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Rachel Ryder #4
Countdown
When a prominent surgeon and his wife are found dead in small-town Georgia, Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop are first on the scene. But while the detectives have solved many tough cases in the past, they’ve never seen anything like this one.
Because the dead woman lying at the surgeon’s side isn’t actually his wife—it’s her twin sister.
And now both the wife and her son are nowhere to be found.
As Rachel and Rob dig deeper into the case, they’re confronted with a series of dead ends and complications that threaten to derail the entire investigation. With the same face, the same DNA, and the same ambitions in life, the two women are nearly impossible to distinguish—and every clue comes with a sinister mirror image.
With the clock ticking on the missing boy and his mother, Rachel and Rob will chase every lead until they crack the case—if they can untangle the web of dark family secrets, double lives, and deadly betrayals…
Because the dead woman lying at the surgeon’s side isn’t actually his wife—it’s her twin sister.
And now both the wife and her son are nowhere to be found.
As Rachel and Rob dig deeper into the case, they’re confronted with a series of dead ends and complications that threaten to derail the entire investigation. With the same face, the same DNA, and the same ambitions in life, the two women are nearly impossible to distinguish—and every clue comes with a sinister mirror image.
With the clock ticking on the missing boy and his mother, Rachel and Rob will chase every lead until they crack the case—if they can untangle the web of dark family secrets, double lives, and deadly betrayals…
- GenresMystery
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
1421 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
152 books544 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 22, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Severn River Publishing and the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all I will say this is the 4th book in the series which I did not realise when I requested it. While you don't 100% need to have read the other books to understand it, I feel that it would have been useful to have done so and gotten a feel for the characters and relationships. Having said that I had no issues understanding the storyline.
A prominent surgeon and his wife are found shot to death in a small Georgian town and their son is missing. It is already very tragic and then the mother of the dead woman runs in, adding a new layer of tragedy and screams that the women lying dead is not the wife. She is in fact the twin sister of the wife.
Why is this women here, when she is supposed to be in Mexico, who killed them and where the heck is the son...
Sounds very exciting, but I am in the minority when I say that I really had no love for anyone or anything about this book. It really got under my skin from the beginning. I actually hated Detective Rachel Ryder, I found her to be irritating, snide and full of self importance. She definitely was good at her job but basically just unlikeable all round in my opinion.
The storyline was SOOOOOO convoluted and over the top. Don't get me wrong I am all for fiction and action but this was book jumped the shark in a huge way. When anyone was questioned they often began with
I... I don't know or
I... well I am unsure or
I...No that's no... not what I mean - you get the idea.
The over use of the stuttering character really got on my nerves and it wasn't just one person it was every suspect, person of interest and sometimes just anyone who was speaking.
It was a whodunnit on steroids but not in a good way for me, this was here there and everywhere and the killer, well their storyline just went into overdrive and then some. I can't say too much without giving it away but let's just say be prepared for to bend your imagination like a gymnast.
Some quote from the book that I found off were like:
"I feel bad for Mary. Knowing one twin is a lovely person and the other scum must be taxing" or "Come over here and cop a squat next to me" - that was just blah!
Or the unnecessary description of things like:
"He guzzled a sixteen-ounce bottle of water" - really he couldn't couldn't even be throwing back a Red Bull or something, this dude is literally drinking water, who cares.
And the over the top:
"I dove down and rolled behind a display of magnets as Bishop did some miraculous karate moves to attempt to know the weapon from her hands" - MIRACULOUS karate moves REALLY!!! I was just done at that point.
I liked how this one sounded and to be honest I am surprised I disliked it so much given all the 5 star reviews but that is where I landed. I hope everyone else enjoys this one more than I did.
First of all I will say this is the 4th book in the series which I did not realise when I requested it. While you don't 100% need to have read the other books to understand it, I feel that it would have been useful to have done so and gotten a feel for the characters and relationships. Having said that I had no issues understanding the storyline.
