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Larry Macklin Mysteries #17
Valentine's Warning
When a string of poison-pen emails causes havoc in Adams County , criminal investigator Larry Macklin is just glad it’s not his case—he’s more worried about whether he’s making a mistake applying for an open sergeant’s position. But the emails quickly become his problem when one of them leads to murder… and points to another investigator as the suspect!
Larry is soon caught in a web of suspicion, innuendo and unconnected threats that could destroy relationships… and lives.
Larry is soon caught in a web of suspicion, innuendo and unconnected threats that could destroy relationships… and lives.
- GenresMystery
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2021
246 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Howe
40 books161 followersA. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 25, 2023
I LOVE THIS SERIES, BUT I ALWAYS DO. ;D
August 20, 2025
I’ve read all 17 books in this series and have enjoyed all of them. The author weaves several stories into these books - at times it makes the reader wonder “what’s the significance of this part to the storyline” until the author pulls all the stories together at the end. Keeps the reader guessing. The author’s humor, as showcased through the voice of Larry Macklin, is great fun!
I like all the characters but have disliked Cara from book one. And she’s gotten worse as the series progresses. She is always nagging Larry about something, usually involving his job. He texts to tell her he has to go out (for the job) and her response is “if you must”!! She acts as if he’s going out with his buddies to booze it up at a strip club!!! This is consistent with this character! Now I just skip over any pages that include that woman!
I like all the characters but have disliked Cara from book one. And she’s gotten worse as the series progresses. She is always nagging Larry about something, usually involving his job. He texts to tell her he has to go out (for the job) and her response is “if you must”!! She acts as if he’s going out with his buddies to booze it up at a strip club!!! This is consistent with this character! Now I just skip over any pages that include that woman!
February 3, 2022
I thought this was one of the better books in the Larry Macklin series. It was an easy read that kept you guessing “who dunit” with any number of possible protagonists. In the end, it’s someone you wouldn’t expect, basically because he was never a suspect.
The only fault I found in the book was the way that the “villain” was taken down. It’s not unthinkable but it was poorly written and basically unexplained. More details would have made it easier to understand. Five stars IF the takedown would have been explained better. It was the only part of the book that required some higher level of thought but apparently Mr. Howe did not have it or he expects people to suspend their disbelief and just accept the lack of facts.
The only fault I found in the book was the way that the “villain” was taken down. It’s not unthinkable but it was poorly written and basically unexplained. More details would have made it easier to understand. Five stars IF the takedown would have been explained better. It was the only part of the book that required some higher level of thought but apparently Mr. Howe did not have it or he expects people to suspend their disbelief and just accept the lack of facts.
May 9, 2023
It has been a couple of months since I have read a Larry Macklin book. Was happy to reconnect with this series.
I enjoy the story and the characters. Love when Mausser, the huge dog, gets involved and having officated at a number of weddings, dogs at the ceremny is more common then one would imagine. Nice touch.
Interesting how multiple stories connect, even if the ending was a bit hard to believe and even understand. But, all in all, enjoyable.
I enjoy the story and the characters. Love when Mausser, the huge dog, gets involved and having officated at a number of weddings, dogs at the ceremny is more common then one would imagine. Nice touch.
Interesting how multiple stories connect, even if the ending was a bit hard to believe and even understand. But, all in all, enjoyable.
November 9, 2021
Really different Scenario
Some plots always boil down to a few things. This one gets tangled in several different stories but comes back to one day. So many players with their own secrets hide what someone else feels. It makes for a wide spread list of suspects. characters are great with good sub plots.
Some plots always boil down to a few things. This one gets tangled in several different stories but comes back to one day. So many players with their own secrets hide what someone else feels. It makes for a wide spread list of suspects. characters are great with good sub plots.
November 14, 2021
Unraveling the Puzzle pieces of the Email Murders
I love the characters in the Larry Macklin Mystery Series. The Valentine’s Warning did not disappoint. I loved how they were able to connect the dots and identify the murder. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
I love the characters in the Larry Macklin Mystery Series. The Valentine’s Warning did not disappoint. I loved how they were able to connect the dots and identify the murder. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
November 18, 2021
Absolutely stupid ending!
The above says it all but because "20 words are required" let me add that the Mauser thing is wearing thin and just how does the writer think the Sheriff would have acted if it had been his new wife that had been abducted. His reaction was as stupid as the ending.
The above says it all but because "20 words are required" let me add that the Mauser thing is wearing thin and just how does the writer think the Sheriff would have acted if it had been his new wife that had been abducted. His reaction was as stupid as the ending.
November 22, 2021
Another good read in the Macklin series. I've read all of the series and all are equally good. As always with "series books", I suggest that readers start at the beginning and move through the books in order. The cast of players is developed and as they all move forward the reader gets a much better understanding of where they came from and how they think and react.
February 13, 2022
A Great Series
I have read all the books in the series and have enjoyed every one of the books. When I started reading this series, I noticed that Mr Howe's writing style was smooth and easy to follow. He writes a good mystery with action, romance, and some humor. Mauser being my favorite. I am looking forward to the next book.
I have read all the books in the series and have enjoyed every one of the books. When I started reading this series, I noticed that Mr Howe's writing style was smooth and easy to follow. He writes a good mystery with action, romance, and some humor. Mauser being my favorite. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 30, 2022
I just love this series!
It was actually a good change to see him more methodical consistent growth to the evidence so that you never quite knew which direction it was going to take, yet there wasn't the violence that sometimes happens in many of Macklin's books. All the characters are so believable and awesome!
