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Hit and Run

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A case thirty-five years cold. No witnesses, suspects or leads. Two detectives who won’t let go.



Based on a true, unsolved crime.

My name’s Harry Starke. I’m an ex-cop turned private investigator.

It was a rainy Monday morning in June 2012 when Peter Sheffield walked into my office and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Two weeks in sunny Florida all expenses paid. The catch was I had to solve a thirty-five year old cold case.

Sheffield’s parents were killed in a particularly nasty hit and run accident. The driver and the pickup truck that hit them were never found.

An accident? That was the original finding, but was it? Sheffield was convinced otherwise. Me? I had an open mind and made no promises.

So, Kate and I headed south in search of sun, sea, sand and… a killer.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2021

70 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Blair Howard

289 books344 followers
Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
9 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2021
Was It An Accident?

A 35 year old cold case. A hit and run. Was it an accident or was it murder? No clues. No leads. Harry isn’t so sure he’ll solve this one. But with help from his friend Kate he does. There are always a lot of twists and turns in the Harry Starke series and you think you’ve solved it but no. I just look forward to a surprise ending. I am enjoying the Genesis series. Finding out about Harry’s life and what has made him who he is

I received an ARC copy for review. I very much enjoyed it and look forward to the next episode
200 reviews
December 5, 2021
I often don't enjoy "cold case" mysteries so it was with some trepidation that I started this book. I'm very happy that I did.
I really liked Harry and Kate as a couple as well as the way they work together. The author's writing style is very easy to read. I did get a little lost a couple of times with all the names in the book but it was worth the effort. Lots of action and drama to keep me interested along the way.
This is the first book I have read from Blair Howard and I look forward to catching up on those I have missed.
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,923 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2021
Once again this author has hit it out of the park. This book is a great addition to the series. Well written with a mystery that is complex and multidimensional. Protagonists and antagonists both old and new draw the reader in making it hard to put this book down.

Harry sets out to solve a thirty-five year old cold case in another state with Kate by his side.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
56 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2021
Harry Starke had just solved the double murder of two high school seniors. What made that case different than other cases that Harry Starke Investigations took on was that the murders happen 14 years earlier. After multiple dead ends Harry and his team were able to solve the case and bring closure to the families of the two dead student.
Two months later a gentleman walks into Harry Starke Investigations office and request to see Harry. Harry’s PA Jacque informs Harry he should talk to this gentleman. When Peter Sheffield ask Harry if he takes on cold cases Harry replies that at times his firm does take on some cold cases. What makes this case a little different is that it involves a hit and run case from 35 years ago, in Florida.
After hearing the incidents of the triple deaths, Harry decides that he would take the case, hoping to get some “vacation” time while in Florida. Instead of taking part of his team with him Harry ask his girlfriend, Kate, if she would like to take some vacation time and go to Florida to help him out. Kate decides that yes she would like that and makes plans to show up a few days after Harry gets to Florida since she had to clean up a few loose ends with her job with the Chattanooga Police Department. By the time Kate arrives in Florida Harry has already made some progress with the case, if nothing else but to discover the dead ends of the case.
The story takes numerous twist and turns, making the reader trying to figure out if this will be one of the cases that does not get solved. It is a very enjoyable read, giving the reader a better understanding of the relationship between Harry and Kate. If you have enjoyed any of the Harry Starke books you will enjoy Hit and Run as well.
1,260 reviews
October 29, 2021
Another great "Who done it" from Blair Howard, it is lovely to peek back into Harry's early days as a PI with Kate very much still in the picture.
When Peter Sheffield walked into Harry's office it was to be the start of a very eventful few weeks. Peter's parents and two of their friends had been plowed down whilst on a bike ride thirty five years ago, he was certain that it wasn't an accident but strangely no one saw or heard anything.......Peter needed answers .
As cold cases go this one was cold cold but who would turn down an all expenses paid few weeks in sunny Florida ? and besides, Harry liked a challenge.
Harrys partner when he had been in the Chattanooga PD was stunning Kate Gazarra, Kate was still with the department and she and Harry were still a couple. Harry persuaded Kate to take some leave and join him in the sunshine.
As with most of Blair Howard's books the suspects are many and the clues appear and disappear down bling alleys, this story is convoluted, it has more twists than a corkscrew.
When attempts are made on Harry's life he is delighted, he then knew that he had rattled a few cages and he began to dig even harder.
This story is full of suspense, there are so many suspects and so few clues, if ti couldn't be solved thirty five years ago when everything was fresh what could Kate and Harry do differently ?
The chemistry between Harry and Kate is palpable, their romance adds a little lightheartedness to this great story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
3,979 reviews14 followers
November 1, 2021
( Format : ebook )
"A fabulous taste in swimwear."
Thirty five years before Peter Sheffield employed Harry Starke, PI, three peop!e, including both of his parents, had been killed in a hit and run when out cycling. Another woman.was a!so severely injured. The deaths changed the political profile of the area, but no one was ever found responsible. With his own death imminent, Sheffield hoped that Harry would finally be able to discover his father's killer. It seemed unlikely that he would be ab!e to solve a crime already well investigated so long after it had happened, but Harry liked the man and agreed to look into it at the same time treating the three weeks he'd allocated as a holiday in the sun with Kate Gazzara, his girlfriend and former police partner. It was a rather eventful time in St.Emillion.

As well as being an eventful and entertaining storyline the characters are well developed and simply jump off the page at the reader, especially Harry, who is tel!ing the story from his point of view. Well written with sometimes amusing dialogue, this is an easy read despite the numerous protagonists, many of them already dead.
A definite recommendation for all who enjoy who-dun-it? thrillers.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
226 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2021
Intriguing and a truly suspenseful story.
Another great Harry Starke story this one being the 7th book in the series.
This one Harry is persuaded by Peter Sheffield to take on a cold case which dates back to 1977 when four people are mowed down by a hit and run truck driver with three being killed with one survivor. Two who died being his father Wade and his mother. With no clues as to who murdered them and with Peter having a short time to live, his dying wish would be to resolve who carried out the murders, find out why and see justice done.
Set in a town called St. Emilion in Florida both Harry and Kate feel like this could be part vacation part case for them both and being the time it happened had warned Peter it could still be a dead case.
Later LT Kate Gazzara joins Harry and soon after staring asking questions they soon find out someone is still alive and wanting to stop them investigating the case any further. Slowly but surely between them they slowly untangle lies from the truths and they soon find out you have to dig deeper on old cases.

An intriguing and a surprisingly good read also definitely addictive.
Nothing strenuous and just an easy page turning read.
372 reviews
November 11, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

A thirty-five-year-old case of triple homicide becomes Harry Starke’s newest investigation. Four people out on a bicycle ride are mowed down. Three die, one survives. The son of two of the dead asks Harry’s help in solving the mystery of who killed his mother and father, and why. He wants to put his questions to rest.

Harry takes on the quest with strong misgivings of his ability to solve it. But, once Harry takes a job, he does all he can to solve it. So, with his ex-partner, Kate, he heads to Florida where the crime was committed. Hoping to enjoy Florida while there, Harry takes a couple of days resting. Sort of. Does Harry ever rest?

As Harry and Kate start their research into the mystery, things get sticky. The stickier they get, the more determined Harry gets. And then the threats begin. Now, we all know that Harry doesn’t take threats well.

This is another one of Blair Howard’s exciting, action filled adventures. If you love Harry Starke mysteries, you will love this one. Grab the book, get your cup of coffee, and settle in for another great tale by one of the best mystery writers.
239 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2021
An intriguing rekindling of a cold case…

After my first introduction to Harry Starke and his investigative style of solving mysteries, I never seem to get enough. I love the thoughtfulness that is brought to bear in figuring out who the guilty party is with each crime. For Harry, it is most often a slow process that requires multiple steps that keeps me glued to each page. Yes, there are always unexpected twists and turns as well that make these stories interesting, indeed. Harry’s character and the members of his team are all worth getting to know – each adds a unique personality and skill-set. Blair Howard has a knack for drawing you into the story and keeping you guessing as to the outcome.

Harry Starke apparently enjoys a good challenge and in this case was not deterred by a cold case of 35 years. He doesn’t promise what he may not be able to deliver but certainly offers his best efforts of which he is well known. The added bonus of spending time in Florida, on the beach and with his girlfriend, aka police detective gives Harry extra incentive while providing the reader with more personal insight as to his true nature and relationships. I definitely recommend this and other books in the series…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.

44 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2021
The Case My be Cold But Harrys Hot on Itys Trail!
The case was cold, 35 years cold. Who else but Harry Starke could solve it. Through the twists and turns you’ll never guess who did it. Just when you think you’ve figured it out you find you’re way off base. But Harry is tenacious and he wont give up, its just not in his nature. With so much going on and fully developed characters you’ll be challenged to read it in one sitting because you just can’t put the book down, It’s. Like a magnet drawing you to it, it pulls you in and until you get to the end you want to keep going, to find the answers when there seems to be nothing to go on. Harry and his sometimes partner Kate will solve the mystery but its a wild ride to the end! Blair Howard has done it again! With each new book in the series the tales get riskier, harder to solve, and more mysterious. Blair pulls his readers in and keeps them begging for more. His readers pick up a new book and can’t put it down till they’ve finished the book then they can’t wait for the next one t be released. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good crime/thriller novel!
364 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2021
In this episode, Harry and his part-time partner, Lt. Kate Gazzara, were asked to investigate a 35-year-old cold case, a hit and run murder of their client’s parents in a small beach town in northern Florida. Hoping to attract people who could provide information, Harry decided to advertise his quest in the local newspaper, meaning he’d get a lot of crank calls, but he hoped that it would attract the perpetrator(s), if they were still living in the area, and would perhaps show themselves. When some of the people who had been interviewed were subsequently murdered, they knew the murderer was close at hand. However, that also put them in the murderer’s crosshairs.

This story was an easy read, with strong characters, vivid descriptions and constant danger; it pulled me in and kept me following each twist and turn, so that I wound up finishing it in one sitting. I have thoroughly enjoyed several of Mr. Howard’s books and look forward to eventually reading all of his works. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,880 reviews71 followers
December 1, 2021
Hit and Run - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

In an unusual twist, Harry Starke reminisces about a former case in Blair Howard's excellent crime-thriller, Hit and Run.
Why would someone want a small group of cyclists killed by vehicular homicide?
That's the question posed in the prologue.

Thirty-five years later Peter Sheffield hires Harry Stark, PI, to investigate what he's convinced was the deliberate, politically-motivated, murder of his parents and a friend, in St. Emilion, Florida.
Harry visits the crime scene and posts a newspaper ad for info on the case, (with a big financial incentive), while Jacque gets their associate Tim to look into the background of the two main suspects...what will be revealed?
Having invited (his then), CPD girlfriend Lieutenant Kate Gazzara to enjoy a seaside break, will the duo enjoy any relaxation time together, or will Harry wonder if he's lured her into danger, as the body-count starts to rise?
Get your copy of Hit and Run by Blair Howard, to learn all the answers to Harry's 1977 case yearbook's questions!
85 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2021
The story starts with four people being ran down while riding bicycles killing three of them. 35 years later the son of one of the victims turns to Harry Starke. He is dying and wants closure for the murder of his father. Harry agrees to take the case knowing that after all this time a lot of the people involved are dead. He is able to get Kate to join him in Florida to see if they can solve the case. Kate is happy to take some time off and have some beach time with Harry while working on the case. Before Kate even arrives Harry gets a death threat. Shortly after Kate arrives their hotel room is fire bombed.

This story will get your attention from the first page to the last. This is an exciting story that keeps you guessing till the end. If you have never read a Blair Howard mystery this is a great place to start. After reading this you are going to want to read all the others. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
174 reviews9 followers
March 6, 2022
It had been awhile since I had read a book in this series, yet as I was reading Hit and Run, I was reminded that I really enjoy the books written by Blair Howard, and that a reader can get involved with this book without reading all the previous books about Harry Starke. I appreciate the way both the plot and character introduction proceeds while never giving away too much information. The author creates a path sending the reader down the same trail as the detective and his "partner." While identifying the killer and the motive for the 35 year-old murder is critical to the story, an additional plus for the reader is determining whether or not the author provides enough clues along the way for you to come to the same conclusions. I also enjoyed the fact that the focus in the book is on solving the crime and not the gory details. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews18 followers
November 4, 2021
This is another step back in time for Harry Starke and, his then lady, Kate Gazarra. In 2012 a potential client comes to see Harry. He tells him that 35 years earlier his parents and two of their friends were victims of a hit and run accident that led to the deaths of three of them. He did not believe this was an accident and thought it was a deliberate murder. He asked Harry to take on the case and explained it took place in Florida in a small community south of St. Augustine. Harry and Kate go down there to investigate, a three week commitment. Telling you about the investigation would lead to many spoilers. The plot is complex and much faster moving than one would suspect. This was an excellent way to spend a couple of afternoons. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
183 reviews3 followers
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November 7, 2021
An out of town case that rolls along well with plenty of intrigue mixed with some pleasant times between Harry & Kate who has taken time off from the Chattanooga Police Department for a brief holiday and to assist Harry with this 35 year old mysterious motor vehicle incident.
Introduced to Harry by Harry’s father August, Peter Sheffield from a small town in Florida lost his mother and father in a motor vehicle accident 35 years ago and would like to find the truth about that incident for peace of mind. Harry and Kate find many of the characters involved so long ago have passed on but there are a few contacts still around. When some of these contacts are killed after being contacted by Harry, the story becomes interesting. Even more so when Harry & Kate’s hotel room is firebombed. This makes for an excellent story line and an enjoyable read.
Moses.
Profile Image for BJayne.
151 reviews18 followers
November 8, 2021
This book is part of the Harry Starke: Genesis series. These books are flashbacks to when Harry was first starting out as a PI, and he and Lt. Kate Gazzarra were partners, of a sort. Harry is approached by a man who wants him to figure out who killed his parents and a family friend in a tragic hit-and-run accident 35 years before. But was it really an accident, or was it a well-planned execution? And why?

Follow Harry as he delves into the mystery of a small Florida town, where it seems everyone in power those many years ago was corrupt and possibly had something to gain from the death of those people. Who was responsible? And are they still alive? Seems like an impossible task until Harry starts stirring the pot. Then watch out - because more people are ending up murdered since Harry came to town.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2021
The Harry Starke Genesis series is kind of a flash back for avid Harry Starke fans. This fast paced tale starts in 2012 and takes Harry and "partner" Kate back 35 years to work on a cold case in Florida. As with all Harry Starke cases, things become even more convoluted and crazy than 1st suspected. The client wants Harry to solve the murder of his parents, which went down in the books as a Hit and Run, but it appears everyone knows it was no accident. As Harry and Kate delve into this case they find it is a lot more complicated and simple at the same time. As I've come to expect from author Blair Howard, this is a well written story with in depth characters and great descriptions, and a plot which is always fantastic.
7,766 reviews50 followers
October 28, 2021
Harry Starke as a PI saying he mostly deals with slugs and rats type cases
A refine gentleman comes, as a last result to look into a hit and run
Parents killed 35 years ago , a small town that used corrupt dealings.
Asking LT Kate if she’d like a vacation on a sunny beach in St.Emilion, Fl.
With his gut feeling, he could see a version of what happened.
Thinking it will take 2-3 weeks to get some answers
Kate taking a month, and hoping for some beach time also.
What was going on in the town, to take out two councilmen.
Knowing everything will have changed, witnesses of crime, none saw it.
The case with Harry and Kate was intriguing, good characterizes,
Good clean flowing plot to enjoy and reread. Well done.!
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Profile Image for John Mahan.
105 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2021
Can you imagine our workaholic friend Harry Starke taking a relaxing, enjoyable beach vacation in sunny Florida with Kate Gazzara? Well, if you understand what motivates Harry - it becomes believable. Hired by the man whose parents had died to sort out the facts regarding a 35 year old hit and run that had been written off by the authorities as an unsolvable accident, Harry and Kate take on the challenge. Blair Howard has put together another enjoyable tale allowing the reader to follow them through their investigation as they uncover various tidbits of information and identify the players who might have been involved so long ago. I recommend Hit and Run without hesitation - I believe you will find your time well spent.
47 reviews
November 15, 2021
Hit and Run (Harry Starke Genesis) has Harry Starke and girlfriend Lt. Kate Gazarra heading to sunny Florida to investigate a 35 year old hit and run that left 3 people dead to try to determine who was responsible. Since 35 years have passed some potential witnesses and suspects have long since died, forcing Harry and Kate to resort to old-school gumshoe investigation techniques. With minimal involvement from Harry’s investigative team back in Chattanooga, Harry and Kate hit the streets to shake the trees by interviewing key players that are still around. Will that cause people connected to the crime to come crawling out of the woodwork? Read this fast-paced page turner to find out. It’s an excellent read. Well done Blair!
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
424 reviews28 followers
November 21, 2021
It’s hard to consider solving a 35 year old cold case that happened in another state, in a city that you had never been to. It seems impossible, but Harry Starke has never looked at any case as impossible to solve. In this book, Harry and Kate travel to Florida to try to do just that, looking at this trip as a puzzle to solve, but also a mini vacation.
As usual, the author takes us for an adventure with constant action and surprising twists and turns that are characteristic traits for Blair Howard. Harry keeps moving forward, not letting any roadblock stop him from his goal of solving this case.
I highly recommend this book and all the other Harry Starke books in this series. Once you read one, you’ll want to read them all.
3 reviews
November 24, 2021
There are cold cases and then there are Harry Starke cold cases

Harry Starke is back with a case that is 35 years - a generation - old. For this one, Harry heads to Florida and brings his lady love Detective Kate Gazzara to try and solve a hit and run case that left three people dead, and a fourth critically wounded. Harry and Kate compile a list of suspects, but many of them lead to literal dead ends, as Time has taken its toll. Harry places an ad in the local newspaper, which results in three things: A death threat, a mysterious caller who has vital information, and new bodies that begin to drop shortly after Harry and Kate have interviewed them. The book will keep you turning pages to find out who is behind it all when you reach the end. You'll love this one!
Profile Image for Randi Robinson.
657 reviews15 followers
December 3, 2021
This book is part of the Harry Starke Genesis series involving cases from the early days of Harry's career when he and Kate were still together. This case finds them in Florida trying to solve a 35-year-old hit and run case that killed 3 people. Harry was hired by the son of one of the victims who wants to know who killed his parents before he himself died. As Kate noted this was not just a cold case, it was frozen. Many of the people involved had since dies. How in the world will Harry solve it? The book has good solid detective work and the usual mishaps and mayhem we see when Harry is involved. As with all Blair Howard's books, I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait for more. Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC copy.
474 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2021
In June 1977, 3 bicyclists are killed, and one was injured when a hit and run driver aims the truck directly into them on a deserted road. Harry Starke is hired to solve the 35-year-old cold case and along with his sometimes partner, Lt. Kate Gazarra, they accept the challenge and head to the scene of the crime. Every Blair Howard book I read is always spot on. The mystery is excellent, the dialogue is crisp, and the characters are well fleshed out. I am never disappointed when I sit down to read any of Howard’s brilliant books. Here is another excellent example of a fantastic book. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
227 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2021
The Harry Starke Genesis volumes are a series of books about Starke previous to the original Harry Starke series. This book is really well written with lots of quick action, a storyline that grabs the reader, and the type of thorough character development I have learned to expect from Blair Howard.
I don't repeat a storyline. To often that ruins it for readers. This is a very cleanly written, easy to read, attention grabbing, detective novel. Harry goes through the steps necessary to solve a very old, cold case. I recommend the book to most readers if mystery, drama, and "police" procedurals. You will love this book! I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this novel.
460 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2021
A Riveting, Compelling Whodunit Thriller!

Harry and Kate. What a great pair of crime fighters! Harry is contracted to find who murdered three people thirty five years ago. The police and sheriff chiefs at the time couldn't get a handle on who was behind the deaths nor a motive. There was also the fact that many of the original suspects had died of disease or age. While there was beautiful weather in sunny Florida, Kate and Harry didn't get much sun and surf time. It was pretty much business. So, how do you break the case? Lots and lots of legwork and research. No spoilers here. For the answers you gotta read the book!
18 reviews
December 6, 2021
Another fabulous adventure with Harry and Kate. Supposedly on holiday in Florida, but it was never going to be a relaxing time on the beach with a decades old case to solve. Danger followed their every move despite many of the key witnesses being long since dead. Such a joy to be back in the days when Harry and Kate were partners in more ways than one! Page turning excitement that will keep you guessing to the end, and like all Blair’s books, if this is your first meeting with Harry and Kate, you will still enjoy this as a stand alone story, but you have the added joy of many more books being available for you to binge on. Fabulous
1,746 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2021
The latest story from Blair Howard is one that you want to put down once you started. In this story Harry is hired to find answers for a cold case 35 years ago in Florida that was never solved. The only information that Harry has to go on is what he learned from Peter, who is the son of two of the people that were murdered. Harry agrees to take the case and requests assistance from Kate.

To find out what other clues Harry and Kate discovered and whether Harry completed the task, then read the book, you won't be disappointed.

I received an ARC for an Honest review.
Profile Image for Pamela Long.
131 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2021
Harry Starke takes on a cold case that is 35 years old. Will it be an impossible case to solve? Harry and Kate head to Florida to try to solve the case while enjoying the sunny beach down there. Of course, Harry stirs up trouble which comes back at him and Kate. Will they live long enough to solve this cold case? Besides good detective work there are shootings, fires and bombings all thrown into the mix. Interesting story that shows how detectives work a case, even a cold case. Definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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