A prominent surgeon and his wife are found shot to death in a small Georgian town and their son is missing. It is already very tragic and then the mother of the dead woman runs in, adding a new layer of tragedy and screams that the women lying dead is not the wife. She is in fact the twin sister of the wife.
Why is this women here, when she is supposed to be in Mexico, who killed them and where the heck is the son...
Sounds very exciting, but I am in the minority when I say that I really had no love for anyone or anything about this book. It really got under my skin from the beginning. I actually hated Detective Rachel Ryder, I found her to be irritating, snide and full of self importance. She definitely was good at her job but basically just unlikeable all round in my opinion.
The storyline was SOOOOOO convoluted and over the top. Don't get me wrong I am all for fiction and action but this was book jumped the shark in a huge way. When anyone was questioned they often began with
I... I don't know or
I... well I am unsure or
I...No that's no... not what I mean - you get the idea.
The over use of the stuttering character really got on my nerves and it wasn't just one person it was every suspect, person of interest and sometimes just anyone who was speaking.
It was a whodunnit on steroids but not in a good way for me, this was here there and everywhere and the killer, well their storyline just went into overdrive and then some. I can't say too much without giving it away but let's just say be prepared for to bend your imagination like a gymnast.
Some quote from the book that I found off were like:
"I feel bad for Mary. Knowing one twin is a lovely person and the other scum must be taxing" or "Come over here and cop a squat next to me" - that was just blah!
Or the unnecessary description of things like:
"He guzzled a sixteen-ounce bottle of water" - really he couldn't couldn't even be throwing back a Red Bull or something, this dude is literally drinking water, who cares.
And the over the top:
"I dove down and rolled behind a display of magnets as Bishop did some miraculous karate moves to attempt to know the weapon from her hands" - MIRACULOUS karate moves REALLY!!! I was just done at that point.
I liked how this one sounded and to be honest I am surprised I disliked it so much given all the 5 star reviews but that is where I landed. I hope everyone else enjoys this one more than I did.
February 19, 2022
Rachel Ryder is back and better than ever! This book starts literally hours after the last book finished and the action is stronger than ever! The plot is intense with twisted plot line leading to multiple suspects while the clock is ticking and you feel every second of it as you read! The characters are filled in with so much more depth of emotion that you can't help, but feel like they are real and standing right next to you! I say this after every Ryder book, but I absolutely fricking love this character and cannot wait for more books in this series. My biggest issue is that I couldn't put the book down until I read the last word and now am mad at myself for not drawing it out and enjoying it longer. If you haven't read this series yet, you are seriously missing out and I really think this is the best book in the series so far!
November 25, 2022
Countdown by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the fourth in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband. The people responsible are dead. She still has a friend and father-figure in Chicago, and Lenny remains a true mentor. She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby. Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of 30 years. Her best friend is Savannah, her boss's wife, and Rachel has started dating DEA Agent Kyle Olsen.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When a surgeon and his wife are found dead in their home, things get a little strange. Apparently the dead woman who they thought was his wife was actually her twin sister Emily. So where is the real wife, Melodie? More importantly, where is their 5 year old diabetic son Ryan?
Rachel and Rob have different opinions on this case. Rachel thinks the grandmother is involved, and Rob can not wrap his head around that. But opinions don't matter, they know that if they find the killer, they'll find the child....hopefully before it's too late.
Meanwhile, Rachel is trying to build something with Kyle, but her own insecurities and past are playing with her mind.
My Opinions:
Okay, this was the best in the series so far....probably because it isn't really about drugs or corruption. After reading this one, I'm really glad I stuck with the series. Looks like my wishes came true.
The characters are definitely growing on me, and although Rachel is a little rough around the edges, she's a really good detective. I love the banter between her and her partner. They are just such different people. All of the main characters in the book are interesting.
The plot was twisted, and really good. It kept me glued to the pages.
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 7, 2022
Get Your Shhhhiiiitttttake Mushrooms Together! 😳🤯😯😯
First things first, even though this is fourth in a series, it can totally be read as a stand alone! Next, I was completely yanked into this novel from the very first chapter. And let me tell you, it kept reeling me in with non stop shocks, revelations & suspense! I gobbled this baby up in just a few hours, putting everything on hold!
Doctor Steve and his wife, Melodie are found murdered in their home. Detective Ryder & Bishop are some of the first on scene and take the lead on the case. Very quickly things spiral from bad to worse. The woman murdered isn't actually the wife Melodie, but her twin sister, Emily. And ontop of this, the five year old son is missing. With the amped up worry of this case and missing child, it's non-stop to find out who knows what, what's happened to Melodie and most importantly, where is her son.
This ride never stopped, never paused with the constant connections unearthed and both detectives trying rapidly to piece together where the child is. Even though I had an inkling of the who, I still enjoyed the entire journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for this ARC.
Release date: March 22, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
First things first, even though this is fourth in a series, it can totally be read as a stand alone! Next, I was completely yanked into this novel from the very first chapter. And let me tell you, it kept reeling me in with non stop shocks, revelations & suspense! I gobbled this baby up in just a few hours, putting everything on hold!
Doctor Steve and his wife, Melodie are found murdered in their home. Detective Ryder & Bishop are some of the first on scene and take the lead on the case. Very quickly things spiral from bad to worse. The woman murdered isn't actually the wife Melodie, but her twin sister, Emily. And ontop of this, the five year old son is missing. With the amped up worry of this case and missing child, it's non-stop to find out who knows what, what's happened to Melodie and most importantly, where is her son.
This ride never stopped, never paused with the constant connections unearthed and both detectives trying rapidly to piece together where the child is. Even though I had an inkling of the who, I still enjoyed the entire journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for this ARC.
Release date: March 22, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
February 19, 2022
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I have not read the three earlier instalments, but this stood well on its own. I found this a quick, fast-paced police procedural. I liked the main protagonist, Rachel Ryder, and the plot made sense, even if at times it seemed a bit 'out there'. There were a couple of info dumps (on diabetes and Georgia murder legislation) which could have been handled better, and the police did tend to bounce the same ideas and issues around repeatedly, but on the whole I thought this was good and am tempted to go back and read the first three books.
I have not read the three earlier instalments, but this stood well on its own. I found this a quick, fast-paced police procedural. I liked the main protagonist, Rachel Ryder, and the plot made sense, even if at times it seemed a bit 'out there'. There were a couple of info dumps (on diabetes and Georgia murder legislation) which could have been handled better, and the police did tend to bounce the same ideas and issues around repeatedly, but on the whole I thought this was good and am tempted to go back and read the first three books.
March 22, 2022
Detectives Rachel Ryder and her partner respond to a double murder when the Dr.’s office manager calls 911 after checking on them when they didn’t show up for a scheduled dinner engagement. When the detectives question her, she asks where their 5-year-old son is, as he’s a diabetic. The grandmother doesn’t have him and shows up to inform them that her daughter is a twin. But when she insists that the murdered woman is not the wife but the identical twin, the case gets even more troubling. A fascinating case and exciting to boot! Don’t start reading late at night or you’ll be up all night! I really enjoy this author and her well-developed characters, with their witty bantering! I received an ARC of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2022
Countdown by Carolyn Ridder-Aspenson
Rachel Ryder #4
Complex, twisted, disturbing story – Great addition to the series
What I liked:
* Rachel: strong, intelligent, capable, focused, diligent, snarky, tough, beginning to get over the loss of her husband, interested in moving on-perhaps with Kyle.
* Rob: Rachel’s work partner, older, seasoned, moderate in comparison to Rachel, an anchor, good balance for Rachel
* Seeing some of the supporting characters from previous books
* Kyle: DEA agent met in the last book, caring, kind, interested in Rachel, patient, and he likes to cook
* Homer: Rachel’s pet fish…shows up in each book…glad he is still alive
* The twists and turns
* Police procedural aspects of the story
* That the case was ultimately solved by the end of the story
* Being glad that my sister and I do not have the type of relationship the sisters in this book had
* Knowing that there is another book to look forward to in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that the crimes committed in this book happen all too often in real life
* Not feeling quite as much of a connection with Rachel and this storyline as I have in the past…hoping Rachel will soften up a bit in the next book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Rachel Ryder #4
Complex, twisted, disturbing story – Great addition to the series
What I liked:
* Rachel: strong, intelligent, capable, focused, diligent, snarky, tough, beginning to get over the loss of her husband, interested in moving on-perhaps with Kyle.
* Rob: Rachel’s work partner, older, seasoned, moderate in comparison to Rachel, an anchor, good balance for Rachel
* Seeing some of the supporting characters from previous books
* Kyle: DEA agent met in the last book, caring, kind, interested in Rachel, patient, and he likes to cook
* Homer: Rachel’s pet fish…shows up in each book…glad he is still alive
* The twists and turns
* Police procedural aspects of the story
* That the case was ultimately solved by the end of the story
* Being glad that my sister and I do not have the type of relationship the sisters in this book had
* Knowing that there is another book to look forward to in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that the crimes committed in this book happen all too often in real life
* Not feeling quite as much of a connection with Rachel and this storyline as I have in the past…hoping Rachel will soften up a bit in the next book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
March 21, 2022
Detectives Rachel Ryder and her partner Detective Rob Bishop to the home of a doctor -- one that has been texting Bishop. The doctor and his wife are shot dead. But something is 'off' with the decor of the home. While trying to figure that out the office manager for the doctor asks them about their son. This was no child found in the house, and he is a high-risk diabetic. The wife's mother shows up and says something isn't right with her daughter-- he daughter is a set of identical twins. Just who was killed at the house? Where is the child and the other twin? The longer the case goes on the more complicated and more characters become involved. I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.
October 12, 2025
Countdown!
Another tense investigation for Ryder and Bishop as they race to find an insulin dependent child who’s gone missing after his parents are found murdered. This is a well crafted, suspenseful police procedural that keeps readers riveted to the very end!
Another tense investigation for Ryder and Bishop as they race to find an insulin dependent child who’s gone missing after his parents are found murdered. This is a well crafted, suspenseful police procedural that keeps readers riveted to the very end!
February 10, 2022
Just after finishing up a very tiring undercover assignment involving high school students, instead of getting some much needed rest Rachel and her partner are called to the scene of the murder of a wealthy doctor and his wife. Their 5 year old son is missing from the scene, who has type 1 diabetes and needs regular insulin, so the clock is ticking to solve the murder and find the child. There are all kinds of twists in this one, and it got my attention and held it to the end. Another book by this author that is full of action-packed suspense and excitement. The characters continue to build in this series, and I find myself wanting more of this series!
September 19, 2024
Twisty and twisted!
The story was intriguing and kept my attention. At times I felt the dialogue came across as poor acting. Seems like each book in the series has more swearing and less best-practice for naming conventions (Chief is called by his first name, interchanges calling person by first name or last name...am I getting old or is that confusing? It was very confusing in Book 2, hence finally saying something about it now). I enjoy the characters and their development. It's my favorite new to me Series this year.
The story was intriguing and kept my attention. At times I felt the dialogue came across as poor acting. Seems like each book in the series has more swearing and less best-practice for naming conventions (Chief is called by his first name, interchanges calling person by first name or last name...am I getting old or is that confusing? It was very confusing in Book 2, hence finally saying something about it now). I enjoy the characters and their development. It's my favorite new to me Series this year.