It was actually a good change to see him more methodical consistent growth to the evidence so that you never quite knew which direction it was going to take, yet there wasn't the violence that sometimes happens in many of Macklin's books. All the characters are so believable and awesome!
November 13, 2021
Love A.E. Howe’s Larry Mackinac Books!
Always filled with suspense, camaraderie and humor! This one kinda’ leaves you hangin’ though, wondering what punishment the Sheriff has in store!
Always filled with suspense, camaraderie and humor! This one kinda’ leaves you hangin’ though, wondering what punishment the Sheriff has in store!
November 26, 2021
Great series
Great series. Each book can be read alone, but reading all of the series allows you to become involved with the characters. The characters are excellent. Enjoy yourself. Not to much descriptive sex or violence.
Great series. Each book can be read alone, but reading all of the series allows you to become involved with the characters. The characters are excellent. Enjoy yourself. Not to much descriptive sex or violence.
December 3, 2021
Always Entertaining
I love this series, because I call it good clean murder mysteries and suspense. No language I have to Dodge around, plots that are designed to bring out the personalities the characters. Honda recommends whole series
I love this series, because I call it good clean murder mysteries and suspense. No language I have to Dodge around, plots that are designed to bring out the personalities the characters. Honda recommends whole series
December 20, 2021
I really enjoy this series and the characters. This plot was ok, but the book ended much too quickly. There were many loose ends that were not explained or tied up. I should not need to wait for the next book in the series to get the answers.
December 23, 2021
Good story on life today
One of the best in the series. I want the next book soon to see if they keep their jobs and see what new adventures and personal stories are developed. I'm really pleased with way that is inserted in the story Best book I've read in while
One of the best in the series. I want the next book soon to see if they keep their jobs and see what new adventures and personal stories are developed. I'm really pleased with way that is inserted in the story Best book I've read in while
February 6, 2022
Read them all!!
Actually i read them one after the other. Very entertaining and held your interest. The characters are well developed and believable. The plots are well developed
But not repetitive. Recommend to who who enjoy mystery and suspense.
Actually i read them one after the other. Very entertaining and held your interest. The characters are well developed and believable. The plots are well developed
But not repetitive. Recommend to who who enjoy mystery and suspense.
May 1, 2022
What a nail-biter!
Poison pen e-mails are circulating around town, with accusations ranging from caustic, baseless gossip to true revelations of misdeeds and moral failings - to threats of retribution. Once homicides begin, all bets are off.
Poison pen e-mails are circulating around town, with accusations ranging from caustic, baseless gossip to true revelations of misdeeds and moral failings - to threats of retribution. Once homicides begin, all bets are off.
July 3, 2022
Always entertaining, exciting
I love the Larry Macklin mysteries. I get drawn into the story to a point I can't find a point to take a break.
This writer is so gifted in his writing, you feel you are witnessing the story in real time. I have never been disappointed
I love the Larry Macklin mysteries. I get drawn into the story to a point I can't find a point to take a break.
This writer is so gifted in his writing, you feel you are witnessing the story in real time. I have never been disappointed
May 7, 2025
17 was good
It was a good read but found it to be lacking. It was drawn out. I really didn’t know who the bad guy was until the end. That works for me. It did get me thinking it through. On to 18
It was a good read but found it to be lacking. It was drawn out. I really didn’t know who the bad guy was until the end. That works for me. It did get me thinking it through. On to 18
November 10, 2021
Larry Macklin
I absolutely love this series! The characters are great and the stories are riveting! You never know who the bad guy is until Mr. Howe reveals it. Excellent!
I absolutely love this series! The characters are great and the stories are riveting! You never know who the bad guy is until Mr. Howe reveals it. Excellent!
November 10, 2021
Surprising
I like the mystery of who was sending the emails and who it turned out to be. The twist and turns made it more exciting. Great book and author.
I like the mystery of who was sending the emails and who it turned out to be. The twist and turns made it more exciting. Great book and author.
November 11, 2021
Love the series, love the north Florida location. Can't wait for next book in series
November 12, 2021
Good series
Very readable and believable ; I've read all of this series and enjoyed all. I was a little perturbed when the author referred to a 58 year old as an old man!
Very readable and believable ; I've read all of this series and enjoyed all. I was a little perturbed when the author referred to a 58 year old as an old man!
November 12, 2021
Another really great book in the series, can't wait for the next one...
Read
November 20, 2021Great series!
I love the characters and story lines in the entire series. Larry is great and I can't wait for Pete to lose the weight and become a more agile cop.
I love the characters and story lines in the entire series. Larry is great and I can't wait for Pete to lose the weight and become a more agile cop.
November 24, 2021
No
Not as good as most. i thinking will take a rest for awhile from His books, I think they are getting boring.
Not as good as most. i thinking will take a rest for awhile from His books, I think they are getting boring.
December 9, 2021
Another enjoyable Larry Macklin.
I always enjoy reading these crime novels. They are fast paced, and I like that I don't figure out "who done it."
I always enjoy reading these crime novels. They are fast paced, and I like that I don't figure out "who done it."
December 10, 2021
Love the series
I always make sure I order the next book ahead of time so I don't miss one. Great series and interesting characters.
I always make sure I order the next book ahead of time so I don't miss one. Great series and interesting characters.
December 11, 2021
Good storyline. Ending was abrupt for ne
January 4, 2022
Macklin never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews