those who know firearms will truly appreciate Havill’s writing. The author holds an associate of applied science degree in gunsmithing.

NO ACCIDENT holds one’s interest from first page to last. If one is looking for high action, this isn’t it. If one is looking for an excellent follow-the-clues police procedural with well-done red herrings and unexpected twists, pull up a chair.

NO ACCIDENT
By Steven F. Havill
Poisoned Pen Press, March 2022, 288 pp.
Posadas County Mystery #25
RATING: Ex

[Sue F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful police procedural from Steven Havill, but with a few location issues…

Without sounding too much like a fangirl, I feel I need to disclose that I’ve been in love with Steven F Havill’s Posadas County mysteries for a couple of decades, having binge read all the titles that existed when I discovered the series in the late 1990s, and then waiting impatiently ever since for a new one to come out every year or two. To me, the series sets the standard for small-town police procedurals, and I’ve enjoyed following both the main and minor characters as they’ve progressed throughout the years. And I’ve also fallen in love with the southern New Mexico/northern Mexico border setting.

So I was nervous about whether I’d enjoy a ”Posadas County” book that wasn’t set in Posadas County. And the result was a bit mixed.

Most importantly, everything was great on the “case” front. No Accident has all of the procedural detail that I’ve come to expect from author Steven F. Havill, just set in California, rather than in New Mexico. I very much enjoyed watching Estelle Reyes-Guzman as she investigated the biking accident that put her son and her son’s fiancée in the hospital. Which, of course, per the title, turns out not to have been an accident at all. And although Estelle’s efforts were complicated by having to operate outside her jurisdiction (mitigated somewhat by the presence of her former Posadas County colleague, Eddie Mitchell on the investigation team), I still felt as if I were chasing down clues and figuring things out right along with her.

On the other hand, though, I really missed Posadas County, and all of its ancillary characters, and the subplots that add so much to the series’ books. For lack of a better description, the setting felt rather flat, and even a few phone cameos from series regulars didn’t really make up for it. Was No Accident still a compelling book that I read in one sitting? Yes, without a doubt. But, do I really really not-so-secretly hope the series moves back to Posadas County for the next book? Yes again.

As a result of the setting issues, I struggled a bit with how to rate No Accident. I’d love to have been able to take off half-a-star for this, but since I can’t, in the end, I left it at the 5 stars it would have gotten otherwise. And, as above, have my fingers crossed for the next book to be back in New Mexico again. And finally, my thanks to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, and to NetGalley, for the advance review copy.

[bob crowley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been reading, steven havill for many years but lately, i have been disappointed, the book out before 'no accident' i did not finish, i was disgusted with it, and i had to force myself to finish 'no accident' I don't think i ll read another. I guess steve havill has gone WOKE and is writing cozy mysteries now. I am so sick of hearing about fransisco, 'the musical wonder of the ages and his nearly equally talented and of course, beautiful wife, and carlos, the engineer with the black wife who may be according to one character the most naturally beautiful woman he had ever seen. The dr who is english but half nigerian, the nurse is from somolia?? every one has to be ethnic, they can't just people, and each is the best at their chosen profession, because steve havill says they are, and we keep hearing about it over and over again, and fransico rents a gc650 private jet whenever ever he wants, and is of course a world famous celebrity, the schlock never ends, and we spend most of the time hearing what these really boring imaginary characters are doing, which is mostly talking uninterestingly. and dr guzman is assisting the drs in the california town, and if anyone has been to the hospital or has a family member or friend, all the attention carlos gets from the staff is a farce and fantasy, we all know what medical care is like nowdays and carlos, has more attention from the medical staff than any living person in North America, so definitely absurb fiction ! toss the book out, or see if you can get your money back. !!!!! oh, and the bad guy is white, of course:) i gave it 1 star because i was not sure it take no star.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Accident is part of the wonderful Posadas County Mystery series. (Note: The Posadas County series, featuring Estelle Reyes-Guzman as the main character, is the continuation of the Bill Gastner series with most of the same characters.) Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman helps investigate a crime out of her jurisdiction when she and her husband travel to California to be with their younger son whose life is on the line.

This case is personal for Estelle since it's her son who was the victim. I wasn't sure how I would like the change in setting for this book, but it was interesting seeing Estelle in a different setting and not able to take charge of an investigation like she is used to doing. However even though Estelle couldn't lead things, her brilliant deductions and insights are important in solving the case. As Carlos's mother and as a cop, she will not rest until she knows Carlos is safe from the person who tried to kill him.

I love this series and love Estelle, but really miss the earlier books in which she and Bill Gastner used to work together. There is a brief scene with Bill, but I wish there had been more. I enjoyed the book and spending time with characters I have gotten to know over several books. I found the ending to be unexpected. I'm still not sure if the clues that seemed to be pointing at a different solution were red herrings or if there is more to this story that will be addressed in a future book. This is another great mystery in the series that returning readers and new readers can enjoy equally.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Poisoned Pen Press. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is anyone else tired of how beautiful almost all the people in the Guzman world are so beautiful,slim and perfect? Just for fun, while I was reading the last 3 books, I started to accumulate the descriptors of the other humans who are not so perfect. Ready?
Short and dumpy
Watermelon gut
Huge round face
thirty pounds too much on his large frame, just enough to look sloppy
Fats
his obesity
both the officer and her vehicle incredibly bulky
large, beet-faced woman
almost as wide as he was tall,
about a hundred and fifty pounds over,
a morbidly obese woman
enormous throat wattle,
The flesh hung from the back of Pam’s arms like great curtains.
The vast woman overflowed the gurney
Chubby but pretty
like a fat inchworm.
He rubbed his ample belly. “Gotta do something about this gut.”
his pudgy, short body
considerable paunch.
compact, rotund woman
her pudgy figure
face was amazingly round…full, plump cheeks down to a round chin
her jowls bouncing. her jowls bouncing.
Fat Boy
the man was considerably heavier
A massive fellow from head to toe, Barry Whitaker wore cutoff blue jeans whose waistline was buried in blubber
bright blue flip-flops were crushed nearly flat by his weight.
vast expanse of his belly.
With a grunt, he lunged his weight forward
He’s obese. He’s flabby. He’s unhealthy fat.
which with his girth is quite a stunt in itself.

This is prejudicial and after at first really liking these books, I came to be very discouraged with Steven Havill. I don’t want to read any more. He’s a school teacher. Does he categorise his students and colleagues this way? I hope not.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and this book reaffirms my appreciation for it. It begins with a heck of a bar fight that involves a knife, a pool cue, and a ball from a pool table. One of the two combatants dies in a hospital. While Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman works the bar fight, she gets a call from her professional pianist son alerting her that her other son, Carlos, is in serious condition in a California hospital. He’s there because someone struck him twice with a large pickup. He and his girlfriend, Tasha, were riding a tandem bike when the assailant struck them.

Estelle and her husband jet to northern California to both be with their son and so she can perhaps help local cops to the degree they allow in solving the case. While her son, Carlos, endures surgery after surgery, Estelle works with local law enforcement officials to figure out who wants her son and his girlfriend dead and why. Her investigation takes her to the bike shop where Carlos and Tasha bought the bike they used, and the next day, a fruit stand employee finds the body of a bike shop employee stuffed in a dumpster. The locals aren’t sure there’s a connection, but Estelle believes there is. In a previous book, when Carlos’s brother was three, someone kidnapped him and attempted to sell him in Mexico. The cops thwarted the kidnapping, but the dead guy in the bike shop testified on behalf of the kidnapper.

Havill masterfully wrote this, and I remained fully engaged to the end. But I felt the end somehow cheated me a bit—not enough that I’ll quit reading the series, but enough that I couldn’t go full-on five stars for this.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Accident – A Posadas County Mystery – 2022 - **** - Undersheriff Estell Reyes-Guzman travels to California in this book to solve the mystery of who runs into her son Carlos while his is biking. There is the usual excellent Havill dialogue and police procedural. This book also blends in a little more than usual family ties with her grown sons. Unfortunately, the magic of the Posadas County disappears and doesn’t travel too well into urban California. One of the reasons I enjoy Havill’s writing is the setting. I understand that after 24 books labeled under ‘The Posadas County’ heading, that it may be tough to continue to find interesting plot lines. But the book’s cover is labeled ‘A Posadas County Mystery’. I hope one of my favorite authors isn’t on a 'gather more readers hunt' like John Sandford who took Davenport out of Minnesota to the detriment of my reading enjoyment. If Havill wants to write about other areas of the country for whatever reason, please do not label the book as ‘Posadas County’. Or develop a new protagonist that lives elsewhere and label the book accordingly. Just a short note on the ergonomic feel of the paperback I read – great – soft, malleable, and easy to hold. There is something about a paperback in the hand that adds to my reading enjoyment. Thank you, Steven Havill, for your continued writing. You make the world a more enjoyable place by giving us the stories you create.

[Denise Oberlies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, in its own way

But some concerns... Example:
"He’s a good cop, Tasha. Some folks thought he was a little hard-nosed for a small town.” She shrugged. “He’s mellowed some.” (The author appears to believe that law should be easier, gentler on small town bullies/criminals, not the same treatment for all Americans???)

"The poster was a spoof of the famous line from the film The Sixth Sense, in which the boy complains that he sees dead people in his visions." ( In his visions?? He just saw dead people, he didn't have visions...)

"And I’ve got some questions for Stan Wilke, too. Was the truck locked? Was it hot-wired, or did he make the mistake of leaving the keys in it?” (So confusing, police conversation, they have the truck, they should have all these answers themselves)

Very tired of the authors habit of shortening words, pretending perhaps he's creating new abbreviations. As well as adding items/tools/things with the expectation that readers will k ow what it is and how it works. (intero rooms)

“Yes, but am I under arrest now? When do I call an attorney if I think I need one?” “You can call whenever you want, Barry. But let’s not jump ahead. I’m hoping you’ll see your way clear to cooperate…to talk with us without any of that other rigamarole.” (What's the point of Miranda if their going to 'gently bully' folk into NOT being protected? - this is true in many books)

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series and characters are back with a fascinating mystery for Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman to solve…in California. Estelle receives word that her son Carlos and his fiancée have been struck, twice, by the same truck while riding their tandem bike. Arrangements are made for she and her surgeon husband Francis, to fly there immediately. This obviously was not an accident and although she tries to stay out of the investigation, this is her son. She has a unique talent to be able to see what isn’t always visible as she assists the detectives as a consultant. She is able to work with Captain Eddie Mitchell, a former Posada officer who understands the experience and perspective that she brings to a case. When she finds a connection to the man who borrowed the truck and his murder, she knows that she is on to something. An amazing and well thought out police procedural as the author takes the reader through the investigation step by step. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Ron Chicaferro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this Steven Havill series since the beginning, so yes, I really like the book - I've liked all of the Posadas County Mysteries. Although I really liked this book, I must admit that I was a little disappointed in how the book finished. Undersheriff, Estelle Guzman, finds herself in Northern California's East Bay dealing with a traffic accident that has disabled her youngest son and his girlfriend. Luckily for Estelle the head of the local police force is someone who once worked for Estelle in Posadas County. Estelle is torn, of course, between staying with her son in the hospital and her cop instincts of investigating and catching the man who ran her son and girlfriend down. She has to work as a consultant to the local police - a role she is not at ease with, but she handles it well. The injuries to her son are serious but Estelle's husband, doctor Guzman is taking the load on that issue. Helping with the investigation and dealing with her son's injuries has Estelle going in different directions. It's a well written book - one you will enjoy!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Accident is book #25 in the Posadas County Mystery series by Steven F Havill. I assume many of the books take place in New Mexico. However, this book takes place in California. The characters are great - Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, her physician husband, two sons and their partners. I really enjoyed the interactions between the family and the other characters. The plot is interesting and it’s a great police procedural.

It isn’t a particularly long book (less than 300 pages) but it still started to drag a bit. Unlike many books that deal with evidence and puzzling it all out, this book didn’t constantly repeat the evidence and what it could mean. I really appreciate that. But, it did seem to end a little abruptly and that caught me off guard. It’s probably a fairly realistic presentation of how police work progresses and ends. But, it wasn’t what I expected. All in all, I enjoyed the introduction to this mystery series and I plan to fall back and read the earlier books. NetGalley provided an an advance reader copy

[Anonymouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I haven't come across the Posadas County Mysteries till now and that's too bad for me. For those of you who have been reading these all along, do read this one.

For us newbies, Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman and her family are turned upside-down by the near fatal injury of younger son Carlos and his fiancée Tasha who are run down while bike riding near their home in California. The family rushes to Carlos's bedside. Estelle helps the police investigate.

All very nicely done except, I am sorry to say, I don't find the solution to the mystery at all likely. That is, I don't think that anyone would have done what was done for the reasons given. Read the book and see if you agree.

I received a review copy of "No Accident: Posadas County Mysteries 25" by Steven F. Havill from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley.com.

NB This is book 25, not 15 as Goodreads lists it at this writing.

[Gary George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help noticing that a number of readers disliked this installment of the Posadas County Mystery series because the majority of the action takes place in Northern California instead of the bootheel of New Mexico. I do not share that opinion. While I love the desert southwest, and the entire southern half of New Mexico in particular, I found the change in venue refreshing. The main character, Estelle Reyes-Guzman, is interesting no matter where she is. She is a skilled investigator who discovers nuance in crime scenes others have already examined and concluded, "nothing to see here." This makes her one of my favorite kinds of law enforcement officers: those who work through ratiocination instead of beating people about the head and shoulders. Besides, I'm sure Mr. Havill, one of my favorite authors, will return us to Posadas County in the next tale. In the meantime, enjoy the relocation!

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story has an interesting storyline, that makes you want to read more, and lot of misdirections to keep you guessing.
But the conclusion seemed to be, well, forced. It almost seemed the author got tired of writing and used the easiest out he could?
I’ve read all the Posadas County Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed them. This definitely is the weakest book in the series.
This book also made begin to realize how “stretched” the character are, Estelle - a very beautiful woman, Francis - one of the most handsome, talented surgeons ever, Francisco - so handsome he catches everyone’s eye and one of the greatest pianists in the world, - his wife, so beautiful every man stops to look at her and a she’s a world class cellist, Carlos - again handsome, quickly on his way to becoming a world class architect, and his wife - again so beautiful she turns all men’s eyes, and now is becoming great in the world of graphic arts. I guess maybe their dog is common?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I missed this series but better late than never. I'm already for a catch up binge. Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is a well written character in a very well plotted mystery. When she gets the call that every parent dreads she wastes no time in getting to California to be with her son. He and his financee were struck, twice, while riding their tandem bike. That's no accident and, later, things get even more complicated when an employee of the bike shop is found shot to death. The cases are connected but how? Estelle is out of her jurisdiction but that won't stop her from investigating.
The pace, the mystery, the location and especially the well drawn characters made this a great read. My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a very fine writer. However, it seems that every few years he runs out of ideas and yields to a perverse impulse to harm one of his characters. The plot takes Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman out of her territory to California where her son Carlos has been attacked on his tandem. Although Estelle’s persistence is key to solving the case, the plot is quite frustrating due to jurisdictional restraints and I found the resolution quite unsatisfying. The story includes a lovely description of the dynamics between the tandem duo team. However, as a long-time tandem rider in the Bay Area, I was distracted by the image of Carlos and his girlfriend taking their new tandem out for a ride on the road at night! Statistically speaking, not so smart. My least favorite in a series that I like very much.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time that I read this author and sadly I forgot to do a review on this book and it is way overdue I do remember reading it and being drawn in by the subject matter as a parent first as the main character Estelle is an undersheriff and receives a call that her son has been in an accident. She goes to the place and talks to the local sheriff about what happened and is allowed to just observe. Yet when more things start to happen she knows these things just don’t happen there is a reason. She begins to investigate and finds the true cause of everything which brings us back to the title No Accident. A very good story from start to finish with good characters as well. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#15 in the Posadas County Mystery series. This 2022 series entry by author Steven F. Havill is an engrossing page-turner. Posadas County, NM under-sheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is called when her son Carlos and his fiancée, Tasha, are the victims of a hit and run driver in Briones, CA. She, and her husband flu to his side, where she discovers that the accident was attempted homicide - the truck driver backed up and struck Carlos a second time. The investigation is being handled by Captain Eddie Mitchell, formerly a patrol sergeant in Posadas. He is willing to allow Estelle to "consult" to a point. Estelle is determined to take advantage of the allowance and find her son's attacker.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read Steven F Havill's Posados County or Bill Gastner mysteries, I cannot but feel sorry for you. The 25 books in this series are all excellent. You can read any of them as stand alones, but if you start at the beginning, you will still be hooked by #25. Written in the same vein as the Longmire books, Havill has given us the world as it is in Posados County, New Mexico. Just this side of the wall between the US and Mexico. The characters are so well written, you'll laugh with them, cry with them and hold your breath when the gun fire starts. A new Havill book is like a birthday present to me and I'm always sad when it ends. So, until the next one........

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of this series- and new readers as well because it will be fine as a standalone- will find themselves rooting for Posada County Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman as she untangles the mystery of who tried to kill her son Carlos and his girlfriend Tasha. Most of the novel is set in Briones, California, where Carlos and Tasha live not in Posada County (rats). What was going on at the bike shop that led to the attempted murder? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a quick and entertaining read with a nice touch of humor.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I relate to Estelle as a mother of grown sons. I love how this series as well as the preceding Bill Gastner series, follows the growth and aging of the characters.
This book wasn't my favorite because of the many red herrings.The very boring conclusion seemed abrupt and unlikely. I'm hoping that there may be more to this story in the next book.
I missed the setting of Posadas, and being so far removed from "Padrino," Bill Gastner himself.
Despite all that, it is nice to spend some time with the Guzman family, "sin duda."

[Terri Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read in a lot of ways. I think partly because I get so invested in the characters in a series-so it was hard to watch as Under Sherriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman gets the call from her oldest son Francisco that her youngest son Carlos has been in an accident. Estelle leaves for California as it is unclear the extent of Carlos injuries. While in Briones, CA. with her husband-Dr. Francis Guzman, it turns out a former Posadas, NM colleague-Eddie Mitchell-is the Captain in charge of what turns out to be a complicated investigation-as Carlos biking accident-was No Accident.

[Liz Grabber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series by Steven F Havill. I’m attached to the characters; Estelle, Bill, and the gang. This particular book spends some time in California, more than it does Posadas County, and it’s still a great story. Gives us a chance to see Estelle shine a bit when put together with city officers. I hope to see a few of these officers show up in future books. Havill does a great job describing family dynamics during a particularly tough period; we know quite a bit about the Guzman family, so it’s like experiencing this event along with them.- Looking forward to reading the next installment!

[Janet Freitag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

Have read all 25 books in the series. Enjoy the characters as they change with life. This novel began with a horrible accident setting up the plot of the story. Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman travels to California to care for her youngest son and to find out why her son appears to have been targeted. Another well thought out mystery in this series, but found the ending a bit disappointing.

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another remarkable book by Havill in the Posadas County series.

Undersheriff Guzman is in California in a case concerning her son Carlos, who has been in an accident/murder attempt on his bike. There are some interesting characters on the police departments in the town where it occurred. The author made certain that the reader was on his/her toes, with many twists and turns. very enjoyable.

[MAB LongBeach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series leaves Posados County when Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman and his fiancee are badly injured in an accident that's no accident. She and her husband fly out to California, where a former subordinate is in charge of the case and invites Estelle to consult.

Interesting, but not a major entry in the series.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Eydie sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this series in the beginning of it and somehow just stopped at some point. I think I stopped reading the series because the main character switched from Bill Gastner to Estelle Guzman. But I decided to give this one a go and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it and will definitely read the next one.

[Mildmannered1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wrap-up was unexpected. I suspected the wrong person and was afraid he would harm Estelle for her expertise.
Good detecting.
Not 5 stars b/c Estelle's family is too good to be true. Sheriff Bobby's screw-up family is more palatable.