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A simple heist at a hardware store uncovers a brutal crime spree leaving a police officer dead, several innocents murdered, and the small Oregon town of Sweet Home shaken to its core.

Veteran police officer Lacey James answers the call. The robbery suspect has fled, but the items she finds inside the car at the scene raise the hackles on the back of Lacey’s neck: a hammer, a tarp, zip ties, and a stolen gun. This discovery pushes her suspicions to an all-time high and has her questioning what dark and dangerous crimes this man may be involved in?

Eden Mills is smart, kind, and fun-loving. Not the kind to make enemies or run away. But Eden has a stalker, and when Lacey discovers that Eden is missing, possibly kidnapped, there is plenty of reason to fear the worst. As Lacey peels back the layers of the suspect’s crimes, her pursuit of the truth leads to unthinkable tragedy.

A colleague is dead. Her suspect isn’t talking. And time may be running out for Eden.

Can Lacey find her before one man’s obsession destroys more lives?

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

808 people are currently reading
913 people want to read

About the author

Chris Patchell

22 books275 followers
Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.

When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...

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5 stars
582 (38%)
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286 (18%)
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57 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,305 reviews162 followers
January 23, 2022
I love the cover for Find Her by Chris Patchell. I have a love of trees, naked or dressed, but naked is the best. Look closely at the branches. What do you see? To me it is like looking at clouds in the sky and deciphering the images that pass overhead.

Sadie saw the man in aisle four of the hardware store. All her spidey senses went on high alert, but he managed to lift the hammer and leave without being nabbed for nonpayment. Nine thousand eight hundred and fifteen people lived in the small town of Sweet Home, and she knew he wasn’t one of them.

Police Officer Lacey James is on the case. She was ‘this’ close to nabbing him, and after seeing what was in the back of the car….

Lacey James is married to a soldier who is in Fort Hood. She has two young boys and it looks like she will be raising them on her own.

Hmmm…at the end of Part I the story took a twist I didn’t see coming. Chris…whether you know it or not, you get me. Your books are right up my alley and give me hours of suspenseful reading pleasure.

I don’t know what is going on, or where we are going, but Noah and security at the Mall leaves a lot to be desired. A second storyline comes into play and I am curious how the parts will mesh together. I am on the hook and OMG! The quickness of the end of Part II caught me so offguard I can hardly wait to see what Part III has in store for me.

I so want to peek ahead, BUT no cheating. I know it will be worth the wait and I don’t think I will be able to put my Kindle down until the last word is read.

WHY? That is my question, as much as who, how…

Lacey is great, and if anything were to happen to me or mine, I would want her on the case. With her dogged determination and common sense, she won’t quit until the job is done.

There was one part that I was disappointed Lacey didn’t catch, but sometimes the author needs that creative license to make the story sing. Chris Patchell did wrap up the story nicely, bringing all the elements together. Though it seemed to end a bit abruptly, I was satisfied…AND…OMG…the cover for Save Her, the second book in the Lacey James series is to die for. Bring it on!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Find Her by Chris Patchell.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for Sara.
716 reviews12 followers
August 22, 2023
Quick, compelling read.

Small town cop. Small time theft. A dark soul, who feels the entire world has misunderstood him. All combine for a race-against-time mystery.

The author sets the story up from two POVs - now, and just before the crime occurs, which gives it a depth the book may not have otherwise had.
Profile Image for  Afreen  Khalil Inscribed Inklings.
862 reviews38 followers
August 7, 2022
Find her by Chris Patchell 📚



Find her was a brilliant thriller that blew my mind. It had the perfect amount of twists and had multiple POVs and plot lines that made it all the more interesting. The Police Officer Lacey James was a strong female lead that won me over within the first few pages of her introduction. I am huge fan of small town mysteries and thrillers, and this was right up my alley.

The writing style was refreshing and articulate. The tone of the book was serious and mysterious. The book had the small town charm and also the stereotypes that are prevalent there. There were multiple instances were men underestimated Lacey just because she was a woman. She ultimately proved all of them by excelling at her job. At the same time, she was also vulnerable when needed and she was the perfect balance of both.

I loved the different parts of the book because it gave us multiple plot lines that ultimately intertwined at the end. The race against time to save someone was thrilling to read and it kept me on edge right till the end. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series, I need more of Lacey. If you like small town thrillers, this is a must read.

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

- Afreen Khalil
Profile Image for Erika Bucci | erikalaceyreads.
214 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2022
This was my first book by Chris Patchell and definitely won’t be my last! Find Her is broken into 3 parts and is the first book in the Lacey James series. This book is told from 3rd person POV and the POV’s alternate each part. The book takes place in Sweet Home, Oregon. First let me start with, I absolutely LOVED Lacey’s character and the fact that she is the only female police officer in a small town, not to mention a total badass. This book is fast paced and the chapters are short, engaging and leave you wanting more. The entire book I was left guessing especially on how everything was going to come together and connect. I definitely recommend checking this one out! I can’t wait to check out book 2 and see what Lacey is up to next.


Thank you to @chrispatchellauthor and @bookstagrammerscom for providing me with a copy of the book for this tour!
Profile Image for Cynthia Kirchner.
278 reviews
December 27, 2023
I like how the author carries the story out without all the fluff, definitely a page turner and now I'm reading book 2.
Profile Image for Abigail Singrey.
598 reviews57 followers
September 13, 2022
A stolen hammer leads to so much more in this novel perfect for fans of the TV show You. This gritty thriller takes the reader on a journey through the mind of a man obsessed with his perfect woman: Eden. Unfortunately, she's dating someone else and only sees him as a friend. But he's convinced that given enough time, she'll come around to his point of view.

This book sent chills down my spine as I realized what Noah was about to do. With each step he takes further and further into his obsession, you find yourself cringing for both Eden and everyone they come across.

Brilliantly paced, this is a dual-point of view novel, bringing us into the head of both Noah and the small-town cop, Lacey, who tries to stop him. Lacey's point-of-view is intriguing, too, as she struggles to be taken seriously in a man's world.

This book is hard to put down.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marija.
698 reviews45 followers
April 28, 2023
This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I loved the story, and the characters, especially Lacey James. All three parts of the book kept me engaged, and interested and I wanted to see what would happen next. Will definitely get the following books of the series because I can't wait to see what adventures will have the main characters.
Profile Image for Sandra.
999 reviews31 followers
January 17, 2025
4.5 This is a new author for me. I enjoyed her writing style and the changing viewpoints in the story. I will definitely read another book by her.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
226 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2021
“A Gripping and tense story keeps your attention to the final page!”
I received this ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) book and I am posting my honest opinion and review.
A very engrossing and taught story mainly around three people one Lacey James a cop in a town called “Sweet Home” Oregon. The second Noah a security guard who is a complete and utter nut bar completely obsessed with the third person a young women called Eden who is a beautiful red head who works in a shop in the same shopping mall as Noah.
The story builds up slowly, slowly and before you know it the story has gripped you and got you so hooked; time stands still. So you just keep turning the pages to find out more and become so engrossed you lose track of time so get your snacks and drink ready on standby.
The story builds and starts with Noah coming across as a one of normality a good guy, how wrong can one be? Some parts are dark, violent some are sad and realistic but you can’t hide from the fact that it is good reading and a gripping tight read and one author and Lacey thrillers I’ll keep an eye on from now on.
I highly recommended this book for all you thriller lovers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,885 reviews27 followers
November 22, 2021
Hang in there. This starts off slow, small town slow and ramps up with intertwining story lines, some dark moments, creepy nut job and our girl Lacey. Lacey is so well thought out and relatable. An experienced detective whose instincts shout at her. Dealing with a husband who is not home on their anniversary and the daily struggles of working and what happens in relations in life. Really well done. The cherry on top is this is the beginning of a new series. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Dana McKee NOLA504NERDS.
532 reviews46 followers
August 26, 2022
New ALC Review from Dana

Find Her
(Lacey James #1)
By Chris Patchell
Narrated by Cass Medcalf & Nathan Agin
Produced & Published by Fireside Audio

First I have to praise the cover of this one. It’s absolutely stunning and really draws you in. This was a great start to a new crime thriller series. I love police officer Lacey James. She’s a smart, strong, and determined female lead. She absolutely won me over. Eden was a great character. Totally relatable and likeable. Noah is a super creepy and obsessive stalker. I love that the story is told in different parts and from different POV’s. It’s difficult not to be enthralled by a story that lets you into everyone’s minds. It’s refreshing and intriguing to watch all the parts intertwine. Chris’ storytelling ability made it impossible to not be totally immersed in this audiobook.

Cass Medcalf and Nathan Agin were perfectly cast for their roles. Their timing, pitch, pace, and tones were spot on. They really brought this story to life. Their characterizations were excellent. They were clearly connected to the characters, portraying each with their own uniqueness. They were exemplary in projecting every character’s emotions. I highly recommend the audiobook version of this book. Thank you to Fireside Audio for gifting me this thrilling audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Race-Against-Time Stars
Nola504Nerds Blog
Profile Image for Stephanie Augustine.
Author 1 book27 followers
August 20, 2022
I was definitely expecting something way different from this book. Maybe because it was a detective book I was expecting way more mystery and crime solving, but that wasn't what happened. However, I still absolutely enjoyed this story. If you're hoping to solve the mystery alongside Lacey, don't. It's not one of those books. Instead, it takes us to the beginning, then from Noah's point of view, back to Lacey. This was different than the normal formula but it worked. I was so drawn in and just couldn't wait to continue to see what happened. It threw me off a little but once I realized what was happening, I was here for it.

Lacey was a decent character. As a whole, I enjoyed her but there was just one part that irked me. Her and her husband are having some issues since he works in a different state. So she blames him for not making time for her and says how his job is his priority but not his family. However, she is guilty of the same thing? Regardless, it works out but it just bothered me. Luckily that was just a small portion of the book and not her whole personality. I will absolutely continue this series and can't wait for the next!

Overall, Find Her by Chris Patchell was a win for me! Moving away from the normal formula for detective novels, this books follows Lacey then Noah before it's "solved". Usually, as a reader, I solve the case alongside the detective but this was done in a different manner, and it worked! I loved this change of pacing and thought it was a very interesting way to do a crime book.

AUDIO REVIEW
Oh they were so good! I've been struggling with audios lately but had no issues following along with this book. The narration was perfect and I thought they did a wonderful job bringing this book to the audio world!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,288 reviews24 followers
August 20, 2022
Great Story & Narration🎧 A Thrilling Mystery!
Find Her
A Lacey James Series, Book 1
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Cass Medcalf, Nathan Agin
Series: The Lacey James Series, Book 1

This fantastic small-town crime thriller is well-written with interesting storylines that captivate your attention the entire time. The story starts with the theft of a hammer at a local hardware store in Sweet Home, Oregon. The owner, Sadie, called 911 to report it and Officer Lacey James from Sweet Home P.D. responds to the call, and is on the case, a case that leads them into something much bigger. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and how she presented the story in three parts, starting with what leads them to the investigation, the second part was about the perpetrator and what he was up to and why, the third part brings it all together. Excellent detective work by Lacey James, I loved her dedication to solve the crime and not give up on finding her. It is a cleverly plotted story with plenty of drama, both crime and personal, some angst, mystery, and thrilling suspense that brings you to the edge of your seat. Chris Patchell, thank you for this great story and thrilling ride, I am looking forward to what comes next for Lacey James.

🎧 📚🎧 Cass Medcalf and Nathan Agin did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, gave each a voice that was a perfect fit for that character’s persona, and were believable in every role they played. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance. These versatile voice artists are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,122 reviews55 followers
August 22, 2022
Find Her
A Lacey James Series, Book 1
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Cass Medcalf, Nathan Agin

I love listening to mysteries, and when this was recommended, I jumped in with both ears! This is my first Chris Patchell book, but I am looking forward to listening to more of Lacey James's cases. This is split into 3 parts, and each one is leading us to the answers we are seeking. A stolen tool has the small town on edge as they look for the culprit. Part two introduces us to so much more. The actuality of the crime, and what it leads to and part 3 brings it all together. Lacey James is a realistic detective, with family issues, thoughts of her career and children and then the thinking of a madman. It's amazing taking this adventure, getting in the head of our perpetrator and dealing with the outcome. It's cleverly written and makes me want more.

Cass Medcalf is fantastic as Lacey. She brings to life the feelings of conflict she has with her personal life. Then she uses all her strength to work the case with a focused feel. Nathan Agin is new to me, and what a great introduction! Playing our madman, he is innocent at times with that edge of evil. Loved these two and the book. Can't wait to hear the next one!
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews18 followers
October 6, 2022
Lacey is a small town Police Officer. She is the only woman working outside the office and is continually frustrated by the treatment and lack of respect she receives from her coworkers. Also, her husband is military and stationed 2000 miles away while she is home with their children and a dangerous full time job. A young woman had disappeared from the local mall. Her car was found at the mall but she was nowhere. The story is told by more than one narrator. It is basically a procedural with Lacey being the primary investigator. It is well done and fast reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for a e-galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ονι.
100 reviews26 followers
August 18, 2022
Do you like small town mysteries?


🍁Find Her - Chris Patchell🍁

What would you do if you see someone stealing something?  Would you stay quiet? Make a fuss? That's how this story kicks off, with a hammer... a hammer that gets stolen, and a hardware owner who reports it to the police.

Find Her, isn't a huge book, and it starts slow. But Chris' story telling packs a punch! Lacey James, the Main Character, the female police officer in charge of the case, has a lot on her hands, specially with her colleague murdered.

I loved the small town aspect! The twists and turns kept this story interesting. I also liked Lacey, a single working mom of 2 boys, ok so she isn't a single mom per se, she DOES have a husband but.... he wasn't present. Lacey wasn't perfect but I loved the way Chris wrote her. I loved seeing all sides of Lacey, policewoman, mom, wife... she balanced everything the best she could


I do wish the ending was a bit more elaborated. I didn't feel the book ending, until I finished it in one day. I can't wait to read the rest of Lacey's adventures (and Chris' other books)
Profile Image for Lexy Cabral.
434 reviews32 followers
August 31, 2022
I enjoyed the short chapters and the multiple POVs in this #smalltowncrimethriller. Love the cover too 😍 Can’t wait to see what happens next in book 2!
Profile Image for Anita Rodgers.
Author 19 books56 followers
June 24, 2023

Warning: spoilers

Unfortunately, my high hopes for this book were not met. The writing was good but the story had too many instances of unbelieveability. The MC was hard to like because she was obsessed with the toxic masculinity that held her back (in her mind). Certain she was a great cop but the boys always got in her way. Yet, she couldn't figure out the simplest things - like that she shouldn't be doing chest compressions on a victim with a gaping chest wound.

At one point, she takes an elbow to the nose, which sounds like it's broken and giving her black eyes - yet the next day when she sees her children and cousin who haven't seen her in two days, they don't mention it.

Part II was the best of the book and centered on the bad guy.

In short, for me, it's a mystery only a soap opera fan could appreciate.
Profile Image for Greta Yoka.
55 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2025
a surprising mystery

A surprising mystery that shows what’s most important in life. Family is more important than any job. Having encouragement and support matters. Don’t be easily trusting of people.
Profile Image for Kaely Smith.
82 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2023
I loved how the book was divided into different perspectives and the story really kept my interest.
1,816 reviews14 followers
November 7, 2021
Officer Lacey James is called to investigate a robbery of a hammer from a small hardware store. She finds the suspect running away from a stolen car with stolen license plates. This leads to two deaths. And a missing employee from the local mall leads to a series of events to find the girl. This was one that I could not put down. I was captivated from the beginning.
76 reviews
November 16, 2021
Lacey James is called to a robbery at a hardware store. This seems a very small incident but turns into something quite different.
She spots the suspect running from a car which turns out to have stolen plates. Searching the car she finds the stolen hammer and sip ties.
I received this book as a ARC and posting an honest review.
This was a gripping read that keeps you on edge until the end.
Denise
Profile Image for Dive Into A Good Book.
730 reviews41 followers
August 4, 2022
Find Her is a fast paced, action packed, thrill ride from the start. You are transported to the small town of Sweet Home, Oregon. Where crime rarely occurs. All that changes with the stealing of a single hammer. From that point you will be ripping through the pages trying to figure out how the hammer is linked to something so much larger.

Lacey is a small-town police officer. Her ten-year anniversary is this weekend and instead of coming home to celebrate, her husband decides to stay in Fort Hood. Leaving Lacey to work to take her mind off her long-distance relationship. When Crazy Sadie reports a hammer stolen at the local hardware store. Lacey responds to the call and discovers so much more than a stollen hammer. The thief leads her to his car where she finds zip ties, and a gun. Will Lacey be able to uncover what is actually going on?

I do not want to go into too much detail and give anything away. You will fall in love with Lacey and her take no prisoner's attitude. She is down to earth and has her problems like everyone, which makes her extremely relatable. I love how Chris Patchell has broken the book into three parts. You are able to learn so much more about both sides of the story and it makes the book so much richer. Thank you to Chris Patchell and Bookstagrammers for gifting this suspense filled ride.
522 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2022
He watched her for months, she never saw him.

Noah Hall, wannabe cop, real mall security guard. Another rejection, all his applications to various towns to join their ranks as a cop go great, until the psyche exam. Why did he fail, when he passed top in all other aspects of training?
What caused the stumbling block? What caused the shrinks to reject him?
Crazy Sadie, she & her husband Jimmy ran the local hardware store. Well, Sadie ran both really, spectators of her berating Jimmy had bestowed her nickname.
She was sharp, literally and in manner.
If she spotted someone in her store, who was out of kilter - she would spot it - would be shoplifter, troublemaker - this current one was a weirdo. Stood in front of the hammers for quite a while - they only stocked four types - he was mesmerised - stock still staring. Sadie didn't like it. The phone across the counter rang and she answered it, she returned to her previous observation point and the stranger had gone, so was one of her hammers.
She phoned the police and it was relayed to officer Lacey James.....
Little did Sadie know the hammer theft would save the life of one and reveal the death of four, including a police officer.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
November 18, 2021
It all starts with a stolen hammer, something that can be completely innocuous, depending on the hand it's in. Then it's downright chilling. Find Her goes back and forth between Lacey and what seems at first to be a completely separate story, but pay attention because things come together very quickly and it's enough to give the heroine of this tale a run for her money.
I'm a sucker for a mystery/thriller series, especially when it features a strong character like Lacey James. And when I say that, I don't mean she's all tough cop. She is a smart and very capable investigator, but she also has a softer side - the side that is a wife and mother, and it was interesting to see how that contrasted at times as well as how both sides worked together. It all comes together to make her the determined officer she is, the determined officer she needs to be to find a missing woman.
This is the first book in a new series by Chris Patchell, and it's everything I've come to expect from this author. The storytelling pulled me in from the start and I ended up finishing the book in a day. Now, I'm anxiously waiting to see what's next for Lacey James and those around her.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2021
When the first book in a new series is this good . . . you KNOW this author is going to be a favourite for a long long time!

I’ve never read anything by Chris Patchell before; an oversight that will soon be corrected. Find Her has all the earmarks of a top-notch psychological thriller. The peek into the mind of the perpetrator, the challenges that the Investigators face – some of which have nothing to do with the case. The resultant tapestry that emerges from the skillful weaving of the various threads in this piece brings forth a narrative that really couldn’t be any less shocking while at the same time being supremely fitting.

Patchell draws her characters with a sympathy and understanding that draws you in and keeps you engaged throughout. Find Her is a page-turner. Another book that kept me up till it was done.

[I was fortunate to receive a copy of Find Her from the author through the 2021 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review. The opinions contained herein are entirely my own and are given freely.]
60 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2022
This was the first book I've read by Chris Patchell and I really enjoyed it. The storylines were engrossing and the characters were well-rounded. Every author has their own writing style, and I found that Patchell's writing really pulled me in and kept me interested.

I have to say that the flow of the book struck me as really disjointed...until I read the afterword. Thanks for including that information as it provided a very logical explanation for everything that I had been thinking and feeling while reading:

While reading part II, I couldn't understand why the separate parts of the book seemed so totally distinct from each other. I found myself wondering if I had missed the fact that these were short stories and not intended to be a single novel. As I got farther into Part II, I felt as thought I had started reading a second book. I kept waiting for the second story to get tied back into the first part.

In this case, I think that my patience and my love of a good story and good writing paid off. I will definitely be trying other books by Chris Patchell!
182 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2021
Chris Patchell is a new author to me but I liked the summary of the book so I signed up to be an ARC reader and I’m glad I did. Lacey James is a small town cop in an area of rural Oregon that I know. She’s dogged and determined and manages to solve a case when all the clues seem to be spiralling off in different directions. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
351 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2021
The investigation of a reported shoplifting event leads into much more serious crimes. Will Officer Lacey James manage to solve them before it is too late?

Chris Patchell is one of my favorite authors. Her books are never as clear cut as they first appear. Through various twists and turns she leads the reader on an exciting journey and Find Her is no exception.

I received an ARC of Find Her for which I am voluntarily giving my opinion.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,272 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2024
Audiobook. Police woman gets a call about a robbery that turns into kidnapping and murder. Thrilling story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews

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