Invocations

Carpenter/Harding #13

by Barbara Winkes

Halloween is around the corner…

Detectives Carpenter and Harding are used to bizarre cases, but this one might take the cake: sightings of scary clowns, murders, a gruesome find on the grounds of an abandoned amusement park.
Did someone’s prank go horribly wrong, or is there something more sinister behind the incidents?

While Jordan, Ellie and their friends work hard to solve the case so citizens can have a safe holiday, another case brings up difficult memories.

Meanwhile, Kathryn needs help with a problem that might have far-reaching consequences for their family…

Genres: Lesbian

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.

Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.

Reviews

[Lisa]

3.5⭐️

[MaxDisaster]

3 stars
Murderous clowns. A group of murderous clowns. Damn. I remember this being all the range when I was in high school... Now I feel very old.

[Mari Stark]

This is book 13 of the Carpenter/Harding series

Jordan Carpenter and Ellie Harding are very good at what they do, and despite the weird things they encounter on their workdays, they’re ready to solve the cases. With Halloween being so close, their latest case might be a bit on the insane side. Clowns sightings, murders and horrid findings on an abandoned amusement park, although no matter what, they’re ready to find the clues and what lies beneath the surface. While they have their noses buried in this odd case, Kathryn shares with Jordan another problem she needs help with; the significance and cost of it could be high for her family.

Being the 13th book in the series, we know by now that the storyline is good, keeps the mystery going and the reader interested. Even though I got lost sometimes in the narrative, with a few leaps here and there, but didn't deter me from continuing reading and enjoying the story.

Is always good to see our favourite pair of detectives back and with a new mystery to solve, it is also very interesting to see glimpses of how their life together with their little girl Meri is moving on, as well as the people around them.

This book is not a standalone, you have to read the previous books in the series to understand completely the context, as well as the mentions of the story that have made an appearance in the other volumes.

The ending left the door open for book 14 and looks like it’s going to be another very intriguing mystery and a wild ride. I am looking forward to it.

I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily left my review.

[Patricia]

A ROLLER-COASTER.

So much happened here, it was an intriguing reading. The changes are welcome, it gives so many more options to work with, plot wise or not. But lemme tell you, some folks has no break in life like JD

Now I can say for sure, I'm sympathizing with Kathryn. Not saying Jordan should completely let it go, but you know, they can have something nice now. I wouldn't oppose hahahhaha

Skip to the end

*GASPS*

I thought Jordan and Ellie would've some break too, but Barbara chose to rain on their parade again. WOW I cannot wait for the next book and I hope we'll see Meri grown up to join the police academy too hahaha

[Kim]

Unlucky 13 for some

The new addition to the Ellie/Jordan series is a good one. I always thought it was fun to clown around, but this story shows us an ugly side of the fun. Masks, murder and mayhem are woven into this story, so you don't want to put it down. Barbara never disappoints wth her mysteries. Definitely a good read!

[Susan]

Wow!

This series gets better and better with each book! I'm definitely a fan of Barbara Winkes. This series has plenty of heart stopping excitement and head turning action for Detectives Carpenter and Harding and their fellow characters. There's never a dull moment in the book. I highly recommend this series for your must read list!

[Marybeth]

I am giving the series a 5 because the MC's really engaged me. Put a great couple and bizarre and tragic crimes together and it really holds your attention. I do think the author should have a copy writer go through all the books for extra words, missing words and grammar. It was a little distracting.

[Jen]

Awesome cases with lots of mystery & suspense

This book might be in the top 5 straight up cases, less intense & emotional but still lots of mystery & suspense to provide all the action & anticipation I crave. Oh may this series never end anytime soon!

[Molly]

clowns bring murderous drama, suspense and lethal action to a Halloween the team would likely rather forget

why clowns linked to violence like assault, theft, and murder?

vicious action and drama

[Karen. Gaesser]

excellent read

There isn’t much to dislike about this series!! Can’t wait for book 14!! Suspense and romance are always a good combination for a great series!!

[Michelle]

GreatRead

Ms Winkes never disappoints. The the Carpenter/Harding series is so wonderful to read. I love reading about each case and watching their relationship grow.

[Frances Bell]

Good book

I really enjoy this book I love the characters the story line I can't wait to read the next book I recommend this book I recommend the whole series