February 8, 2022
I just can’t say enough how much I love this series!!! I love this author and her books!! It’s another grueling case for Ryder and Bishop with death, betrayal, hurt, anger and fear. Bishop and Ryder show up at a double murder scene with a missing sick child. Things quickly escalate and you soon a in a web of lies and deceit and don’t know what is real or imaginary. With tons of twists and turns you definitely won’t be disappointed
April 13, 2022
This review of the audiobook is an update to my original review of the eBook.
This latest Rachel Ryder episode is just as action-packed and thrill laden as its predecessors. Additionally, more personal interactions occur for Rachel, Savanah, and Bishop – however that’s all I’ll mention about this so as not to provide any spoilers. The case Rachel and Bishop work in this episode is quite different from any of the previous cases and it is filled with numerous unforeseen twists as they work to solve it. If you have read the three Rachel Ryder stories leading up to Countdown, this is a must read, if you are new to these stories, while this could be read as a standalone episode, having the character’s backgrounds form the previous stories would make the story a fuller experience. Anne Marie Damman’s excellent narration of this story gives each character a life that I only imagined as I rea the original book. I received an Advance Reader Copy and a review copy of the audiobook from the publisher and chose to provide this review.
This latest Rachel Ryder episode is just as action-packed and thrill laden as its predecessors. Additionally, more personal interactions occur for Rachel, Savanah, and Bishop – however that’s all I’ll mention about this so as not to provide any spoilers. The case Rachel and Bishop work in this episode is quite different from any of the previous cases and it is filled with numerous unforeseen twists as they work to solve it. If you have read the three Rachel Ryder stories leading up to Countdown, this is a must read, if you are new to these stories, while this could be read as a standalone episode, having the character’s backgrounds form the previous stories would make the story a fuller experience. Anne Marie Damman’s excellent narration of this story gives each character a life that I only imagined as I rea the original book. I received an Advance Reader Copy and a review copy of the audiobook from the publisher and chose to provide this review.
March 28, 2022
I have read each book in this series, and have liked all of them. This one, while well-written and researched, was my least favorite. I still like the partnership that Ryder and Bishop have, and the trust that has grown between them. This time around though, the story was not as enjoyable for me. It seemed to take more concentration to keep up with the many characters involved in the case and the many directions it took. Even though the case was wrapped up in a few days, because of the overly detailed descriptions of everything, it seemed to take much longer, like trudging through knee-deep mud. Consequently, this book was more work than entertainment for me. We saw very little of Ryder’s friend Savannah in this story. In previous books, their relationship added so much to my enjoyment of the stories, that I felt some disappointment that there was not as much interaction between them this time. Because of this, and also the few personal interactions with Ryder’s possible love interest, Kyle, I felt a lack of “highs” in the story. instead, the attention given to the many unlikable characters involved in the case made it feel a bit unbalanced and weighed the book down for me. Even the ending when the mystery was solved seemed anticlimactic.
Another disappointment for me was the amount of bad language in this book. It seemed much worse than in the previous books. I understand that in this line of work it is realistic that there would be some cursing, especially with the frustrations that they faced, the pressure they were under to find the child, and their lack of sleep. All of these circumstances combined to make their emotions run extremely high. I am no prude, but it just seemed excessive, and took away from my enjoyment of the story. In spite of the aforementioned criticisms, I still remain a fan of Ms. Aspenson and this series. She is a talented author, and I look forward to the next book. I received a copy of this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
Another disappointment for me was the amount of bad language in this book. It seemed much worse than in the previous books. I understand that in this line of work it is realistic that there would be some cursing, especially with the frustrations that they faced, the pressure they were under to find the child, and their lack of sleep. All of these circumstances combined to make their emotions run extremely high. I am no prude, but it just seemed excessive, and took away from my enjoyment of the story. In spite of the aforementioned criticisms, I still remain a fan of Ms. Aspenson and this series. She is a talented author, and I look forward to the next book. I received a copy of this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
February 14, 2022
What an intense story! It was captivating and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Rachel, Bishop and the force are in a time crunch to find a missing child who would desperately be in of need medication soon for his diabetes. The mystery involves a family who wasn’t what the appeared to be. Someone kills the husband, the twin sister and now the wife and son are missing. Who murdered them and why? Rachel and Bishop need to analyze all the information to figure out the clues and the truth. Can Rachel, Bishop and the force solve the case in time? Additionally, we get a little more into the personal side of Jimmy and Savannah and the relationship between Rachel and Kyle.
The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. This is an emotional thriller, where lives are exploded and perceptions are twisted and shattered! I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. This is an emotional thriller, where lives are exploded and perceptions are twisted and shattered! I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2022
This is the fourth in the Ryder Series and, as usual, I love strong female leads. This is no exception. Rachel Ryder is a tough and sympathetic detective in a medium-sized city outside of Atlanta. But I had a problem with this one and I just cannot finish it. You have this: A double homicide and a missing little boy and his mother. The female victim is a twin posing as the wife and the dead male is the husband of the missing twin (and real wife). Pretty cool. Our detective, Rachel, has a low-temp relationship with a DEA agent (from the previous novel). All good, EXCEPT: When you have clear evidence of a missing child after a double homicide, you DO NOT keep everything local. If you have any legitimacy as a police department at all, you call in the FBI. If you are DEA agent, you make the call the Bureau. At halfway through, none of this has happened. So my care about Ms. Aspenson's story came to an abrupt end. I could not suspend my disbelief. Quite the opposite. I do not recommend this one.
July 28, 2024
If you can get past the grammatical errors and somewhat sloppy editing, this is a great beach read. The author has fashioned a smart, tough, no-nonsense heroine who has just enough flaws to make her likable. Editors who don't understand direct objects, objects of prepositions, reflexive pronouns and the proper use of first person pronouns drive me absolutely nuts. One sentence reads, "Deputy Dean watched Cunningham and I . . . . " The proper pronoun to use here is "me." Another one that rears its head with regularity is comma splicing. My 12th grade English teacher would have flunked this editing. One comma splice and a grade was an instant F. My English 101-A professor would toss papers right into the trash for using pronouns incorrectly. He used to say, "By the time you are in Freshman English you should not be making errors of this type." These types of errors errors seem to appear in all contemporary fiction, so I suppose I'm just trying to turn back a waterfall. But anyway read this book. It's fun!
March 21, 2022
A frantic countdown as Detective Rachel Ryder tries to locate a missing diabetic five-year-old before it is too late. His parents were murdered in their home and he is nowhere to be found. The investigation gets even more complicated when Rachel and her partner, Detective Rob Bishop, aren’t sure if the murdered woman is really the boy’s mother or her identical twin. Several years ago, the twin sisters went to Mexico, but it seems as if only one of them returned. What happened to the other sister? Rachel doesn’t believe the twins’ mother is telling them everything; is she somehow involved in this twisted family mystery? A race from beginning to end to find the boy, the missing twin and solve the case. I so enjoy Rachel’s sarcastic banter with her partner as they deal with the lies and deceit in this case. An amazing story and a must-read series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (paytonpuppy)
February 8, 2022
What a story!
Fast paced with multiple twist.
As all the Rachel Ryder stories this one is not a clean read.
Rachel and her partner are just of a special task force with the DEA,
When they are called to a home with a reported murder.
They find a wealthy doctor and his wife both murdered and their insulin dependent
5 year old child missing.
This means they have a short window to find not only the murderer, but the young boy
who may or may not have enough medicine to keep him alive.
Pro's:
A solid story with multiple twist, developed characters, and lots of action.
Con's:
While I'm okay with profanity when called for, I thought it was a little overboard in the closing scenes, even though I will admit some would have been warranted.
Fast paced with multiple twist.
As all the Rachel Ryder stories this one is not a clean read.
Rachel and her partner are just of a special task force with the DEA,
When they are called to a home with a reported murder.
They find a wealthy doctor and his wife both murdered and their insulin dependent
5 year old child missing.
This means they have a short window to find not only the murderer, but the young boy
who may or may not have enough medicine to keep him alive.
Pro's:
A solid story with multiple twist, developed characters, and lots of action.
Con's:
While I'm okay with profanity when called for, I thought it was a little overboard in the closing scenes, even though I will admit some would have been warranted.
March 22, 2022
Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop are called on the scene of a double homicide – a surgeon and his wife. Who wanted them dead, but all accounts both are well liked, and where is their young son? All gets turned upside down when the victim’s mom claims that it is the wrong daughter, it’s her twin sister … where is the real Mrs. and where is the son? A massive search is launched as the missing son has Type 1 Diabetes.
Once again Carolyn Ridder Aspenson had me on the edge of my seat, a fast moving, plot twisting adventure.
Great installment in the Rachel Ryder series, looking forward to next book! – if this is your first time reading you will be fine, but you I promise you will be looking for the previous books
Severn River Publishing for an early read.
Once again Carolyn Ridder Aspenson had me on the edge of my seat, a fast moving, plot twisting adventure.
Great installment in the Rachel Ryder series, looking forward to next book! – if this is your first time reading you will be fine, but you I promise you will be looking for the previous books
Severn River Publishing for an early read.
March 27, 2022
I actually found this book difficult to get into probably because I am not used to this author’s way of writing and the American ways. Maybe it’s because I have not read any others in this series. I found it rather heavy reading and frustrating with the plot going around in circles. But then I suppose this is the essence of the story – twins with the same DNA, almost identical in looks. Only the personalities of these two women are different – something intangible with no visible paper trail. An almost impossible case where the detectives have to pick at threads and delve deeper into the family lives. I can’t knock it just because I found it a hard book to read so try it yourself to find out.
February 10, 2022
A mother would know…
Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner, Detective Rob Bishop, are called to the murder scene of a respected doctor and his wife but their five-year-old son is missing. The clock is running to find the child before his time runs out and to sort through a series of confusing clues, bizarre suspects, and stunning dysfunction.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is one of my favorite crime thriller authors. Her stories are packed with suspense and action but very believable. The interactions between the characters bring the stories to life. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner, Detective Rob Bishop, are called to the murder scene of a respected doctor and his wife but their five-year-old son is missing. The clock is running to find the child before his time runs out and to sort through a series of confusing clues, bizarre suspects, and stunning dysfunction.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is one of my favorite crime thriller authors. Her stories are packed with suspense and action but very believable. The interactions between the characters bring the stories to life. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
February 27, 2022
I liked the banter between the characters in Countdown by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. It was funny and seemed like how coworkers would interact and talk.
The mystery was good and kept me on my toes as to who was involved, how it all transpired, and how the main characters caught the final culprit.
This was a quick read and had me turning the pages and holding my breath at times on what would happen. The ending left me feeling a bit flat as it ended pretty quickly. However, I was confused by the epilogue and whether it was actually attached to the story or a precursor to the next book.
I would read more from this author.
#Countdown #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
The mystery was good and kept me on my toes as to who was involved, how it all transpired, and how the main characters caught the final culprit.
This was a quick read and had me turning the pages and holding my breath at times on what would happen. The ending left me feeling a bit flat as it ended pretty quickly. However, I was confused by the epilogue and whether it was actually attached to the story or a precursor to the next book.
I would read more from this author.
#Countdown #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
March 30, 2022
Countdown.
By Carolyn ridder aspenson.
Rachel Ryder book 4.
My favorite series by this author.
I have read each book in this series. And they just keep getting Better and Better...
Death has happened again in Hamby Georgia.
This time it's a well know surgeon and his wife. Or is it there's a missing sister. a Identical twin sister.
A missing child with medical issues. the detectives have there work cut out for them on this case.
This Book is full of action so many twists, family members that will do things that are in there best interests.
Thank you Carolyn ridder aspenson. For another Fabulous Book...
By Carolyn ridder aspenson.
Rachel Ryder book 4.
My favorite series by this author.
I have read each book in this series. And they just keep getting Better and Better...
Death has happened again in Hamby Georgia.
This time it's a well know surgeon and his wife. Or is it there's a missing sister. a Identical twin sister.
A missing child with medical issues. the detectives have there work cut out for them on this case.
This Book is full of action so many twists, family members that will do things that are in there best interests.
Thank you Carolyn ridder aspenson. For another Fabulous Book...
April 6, 2022
I liked the banter between the characters in Countdown by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. It was funny and seemed like how coworkers would interact and talk.
The mystery was good and kept me on my toes as to who was involved, how it all transpired, and how the main characters caught the final culprit.
This was a quick read and had me turning the pages and holding my breath at times on what would happen. The ending left me feeling a bit flat as it ended pretty quickly. However, I was confused by the epilogue and whether it was actually attached to the story or a precursor to the next book.
I would read more from this author.
#Countdown #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
The mystery was good and kept me on my toes as to who was involved, how it all transpired, and how the main characters caught the final culprit.
This was a quick read and had me turning the pages and holding my breath at times on what would happen. The ending left me feeling a bit flat as it ended pretty quickly. However, I was confused by the epilogue and whether it was actually attached to the story or a precursor to the next book.
I would read more from this author.
#Countdown #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
March 4, 2022
Countdown is the forth book in the Rachel Ryder series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson in which Ryder and Bishop find the bodies of Steve and Melodie Rockman and their 5 year Ryan is missing. All hands on-deck since the boy is type 1 diabetic and he can be danger! While investigating they find out that Melodie is a twin and the body maybe her sister, Emily. All the while Rachel is trying to figure out her feelings for Kyle. Would Tommy want her move on?
Thanks to Severn River Publishing and Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for giving me ARC for my honest and review of this book!
Thanks to Severn River Publishing and Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for giving me ARC for my honest and review of this book!
March 23, 2022
Great series - highly recommend!
Note: Should always read a series in order.
Book 4 is the next great read in the series. You think you have it all figured out, and then along comes a surprise. Rachel Ryder does not apologize for being herself or having bigger balls than the other guys on the force - and I love it! She stays true while working things out, but is honest enough to know when she is not right and to care about a very few people. Getting to know her is worth the time. Read the series!
Note: Should always read a series in order.
Book 4 is the next great read in the series. You think you have it all figured out, and then along comes a surprise. Rachel Ryder does not apologize for being herself or having bigger balls than the other guys on the force - and I love it! She stays true while working things out, but is honest enough to know when she is not right and to care about a very few people. Getting to know her is worth the time. Read the series!
March 25, 2022
Straight from one consuming case to another, Detectives Ryder and her partner Bishop find themselves with the murder of a prominent doctor and his wife and the search for their missing five year old son who is a diabetic and may soon be out of medication. The twists start when the mother of the dead woman says it's not her daughter laying on the floor dead. More and more twists and false leads continue to plague the detectives as they try to solve not only the double murder but find the missing boy in time....
March 25, 2022
Countdown (Rachel Ryder Book 4), my eighteenth highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson & the latest in her new Rachel Ryder Series, the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, more a serious mystery than a cozy mystery. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 6, 2022
When a prominent surgeon and his wife are found dead in small-town Georgia, Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop are first on the scene. But while the detectives have solved many tough cases in the past, they’ve never seen anything like this one.
I have never read anything by this author before but I certainly will now. This also is not the first in the series but it easily read as a standalone and everything tied together nicely. Well-plotted with interesting characters and believable dialog. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
I have never read anything by this author before but I certainly will now. This also is not the first in the series but it easily read as a standalone and everything tied together nicely. Well-plotted with interesting characters and believable dialog. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
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