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Detective Sarah Spillman #7
Deadly Corruption
Why was Brandon Long shot in his Mercedes?
After surviving a near-fatal shooting, Denver homicide detective Sarah Spillman is planning her wedding, and she’s back on the job, investigating the mysterious death of Long. No one seems to know why he was in downtown Denver late at night after all the businesses were closed. As Sarah digs into her victim’s life, she wonders what secrets he was hiding that might have led to his death. With each new clue, her suspect list grows, from Long’s business associates to his wife. Would any of them have murdered Long, and would they come after Sarah?
Once again, Sarah must confront her worst fears as she nears a confrontation with a killer.
After surviving a near-fatal shooting, Denver homicide detective Sarah Spillman is planning her wedding, and she’s back on the job, investigating the mysterious death of Long. No one seems to know why he was in downtown Denver late at night after all the businesses were closed. As Sarah digs into her victim’s life, she wonders what secrets he was hiding that might have led to his death. With each new clue, her suspect list grows, from Long’s business associates to his wife. Would any of them have murdered Long, and would they come after Sarah?
Once again, Sarah must confront her worst fears as she nears a confrontation with a killer.
- GenresDetective
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2022
412 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
114 books346 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 20, 2022
An excellent addition to the continuing story of Detective Sarah Spillman. The reader is taken behind the scenes in a police murder investigation of a businessman who appears to have been in the wrong part of town when he was shot.
Sarah and her team spend a lot of time questioning people and checking records looking for a motive to lead them to the murderer. This gives the reader a good inside look at how a murder investigation proceeds and the frustrations faced by law enforcement.
I enjoyed the story and particularly the twist at the end when Sarah discovers who killed Brandon Long and why.
We also learn more about the relationship between Sarah and Harry and their upcoming nuptials.
Ms. Pawlish packs a lot into a single novel. It is no wonder her books are one of my favorite book series. I don’t think I have missed a single one since I started reading them starting with an early Reed Ferguson story.
Sarah and her team spend a lot of time questioning people and checking records looking for a motive to lead them to the murderer. This gives the reader a good inside look at how a murder investigation proceeds and the frustrations faced by law enforcement.
I enjoyed the story and particularly the twist at the end when Sarah discovers who killed Brandon Long and why.
We also learn more about the relationship between Sarah and Harry and their upcoming nuptials.
Ms. Pawlish packs a lot into a single novel. It is no wonder her books are one of my favorite book series. I don’t think I have missed a single one since I started reading them starting with an early Reed Ferguson story.
February 10, 2022
I'll start by saying that I am a Renee Pawlish fan. I love her different series and the way she integrates the supporting characters into the story and makes them interesting, real, and integral to the plot. The Sarah Spillman series is no exception. Sarah was a minor character in the Reed Ferguson books - his contact at the police department - but she was interesting and complex enough that I was looking forward to having her "star" in her own stories. Personally, I believe that this is the best yet. Her partners, Ernie and Spats, are still a big and vital part of the book as it's Sarah's relationship with her fiance, Harry. The plot is complicated and definitely keeps you guessing , but still leaves room for the human element. There's a murder, of course. There is misdirection, characters added, and more interaction with other detectives at the station. Pawlish brings in the police procedures without it feeling mundane or boring, but still shows the fatigue and repetion necessary to work the case. I highly recommend this book, this series and this author.
January 20, 2022
Ms. Pawlish's books are always well plotted. I expect and look for surprising twists, but I didn't see this one coming. There are characters I love to love, such as Sarah and friends, and there are characters I love to hate... so many in this book! There are plenty of suspects, and I would have loved to see any of them charged with the crime. But being selfish and stupid are not against the law, and Sarah always follows the law. And she always gets her man (or woman). If you enjoy good, clean mysteries without explicit language and with realistic relationships that are true-to-life, you will love this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that I love this author's work and highly recommend this series as well as her other books.
July 6, 2023
That Icky Feeling When Something Is Not Right
What an exciting nail-biter! A businessman is found shot in a sleazy part of town and nothing adds up! This is the 7th book in a police procedural series that is best enjoyed when read in order. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Things were not adding up and were getting odd at the same time. These stories are so good! I have been reading them in order and am not tired of them yet. They are so interesting, but no sex, violence, or bad language. These clean stories may refer to other things, but nothing is ever in your face. I am going to continue on and read the entire series!
What an exciting nail-biter! A businessman is found shot in a sleazy part of town and nothing adds up! This is the 7th book in a police procedural series that is best enjoyed when read in order. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Things were not adding up and were getting odd at the same time. These stories are so good! I have been reading them in order and am not tired of them yet. They are so interesting, but no sex, violence, or bad language. These clean stories may refer to other things, but nothing is ever in your face. I am going to continue on and read the entire series!
January 20, 2022
Deadly Corruption had me zooming through the pages trying to navigate the various roads Renee Pawlish led me down. Filled with enough turns that kept me guessing clear towards the end as to who might be the culprit, this was not a bumpy ride. Pawlish keeps peeling back more layers of main character, Sarah Spillman, to where she has become someone you really want to know and have as a friend. The other characters, especially Sarah's fellow detectives, also draw you in.
I recommend the Sarah Spillman series by Renee Pawlish and its newest addition, Deadly Corruption.
I recommend the Sarah Spillman series by Renee Pawlish and its newest addition, Deadly Corruption.
January 19, 2022
Pawlish definitely has another hit on her hands with this latest Sarah Spillman book.
I enjoyed it and also liked seeing so much more of the human side of Sarah. When she appeared in the Reed series she was so stoic, brash, short with him. She's definitely not that here.
Good plot, was easy to read quickly. The kind you can't put down. And Finally.......!
I enjoyed it and also liked seeing so much more of the human side of Sarah. When she appeared in the Reed series she was so stoic, brash, short with him. She's definitely not that here.
Good plot, was easy to read quickly. The kind you can't put down. And Finally.......!
January 19, 2022
Deadly Corruption is the latest Sarah Spillman mystery by Renee Pawlish. A businessman murdered in downtown Denver has Detective Spillman going round and round interviewing perspective suspects. There are lots of twists and turns keeping you turning the pages to determine who really done it. Another great read. I received an ARC for my honest review. Grab your copy now!!!
March 16, 2023
To little and almost to late.
When one wrong move broke the police gang,,it took a little while for the strange doings to gel and form the whole truth..It took halfway through this murder to start to figure out who was the thieves..Wrapped up the cases with one solid blow(putting pieces together).
When one wrong move broke the police gang,,it took a little while for the strange doings to gel and form the whole truth..It took halfway through this murder to start to figure out who was the thieves..Wrapped up the cases with one solid blow(putting pieces together).
January 22, 2022
So glad to see Sarah again! After her recovery, she is getting back in the loop when she and her partners, Spats and Ernie have their next assignment. Several twists and turns in this one. Loved it.
December 29, 2022
Detectives
When working a murder axe you find out more about people then you want to know. Renee Pawlish has written a wonderful story about life and death that will catch your imagination right off. Read!!
When working a murder axe you find out more about people then you want to know. Renee Pawlish has written a wonderful story about life and death that will catch your imagination right off. Read!!
May 9, 2023
Good reading
As a person who enjoys mystery , this was well written.
No political crap, just clean reading.
Good detective work, I always like to see a lady get a appreciation
when they do well.
Thanks
Rose
As a person who enjoys mystery , this was well written.
No political crap, just clean reading.
Good detective work, I always like to see a lady get a appreciation
when they do well.
Thanks
Rose
January 21, 2024
awesome story great ending
DEADLY CORRUPTION is not only a great name for the book but also very descriptive of the story. I appreciate it when titles match the contents of the book. This is a quick read and a wonderful story.
DEADLY CORRUPTION is not only a great name for the book but also very descriptive of the story. I appreciate it when titles match the contents of the book. This is a quick read and a wonderful story.
October 1, 2025
This book is filled with foreshadowing which leads the reader to the solution before it enfolds. Still, it is done in an artful way that still makes you want to see its fulfillment. Happily ever after ending always make a book better.
January 11, 2022
Recieved ARC:
I kept getting caught up in the story and forgetting to check for errors, lol. Ms Pawlish has got another winner here♡
I kept getting caught up in the story and forgetting to check for errors, lol. Ms Pawlish has got another winner here♡
January 19, 2022
This the latest in the Sarah Spillman mystery series. As usual, Renee Pawlish gives us a well crafted mystery. I love this series.
January 31, 2022
Great easy read …
I really enjoy this series … Detective Sarah Spillman, Ernie & Spats.
Keep them coming Renee, am looking for the next one already.
I really enjoy this series … Detective Sarah Spillman, Ernie & Spats.
Keep them coming Renee, am looking for the next one already.
February 4, 2022
Murder, unsolved burglaries, New guy from robbery? Who did it and why l!
February 28, 2022
Great read
This story has you thinking one way then another. Keeps you grinning the pages figuratively speaking. After all it is an ebook.
This story has you thinking one way then another. Keeps you grinning the pages figuratively speaking. After all it is an ebook.
April 9, 2022
I absolutely love this series of books. It’s always great from start to finish. The ending to this book wasn’t what I expected but I’m glad. I love a twist and something unexpected.
February 2, 2023
Always a good read
April 21, 2025
This is an entertaining police procedural with some twists and some corruption. I enjoy the characters and the mystery itself and the happy ending. Very entertaining!
December 20, 2025
I figured out this book early on! Sarah needs to keep herself out of dangerous situations!
February 12, 2022
Another exciting episode
If only Sarah, Spats and Ernie were real cops, the world would be a safer place! Enjoyed this episode as it mixed more emotion in with the procedures and personalities. So happy she and Harry finally married!
If only Sarah, Spats and Ernie were real cops, the world would be a safer place! Enjoyed this episode as it mixed more emotion in with the procedures and personalities. So happy she and Harry finally married!
July 3, 2022
Deadly Corruption (Detective Sarah Spillman Mystery Series Book 7), my fiftY-first read from author Renee Pawlish. I read it in one sitting, in just a few hours. Great characters, great storyline, a must-read! Yeah, it is that good! As Pawlish expands her writings over 3 primary characters it has improved all three. This is perhaps her best book yet. A Renee Pawlish book is like a visit with an old friend. “I received a free 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 the next book in this series when it's published. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews