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Ellery Hathaway #4
Every Waking Hour
10 hours, 43 minutes
The fourth book in Joanna Schaffhausen's heartpounding Ellery Hathaway mystery series, Every Waking Hour....
After surviving a serial killer’s abduction as a young teenager, Ellery Hathaway is finally attempting a normal life. She has a new job as a rookie Boston detective and a fledgling relationship with Reed Markham, the FBI agent who rescued her years ago. But when a twelve-year-old girl disappears on Ellery’s watch, the troubling case opens deep wounds that never fully healed.
Chloe Lockhart walked away from a busy street fair and vanished into the crowd. Maybe she was fleeing the suffocating surveillance her parents put on her from the time she was born, or maybe the evil from her parents’ past finally caught up to her. For Chloe, as Ellery learns, is not the first child Teresa Lockhart has lost.
Ellery knows what it’s like to have the past stalk you, to hold your breath around every corner. Sending one kidnapped girl to find another could be Chloe’s only hope or an unmitigated disaster that dooms them both. Ellery must untangle the labyrinth of secrets inside the Lockhart household -- secrets that have already murdered one child. Each second that ticks by reminds her of her own lost hours, how close she came to death, and how near it still remains.
The fourth book in Joanna Schaffhausen's heartpounding Ellery Hathaway mystery series, Every Waking Hour....
After surviving a serial killer’s abduction as a young teenager, Ellery Hathaway is finally attempting a normal life. She has a new job as a rookie Boston detective and a fledgling relationship with Reed Markham, the FBI agent who rescued her years ago. But when a twelve-year-old girl disappears on Ellery’s watch, the troubling case opens deep wounds that never fully healed.
Chloe Lockhart walked away from a busy street fair and vanished into the crowd. Maybe she was fleeing the suffocating surveillance her parents put on her from the time she was born, or maybe the evil from her parents’ past finally caught up to her. For Chloe, as Ellery learns, is not the first child Teresa Lockhart has lost.
Ellery knows what it’s like to have the past stalk you, to hold your breath around every corner. Sending one kidnapped girl to find another could be Chloe’s only hope or an unmitigated disaster that dooms them both. Ellery must untangle the labyrinth of secrets inside the Lockhart household -- secrets that have already murdered one child. Each second that ticks by reminds her of her own lost hours, how close she came to death, and how near it still remains.
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First published January 26, 2021
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About the author
Joanna Schaffhausen
12 books1,216 followersJoanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.
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November 25, 2021
Every Waking Hour (Ellery Hathaway #4) by Joanna Schaffhausen
In Every Waking Hour, the fourth book in the Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham series, Ellery and Reed, the FBI agent who saved her from a serial killer years ago, have moved forward in their quiet relationship. Ellery will never be "okay" after her kidnap, rape, and torture, all those years ago, but she's now a detective in Boston and Reed and his seven year old daughter, Tula, are visiting her. And then there is the ever present Speed Bump, Ellery's cute, lumbering Basset Hound.
The story begins with a missing twelve year old who seems to just walk away from her nanny, under her own free will. But soon after, there is a note from someone saying that they have her and this is all happening due to transgressions on the part of Chloe's mom. Reed, as an FBI profiler and Ellery, as an expert in child abductions, set to work trying to understand just what has happened to Chloe and who might have her.
While being wrapped up in this quick moving case, which involves at least three families with shady characters in each of them, Reed and Ellery are also dealing with Reed's ex wife and the threat of her allowing Tula to have less time in his life. Sarit, Reed's ex, doesn't like Ellery, doesn't want Tula around her, and is deeply bitter about Reed's commitment to his job and Ellery. Having been with these characters for four books now, it's easy to move right into the story and their heads, feeling the tension, doubts, and fears of the characters. The story ends with signs of a fifth offering on the horizon and I cannot wait to be with Ellery and Reed again.
Publication date: January 26, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
In Every Waking Hour, the fourth book in the Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham series, Ellery and Reed, the FBI agent who saved her from a serial killer years ago, have moved forward in their quiet relationship. Ellery will never be "okay" after her kidnap, rape, and torture, all those years ago, but she's now a detective in Boston and Reed and his seven year old daughter, Tula, are visiting her. And then there is the ever present Speed Bump, Ellery's cute, lumbering Basset Hound.
The story begins with a missing twelve year old who seems to just walk away from her nanny, under her own free will. But soon after, there is a note from someone saying that they have her and this is all happening due to transgressions on the part of Chloe's mom. Reed, as an FBI profiler and Ellery, as an expert in child abductions, set to work trying to understand just what has happened to Chloe and who might have her.
While being wrapped up in this quick moving case, which involves at least three families with shady characters in each of them, Reed and Ellery are also dealing with Reed's ex wife and the threat of her allowing Tula to have less time in his life. Sarit, Reed's ex, doesn't like Ellery, doesn't want Tula around her, and is deeply bitter about Reed's commitment to his job and Ellery. Having been with these characters for four books now, it's easy to move right into the story and their heads, feeling the tension, doubts, and fears of the characters. The story ends with signs of a fifth offering on the horizon and I cannot wait to be with Ellery and Reed again.
Publication date: January 26, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 24, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
Book 4 reunites, Ellery Hathaway, now a rookie Boston detective and her new partner, Dorie with FBI profiler, Reed Markham, the agent who rescued her when she was abducted as a child.
This case- they must find 12 year old Chloe Lockhart, who disappeared into a crowd, at a busy street fair that Ellery and Reed were attending with his young daughter, Tula, from a previous marriage.
Ellery continues to have good instincts but bad judgment, and Reed is still trying to save the girl he rescued.
I enjoyed this book more than the previous book in the series, because I enjoyed getting to know Tula and her Mom, Sarit and Ellery’s half sister, Ashley who was introduced in book 3.
BUT-I am still not a fan of an Ellery/Reed relationship or “open door bedroom scenes” in my police procedurals or mysteries.
One more to go in my “series buddy read” with my good friend, DeAnn-please be sure to check out her review to see if she is rooting for this couple, or if we both are wishing that each will find love and happiness elsewhere!
This book is available now with #5 in the series, publishing in January 2022.
Book 4 reunites, Ellery Hathaway, now a rookie Boston detective and her new partner, Dorie with FBI profiler, Reed Markham, the agent who rescued her when she was abducted as a child.
This case- they must find 12 year old Chloe Lockhart, who disappeared into a crowd, at a busy street fair that Ellery and Reed were attending with his young daughter, Tula, from a previous marriage.
Ellery continues to have good instincts but bad judgment, and Reed is still trying to save the girl he rescued.
I enjoyed this book more than the previous book in the series, because I enjoyed getting to know Tula and her Mom, Sarit and Ellery’s half sister, Ashley who was introduced in book 3.
BUT-I am still not a fan of an Ellery/Reed relationship or “open door bedroom scenes” in my police procedurals or mysteries.
One more to go in my “series buddy read” with my good friend, DeAnn-please be sure to check out her review to see if she is rooting for this couple, or if we both are wishing that each will find love and happiness elsewhere!
This book is available now with #5 in the series, publishing in January 2022.
November 29, 2020
4.5*
Book four of the Ellery Hathaway series.
And all I can say is fabulous! Yet another superb read. This series just keeps getting better.
Ellery is spending some much needed downtime from her job as a rookie police detective, together with her love, Reed Markham. Who remarkably happens to be the FBI agent that helped rescue Ellery years ago. She had been abducted and was being held captive by a madman when she was just a teen. Not surprisingly, they have formed a special bond and now exploring how far to take their relationship.
But can either of them truly be off the clock from their jobs? Not in this particular line of work. After a young teen vanishes from the local fair they’re visiting, they automatically take the lead in the investigation to find her before time runs out.
Once again, Joanna Schaffhausen has written a brilliant addition to this series that will have you super-glued to the pages. An equal mix of police procedural and romance. I loved watching Ellery and Reed navigate the case along with their budding relationship.
I highly recommend this complete series, and though this book can easily stand on its own, starting with book one The Vanishing Season will give you the best reading experience.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both enjoyed immensely.
Thank you to Minotaur Books via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review.
Book four of the Ellery Hathaway series.
And all I can say is fabulous! Yet another superb read. This series just keeps getting better.
Ellery is spending some much needed downtime from her job as a rookie police detective, together with her love, Reed Markham. Who remarkably happens to be the FBI agent that helped rescue Ellery years ago. She had been abducted and was being held captive by a madman when she was just a teen. Not surprisingly, they have formed a special bond and now exploring how far to take their relationship.
But can either of them truly be off the clock from their jobs? Not in this particular line of work. After a young teen vanishes from the local fair they’re visiting, they automatically take the lead in the investigation to find her before time runs out.
Once again, Joanna Schaffhausen has written a brilliant addition to this series that will have you super-glued to the pages. An equal mix of police procedural and romance. I loved watching Ellery and Reed navigate the case along with their budding relationship.
I highly recommend this complete series, and though this book can easily stand on its own, starting with book one The Vanishing Season will give you the best reading experience.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both enjoyed immensely.
Thank you to Minotaur Books via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review.
October 28, 2020
This review was first posted on Mystery and Suspense. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
3.5 stars
In this 4th book in the 'Ellery Hathaway' series, the police detective searches for a missing girl. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
As a young teenager, Ellery Hathaway was abducted by a sadistic serial killer who raped her, carved her up with a knife, and shut her up in a dank, putrid closet.
Ellery was on the point of death when she was rescued by FBI Agent Reed Markham.
Hathaway and Markham's names have been linked ever since in articles, books, and movies about the perpetrator, Francis Michael Coben, who murdered at least 17 girls. The publicity adds to Ellery's distress, because people are constantly approaching her to ask questions and stare at her scars.
Nevertheless, Ellery goes on to become a Boston police detective.....
.....and sometimes works on cases with her rescuer, Virginia-based Agent Reed Markham.
After Reed's wife divorces him for being a workaholic, Reed and Ellery become a romantic couple, and Reed may be the one person who understands Ellery's PTSD, anxiety, and difficulty with physical and emotional closeness.
As the story opens Reed and his 7-year-old daughter Tula are on vacation in Massachusetts, and Reed, Tula, Ellery, and Ellery's basset hound Speed Bump (aka Bump) are visiting a lively street fair on the Boston Common.
Tula and Bump are having an especially good time.....
.....and Bump even snatches an ice cream cone when a horde of children crowd around to play with him.
Reed, Tula, and Ellery are settling down to eat tacos Reed purchased when a woman starts screeching, "Help! She's gone! Someone, please help me!"
The woman, a nanny called Margery Brimwood, can't find her charge, 12-year-old Chloe Lockhart. Margery explains that Chloe went to buy a snack from a food truck an hour ago, and never returned - and she's not answering her phone.
Ellery and Reed immediately start to search for the girl. They learn that Chloe's parents, Teresa and Martin Lockhart, instructed nanny Margery to keep a close eye on Chloe at ALL times.
The reason for this is a tragedy in Teresa's past. When Teresa was married to her first husband Ethan Stone, their 12-year-old son Trevor was murdered in their home, as was the housekeeper. The killer has never been caught, and Teresa lives in constant fear that something will happen to Chloe.
Chloe's close supervision leads to suspicions that she sneaked off on purpose, to get a taste of independence. Still, with Ellery's abduction constantly in the backs of their minds, Ellery and Reed take Chloe's disappearance very seriously. They get CCTV footage from the area around the fair; question nanny Margery Brimwood; interview Chloe's parents; visit Teresa's ex-husband Ethan Stone; speak to Chloe's school friends; publicize Chloe's photo; ask the public for assistance; and so on.
Because of the hubbub of the investigation, Reed and Tula move from their hotel room to Ellery's apartment, so the detectives can work together and discuss the case. Tula is thrilled with this, since she gets to play with Bump, but Reed's ex-wife Sarit STRONGLY disapproves, because she thinks Ellery is troubled and unstable.
The search for Chloe gets off to a slow start, but soon picks up. Ellery and Reed uncover many secrets and scandals as they desperately look for the missing girl, who they hope to bring back alive. The hunt is especially distressing for Ellery, who gets flashbacks to her own abduction.
In the midst of the case, Ellery's teenage half-sister Ashley hops a bus from Michigan, for a surprise visit with her sibling.
Ellery's houseguests now include Reed, Tula, and Ashley, which is hard on Ellery, who views her small apartment - with its triple-locked door - as her personal sanctuary. Still, Ellery deals pretty well, with Tula on the sofa, Ashley on an air mattress, and food from take-out and delivery shops.
By the end of the book Ellery has made important discoveries about the case and herself, and the reader gets a hint of what to expect in the next addition to the series.
This is an engaging police procedural that takes the reader on a wild ride through Boston and its environs.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author (Joanna Schaffhausen), and the publisher (Minotaur Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
March 6, 2024
Newly minted probationary Boston PD detective Ellery Hathaway must face old and new fears in Every Waking Hour. Her least/most fearful experience is when Reed Markham fetches lunch for her and Tula, Reed daughter, leaving Ellery in charge of a small child and her pink glitter purse. Leash not included.
While enjoying the beautiful day on the Boston Common, a panicked nanny crosses Ellery and Reed’s path. Her charge, twelve year old Chloe Lockhart went to a food truck and has disappeared. Both Ellery and Reed know not to take this disappearance lightly.
As a fourteen year old, Ellery was kidnapped by a serial killer, tortured and kept in a small fetid closet until FBI Special Agent Reed Markham followed a hunch and rescued her. Years later Ellery and Reed are in a developing relationship. Not so easy for a woman who needs her physical and psychological space more than anything.
Chloe hails from a wealthy family well versed in tragedy. This has so warped her parents' outlook that Chloe sees herself as a prisoner of her parent’s fears.
Runaway, or kidnapped, those are the two main reasons a young woman can disappear. Chicago PD and the FBI considered Ellery a runaway, wasting a full day before realizing she was most likely victim 17 of the serial killer they were hunting. Ellery is determined not to let this happen to Chloe. Luckily, Ellery is a like a missile, she locks on target and doesn’t allow chaff to get in her way.
Reed offers his expertise as an FBI profiler to the Boston PD. Tula is all in on this vacation change.
Ellery hears the clock ticking for herself and Chloe. In the meantime, Ellery is both distracted and helped when her small loft apartment is turned into the clown car of apartments. A woman who could barely let Reed through the door is suddenly invaded by unexpected guests, including one angry ex-wife.
Sarit, Reed’s ex-wife is a piece of work. She gained a husband, baby, and shared a million dollars from the book they wrote together on the back of Ellery’s unimaginable ordeal and rescue. Yet Sarit judges and blocks Ellery at almost every turn. My new “love to hate”
Ellery Hathaway is a strong character, not always easy to like. Ellery is a survivor who has barely recovered, yet is fighting so hard to make a true life for herself; little girl’s pink glitter purses and plastic ponies included. Ever since Reed rescued her, Ellery has fought to reclaim herself and be the woman she was meant to be. This is a police procedural, but it is also a study in survival; and the book excels on both levels.
Reed is not the typical hero, he saved Ellery once, but Reed is starting to realize opening the nailed closet door where Ellery lay very close to death is as far as he can take her. Reed also realizes he needs to a take a good look at his own life.
Ahh I just realized I inadvertently included a prime example of Schaffhausen genius with words. I just mentioned a nailed closet. Other readers I mention this series to, from husband, to friends to fellow reviewers, always, always mention the nailed closet. Powerful unforgettable imagery.
The story is tight, a necessity because the first rule of investigations: everyone has secrets and everyone lies. Ellery and Reed have to wade through them as the hours pass.
Every Waking Hour may be tight, but it is also beautifully written with rare insight into not just evil, but the human heart.
This limited series is about Ellery and Reed’s investigations. Each book is very different from the previous. They are not the same old same old; Schaffhausen manages to keep all of the stories fresh and worthy of your reading time, but with enough back story to catch you up.
As for Every Waking Hour ending in a cliff hangar, not really. Since the fifth book is likely the end of the series, any reader knows there is one last reckoning."
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC. The opinions are all my own.
While enjoying the beautiful day on the Boston Common, a panicked nanny crosses Ellery and Reed’s path. Her charge, twelve year old Chloe Lockhart went to a food truck and has disappeared. Both Ellery and Reed know not to take this disappearance lightly.
As a fourteen year old, Ellery was kidnapped by a serial killer, tortured and kept in a small fetid closet until FBI Special Agent Reed Markham followed a hunch and rescued her. Years later Ellery and Reed are in a developing relationship. Not so easy for a woman who needs her physical and psychological space more than anything.
Chloe hails from a wealthy family well versed in tragedy. This has so warped her parents' outlook that Chloe sees herself as a prisoner of her parent’s fears.
Runaway, or kidnapped, those are the two main reasons a young woman can disappear. Chicago PD and the FBI considered Ellery a runaway, wasting a full day before realizing she was most likely victim 17 of the serial killer they were hunting. Ellery is determined not to let this happen to Chloe. Luckily, Ellery is a like a missile, she locks on target and doesn’t allow chaff to get in her way.
Reed offers his expertise as an FBI profiler to the Boston PD. Tula is all in on this vacation change.
Ellery hears the clock ticking for herself and Chloe. In the meantime, Ellery is both distracted and helped when her small loft apartment is turned into the clown car of apartments. A woman who could barely let Reed through the door is suddenly invaded by unexpected guests, including one angry ex-wife.
Sarit, Reed’s ex-wife is a piece of work. She gained a husband, baby, and shared a million dollars from the book they wrote together on the back of Ellery’s unimaginable ordeal and rescue. Yet Sarit judges and blocks Ellery at almost every turn. My new “love to hate”
Ellery Hathaway is a strong character, not always easy to like. Ellery is a survivor who has barely recovered, yet is fighting so hard to make a true life for herself; little girl’s pink glitter purses and plastic ponies included. Ever since Reed rescued her, Ellery has fought to reclaim herself and be the woman she was meant to be. This is a police procedural, but it is also a study in survival; and the book excels on both levels.
Reed is not the typical hero, he saved Ellery once, but Reed is starting to realize opening the nailed closet door where Ellery lay very close to death is as far as he can take her. Reed also realizes he needs to a take a good look at his own life.
Ahh I just realized I inadvertently included a prime example of Schaffhausen genius with words. I just mentioned a nailed closet. Other readers I mention this series to, from husband, to friends to fellow reviewers, always, always mention the nailed closet. Powerful unforgettable imagery.
The story is tight, a necessity because the first rule of investigations: everyone has secrets and everyone lies. Ellery and Reed have to wade through them as the hours pass.
Every Waking Hour may be tight, but it is also beautifully written with rare insight into not just evil, but the human heart.
This limited series is about Ellery and Reed’s investigations. Each book is very different from the previous. They are not the same old same old; Schaffhausen manages to keep all of the stories fresh and worthy of your reading time, but with enough back story to catch you up.
As for Every Waking Hour ending in a cliff hangar, not really. Since the fifth book is likely the end of the series, any reader knows there is one last reckoning."
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC. The opinions are all my own.
November 29, 2020
Sometimes being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference!
Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham’s relationship has finally progressed to the next level and it’s about time. If only they could sit back and enjoy it!
Unfortunately for Ellery, while out and about in Boston with Reed and his daughter Tula, both Reed and Ellery are on the scene when twelve year old Chloe Lockhart goes missing. It’s an eerily familiar moment for Ellery as she was kidnapped at the age of fourteen and yet, all she can focus on right now is finding Chloe Lockhart.
As an FBI Profiler, Reed Markham consults with the Boston PD, which is extremely helpful when the team finds out that the Lockhart family has had more than one family tragedy.
Noone is safe and tensions are high. It’s therefore only a matter of time before something goes awry.
A crazy, enthralling mystery suspense that engaged all of my senses from the get go, “Every Waking Hour” delivers!
As for the ending, thanks for that epic cliffhanger, Joanna Schaffhausen! I cannot wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
A fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Joanna Schaffhausen for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 11.29.20.
Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham’s relationship has finally progressed to the next level and it’s about time. If only they could sit back and enjoy it!
Unfortunately for Ellery, while out and about in Boston with Reed and his daughter Tula, both Reed and Ellery are on the scene when twelve year old Chloe Lockhart goes missing. It’s an eerily familiar moment for Ellery as she was kidnapped at the age of fourteen and yet, all she can focus on right now is finding Chloe Lockhart.
As an FBI Profiler, Reed Markham consults with the Boston PD, which is extremely helpful when the team finds out that the Lockhart family has had more than one family tragedy.
Noone is safe and tensions are high. It’s therefore only a matter of time before something goes awry.
A crazy, enthralling mystery suspense that engaged all of my senses from the get go, “Every Waking Hour” delivers!
As for the ending, thanks for that epic cliffhanger, Joanna Schaffhausen! I cannot wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
A fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Joanna Schaffhausen for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 11.29.20.
April 14, 2021
Another thrilling entry in the Ellery & Reed series
Ellery Hathaway is trying to have a normal life. She's attempting to become a police detective in Boston. She's even trying to have a relationship with Reed Markham. But then Chloe Lockhart, a twelve-year-old girl, goes missing, and the case threatens everything Ellery has tried to build. Ellery has many scars--physical and emotional--from her own kidnapping. Is sending a former kidnapped child out to find another the right thing to do? Every moment that Chloe is missing reminds Ellery of her past--and how much she wants, needs, to find Chloe.
I just love the Ellery and Reed series so very much. Book number four is yet another excellent entry. There are two parallel case running, and both keep your attention. I love the tension between Reed and Ellery and how well so many present-day cases can tie back to Ellery's past. She's damaged, yes, but so strong. This is a compelling read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. And, the epilogue, oh my gosh! What a cliffhanger!
I cannot recommend this entire series enough! 4 stars, and I cannot wait for book #5.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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Ellery Hathaway is trying to have a normal life. She's attempting to become a police detective in Boston. She's even trying to have a relationship with Reed Markham. But then Chloe Lockhart, a twelve-year-old girl, goes missing, and the case threatens everything Ellery has tried to build. Ellery has many scars--physical and emotional--from her own kidnapping. Is sending a former kidnapped child out to find another the right thing to do? Every moment that Chloe is missing reminds Ellery of her past--and how much she wants, needs, to find Chloe.
I just love the Ellery and Reed series so very much. Book number four is yet another excellent entry. There are two parallel case running, and both keep your attention. I love the tension between Reed and Ellery and how well so many present-day cases can tie back to Ellery's past. She's damaged, yes, but so strong. This is a compelling read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. And, the epilogue, oh my gosh! What a cliffhanger!
I cannot recommend this entire series enough! 4 stars, and I cannot wait for book #5.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
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April 14, 2020Yay, it's Reed and Ellery #4!
After surviving a serial killer’s abduction as a young teenager, Ellery Hathaway is finally attempting a normal life. She has a new job as a rookie Boston detective and a fledgling relationship with Reed Markham, the FBI agent who rescued her years ago. But when a twelve-year-old girl disappears on Ellery’s watch, the troubling case opens deep wounds that never fully healed.
Chloe Lockhart walked away from a busy street fair and vanished into the crowd. Maybe she was fleeing the suffocating surveillance her parents put on her from the time she was born, or maybe the evil from her parents’ past finally caught up to her. For Chloe, as Ellery learns, is not the first child Teresa Lockhart has lost.
Ellery knows what it’s like to have the past stalk you, to hold your breath around every corner. Sending one kidnapped girl to find another could be Chloe’s only hope or an unmitigated disaster that dooms them both. Ellery must untangle the labyrinth of secrets inside the Lockhart household—secrets that have already murdered one child. Each second that ticks by reminds of her own lost hours, how close she came to death, and how near it still remains.
After surviving a serial killer’s abduction as a young teenager, Ellery Hathaway is finally attempting a normal life. She has a new job as a rookie Boston detective and a fledgling relationship with Reed Markham, the FBI agent who rescued her years ago. But when a twelve-year-old girl disappears on Ellery’s watch, the troubling case opens deep wounds that never fully healed.
Chloe Lockhart walked away from a busy street fair and vanished into the crowd. Maybe she was fleeing the suffocating surveillance her parents put on her from the time she was born, or maybe the evil from her parents’ past finally caught up to her. For Chloe, as Ellery learns, is not the first child Teresa Lockhart has lost.
Ellery knows what it’s like to have the past stalk you, to hold your breath around every corner. Sending one kidnapped girl to find another could be Chloe’s only hope or an unmitigated disaster that dooms them both. Ellery must untangle the labyrinth of secrets inside the Lockhart household—secrets that have already murdered one child. Each second that ticks by reminds of her own lost hours, how close she came to death, and how near it still remains.
March 28, 2021
This book was a fantastic read! I savored this book by reading it slowly to fully enjoy the story. It's been a year since I read book 3 so I forgot for a moment there that Ellery had a sister. I appreciate the reminder of what happened from the last book. The author captured well on the scenes of Tula and dogs with lots of laughters. The scene with Chloe's friend was well written in tween behavior. I liked the word choices where Justin described his dad. The mystery was awesome. I couldn't guess the ending. It's so good when it was revealed and it made sense. I liked the message about how parents try to protect their kids from harm but harm still find its way in. As well as the message that not everyone is bad. It's definitely difficult to detect who's bad and it's always freaky to know the bad ones are the normal looking one.
This book started with Ellery, Reed, Reed's daughter Tula, 7, and Ellery's dog Speed Bump at the fair, a chance for Ellery to get to know Tula because she's now dating Reed. Tula decided to play hide-and-seek without telling Ellery and she got panicked until Speed Bump came to the rescue. Just then a woman rushed by calling for Chloe, 12. The nanny let her went off to buy food by herself and lost contact with her. When Ellery head out to search for the girl, she found the girl's cell phone tossed in the garbage. The alternative view was Reed, Special Agent specialized in finding missing children, told in the third person point of view. He's in Boston visiting but being in the FBI, got invited in to help find Chloe. Chloe's missing and her mom is being targeted. They are investigating whether Chloe left willingly to punish her mom's strict parenting or if her being missing had anything to do with her mom's unsolved past.
Every Waking Hour was very well written and a couldn't put down read! Love the twist on where Chloe's second cell phone came from. I didn't see it coming as well as the ending. I loved cold cases and this book brought in an unsolved murder from 20 years ago. The puzzle was interesting because it dealt with murders happened in different cities and the cause of death in different styles with a weapon floating somewhere in between. I liked how Reed and Ellery cared so much to rescue missing kids that they put themselves last in the priority list for the day. The ending with a new case hanging out there, makes me yearn to read the next book. I'm excited for another installment to this series! This is my longest read series where I have read from book 1 and I highly recommend everyone to read it!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book started with Ellery, Reed, Reed's daughter Tula, 7, and Ellery's dog Speed Bump at the fair, a chance for Ellery to get to know Tula because she's now dating Reed. Tula decided to play hide-and-seek without telling Ellery and she got panicked until Speed Bump came to the rescue. Just then a woman rushed by calling for Chloe, 12. The nanny let her went off to buy food by herself and lost contact with her. When Ellery head out to search for the girl, she found the girl's cell phone tossed in the garbage. The alternative view was Reed, Special Agent specialized in finding missing children, told in the third person point of view. He's in Boston visiting but being in the FBI, got invited in to help find Chloe. Chloe's missing and her mom is being targeted. They are investigating whether Chloe left willingly to punish her mom's strict parenting or if her being missing had anything to do with her mom's unsolved past.
Every Waking Hour was very well written and a couldn't put down read! Love the twist on where Chloe's second cell phone came from. I didn't see it coming as well as the ending. I loved cold cases and this book brought in an unsolved murder from 20 years ago. The puzzle was interesting because it dealt with murders happened in different cities and the cause of death in different styles with a weapon floating somewhere in between. I liked how Reed and Ellery cared so much to rescue missing kids that they put themselves last in the priority list for the day. The ending with a new case hanging out there, makes me yearn to read the next book. I'm excited for another installment to this series! This is my longest read series where I have read from book 1 and I highly recommend everyone to read it!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
March 21, 2021
I am sad to think that Every Waking Hour was the fourth and final book in the Ellery Hathaway series by Joanna Schaffhausen. I really came to look forward to the next mystery Ellery and Reed would try and solve together and what dangerous encounters they might face. Maybe Joanna Schaffhausen will consider writing more books in this series. I hope so. I listened to the audiobook of Every Waking Hour. It was narrated by Seth Polowitz and Danielle Censler. I didn’t like these narrators as well as the narrator that had read the first three books. Overall, Every Waking Hour proved to be another heart pounding and tension filled book with lots of twists.
In Every Waking Hour, the strong attraction Ellery and Reed had begun to feel toward each other could no longer be denied. It could no longer take a back seat. Being girlfriend and boyfriend was not an easy role for Ellery, though. Her past kept creeping into her relationship with Reed and hindered her from embracing a “normal” relationship. Reed’s patience and understanding of Ellery’s issues was touching. Ellery was working again. She was now a detective in Boston. Reed had come to visit her and spend time with Ellery in Boston. With him also came his young daughter. The three of them were in a park one day when they were confronted by a hysterical nanny of a missing young girl. Ellery and Reed were instantly dragged into in a frantic search for the missing girl. Was she kidnapped? Would they find her in time? Did this case hit too close to home for Ellery?
There were lots of twists and turns in this fast paced mystery/thriller. It will have you at the edge of your seat unable to pull away for fear something else might happen. I highly recommend this book.
In Every Waking Hour, the strong attraction Ellery and Reed had begun to feel toward each other could no longer be denied. It could no longer take a back seat. Being girlfriend and boyfriend was not an easy role for Ellery, though. Her past kept creeping into her relationship with Reed and hindered her from embracing a “normal” relationship. Reed’s patience and understanding of Ellery’s issues was touching. Ellery was working again. She was now a detective in Boston. Reed had come to visit her and spend time with Ellery in Boston. With him also came his young daughter. The three of them were in a park one day when they were confronted by a hysterical nanny of a missing young girl. Ellery and Reed were instantly dragged into in a frantic search for the missing girl. Was she kidnapped? Would they find her in time? Did this case hit too close to home for Ellery?
There were lots of twists and turns in this fast paced mystery/thriller. It will have you at the edge of your seat unable to pull away for fear something else might happen. I highly recommend this book.
February 12, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
When FBI profiler Reed Markham and his daughter, Tula visit his girlfriend, Boston police detective, Ellery Hathaway, the two find their visit consumed with locating a missing teenage girl. When it is discovered that the girl's mother lost a child many years before and is now receiving menacing texts, Ellery and Reed will have to use all their resources before it is too late.
Although this book could be read as a standalone, I would strongly encourage every reader to enjoy every minute of the Ellery and Reed relationship. So much history between the two and certain things that happen in this installment makes my heart really ache. The case is exceedingly interesting and as the story progressed, I kept changing my mind as to who just might be the guilty person.
Goodreads review published 12/02/21
Publication Date 26/02/21
When FBI profiler Reed Markham and his daughter, Tula visit his girlfriend, Boston police detective, Ellery Hathaway, the two find their visit consumed with locating a missing teenage girl. When it is discovered that the girl's mother lost a child many years before and is now receiving menacing texts, Ellery and Reed will have to use all their resources before it is too late.
Although this book could be read as a standalone, I would strongly encourage every reader to enjoy every minute of the Ellery and Reed relationship. So much history between the two and certain things that happen in this installment makes my heart really ache. The case is exceedingly interesting and as the story progressed, I kept changing my mind as to who just might be the guilty person.
Goodreads review published 12/02/21
Publication Date 26/02/21
May 27, 2025
Ellery is back, along with her significant other, FBI Agent Reed Markum, along with his 7yr old daughter, Tula, and, of course, Bump (aka Speedbump), Ellery’s Bassett Hound. This time, Ellery, has a new job in a new city, Boston. She’s being supervised by a senior detective, Dorie, because Ellery is a bit of a hot mess with a radioactive job history. Dorie is a good addition to the team, and definitely didn’t get enough time in the story for my liking. Hope there’s more Dorie in the next installment.
In this new position, Ellery and her significant other, FBI Agent Reed Markum, are tracking down another missing person, this time the 12yr old daughter of a wealthy family with a disturbing past. Ellery is also descended upon by her half-sister, Ashley, who Ellery helped save in the last installment by donating bone marrow, even though Ashley’s father had abandoned his wife and two kids, Ellery and her brother, 20yrs earlier.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the missing girl, Chloe, who is pretty much watched 27/7 and held hostage by her parents’ fear of anything bad happening to her, especially her mother, Teresa. Many years earlier, in her previous marriage, Teresa’s son, Trevor, was murdered along with his nanny. Teresa had been afraid of the same thing happening to Chloe. There’s also a lot of drama between Reed and his ex-wife, Sarit, over Reed allowing Tula to spend time with Ellery when Reed is supposed to be on vacation with Tula. Sarit doesn’t like Ellery and thinks she’s a total hot mess and a dangerous basket case and doesn’t want Tula around her. Sarit isn’t really off the mark about Ellery, something I’ve been echoing for the entire series.
There are a handful of suspects and Ellery and Reed whittle them down until deep into the second half that storyline explodes into a really scary and intense scene for Ellery and Reed. I loved the conclusion of that storyline and the one of Teresa’s other son’s murder many years ago. However, my heart was breaking for Ellery and Reed – for just a moment, until that epilogue that is. Hmmm….. Seems Schaffhausen has set up the final installment of the series to be the finale that the series, as well as Ellery, and even Reed deserve. I can’t wait to read how Schaffhausen wraps this series up.
The continuing character development of Ellery and Reed and a couple of the other characters has been well done. I would have loved to have seen and learned more about Dorie. The pacing was steady to fast, just how I love it; never dragging. The storyline continues to be exciting and interesting and the writing par for the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
In this new position, Ellery and her significant other, FBI Agent Reed Markum, are tracking down another missing person, this time the 12yr old daughter of a wealthy family with a disturbing past. Ellery is also descended upon by her half-sister, Ashley, who Ellery helped save in the last installment by donating bone marrow, even though Ashley’s father had abandoned his wife and two kids, Ellery and her brother, 20yrs earlier.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the missing girl, Chloe, who is pretty much watched 27/7 and held hostage by her parents’ fear of anything bad happening to her, especially her mother, Teresa. Many years earlier, in her previous marriage, Teresa’s son, Trevor, was murdered along with his nanny. Teresa had been afraid of the same thing happening to Chloe. There’s also a lot of drama between Reed and his ex-wife, Sarit, over Reed allowing Tula to spend time with Ellery when Reed is supposed to be on vacation with Tula. Sarit doesn’t like Ellery and thinks she’s a total hot mess and a dangerous basket case and doesn’t want Tula around her. Sarit isn’t really off the mark about Ellery, something I’ve been echoing for the entire series.
There are a handful of suspects and Ellery and Reed whittle them down until deep into the second half that storyline explodes into a really scary and intense scene for Ellery and Reed. I loved the conclusion of that storyline and the one of Teresa’s other son’s murder many years ago. However, my heart was breaking for Ellery and Reed – for just a moment, until that epilogue that is. Hmmm….. Seems Schaffhausen has set up the final installment of the series to be the finale that the series, as well as Ellery, and even Reed deserve. I can’t wait to read how Schaffhausen wraps this series up.
The continuing character development of Ellery and Reed and a couple of the other characters has been well done. I would have loved to have seen and learned more about Dorie. The pacing was steady to fast, just how I love it; never dragging. The storyline continues to be exciting and interesting and the writing par for the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
January 28, 2021
4.5 stars!
I really, really like the way Joanna Schaffhausen balances series continuity with keeping each book readable as a standalone - the reader is given enough information to catch up, without losing the option to go back and read other books, and without heading into infodump territory. The characters are allowed to grow and develop, but in a realistic way rather than one that's plot-serving.
And speaking of characters, that's another really strong point of this series. There are some familiar paths walked - protagonists working together who develop feelings, a detective with a previous marriage that fell apart because he's just too dedicated to the job. The way they're executed, though, elevates them past the tired trope, and manages to say something new - and believe me, I've come across just those two so many times, that I really should know.
This has become one of the series I'll read on the day it's released, and it just keeps getting stronger. Joanna Schaffhausen has said a lot that's really resonated - I'll be here for whatever she wants to tell us next.
I really, really like the way Joanna Schaffhausen balances series continuity with keeping each book readable as a standalone - the reader is given enough information to catch up, without losing the option to go back and read other books, and without heading into infodump territory. The characters are allowed to grow and develop, but in a realistic way rather than one that's plot-serving.
And speaking of characters, that's another really strong point of this series. There are some familiar paths walked - protagonists working together who develop feelings, a detective with a previous marriage that fell apart because he's just too dedicated to the job. The way they're executed, though, elevates them past the tired trope, and manages to say something new - and believe me, I've come across just those two so many times, that I really should know.
This has become one of the series I'll read on the day it's released, and it just keeps getting stronger. Joanna Schaffhausen has said a lot that's really resonated - I'll be here for whatever she wants to tell us next.
February 3, 2021
Rookie Boston detective Ellery Hathaway was saved from a serial killer by FBI agent Reed Markham when she was a teenager. 16 years later they are both working together on a missing girl case Chloe who disappears from a street fair in Boston. With time running out for Chloe will Ellery’s past get in the way of her solving the crime
Every Waking Hour is the 4th book in the Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham series by Joanna Schaffhausen . Another fantastic installment in the series ,this one continues along the same lines, an exciting tight, well-plotted story with well developed characters that kept me hooked to the end. Cannot wait to read the next one !
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Every Waking Hour is the 4th book in the Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham series by Joanna Schaffhausen . Another fantastic installment in the series ,this one continues along the same lines, an exciting tight, well-plotted story with well developed characters that kept me hooked to the end. Cannot wait to read the next one !
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 7, 2021
3.5 series stars
It’s been nice being able to read these in a close span of time. This one is #4 book in the Ellery series and finds us back in Boston where Ellery has been given her job back with the police force.
Ellery is a very damaged character and I keep rooting for her as she has so many issues as the result of being abducted as a teenager. I think you never really “get past” those things, but hopefully continue to slowly heal. I’m not sure that being a detective or police officer is the best career choice for her, but maybe it makes her feel safer?
She’s reunited in this book with Reed, and they are hot on the heels of a missing young girl. Everyone thinks that Reed is invincible and will find this girl too since he rescued Ellery years ago.
Chloe Lockhart is a privileged teen kept on a short leash by her parents. Did she just try to escape the confinement of her parents or has someone really taken her? As Ellery and Reed dig into the case, they find all sorts of issues with this family!
I really enjoyed getting to know Reed’s sweet young daughter, Tula. They are supposed to be on vacation together in Boston. We also get more time with Sarit, Reed’s ex-wife and Ellery’s half-sister. These women really add a lot to the story. Reed and Ellery’s relationship is slowly developing, but I’m not sure how much I’m rooting for them to be together for the long haul.
This one ends with a huge cliffhanger, and I’m so glad the next one in the series is already available! This has been a fun series to read with Jayme. Be sure to read her review and find out how she feels, especially about Reed and Ellery!
Thank you to my local library for the copy of this one!
It’s been nice being able to read these in a close span of time. This one is #4 book in the Ellery series and finds us back in Boston where Ellery has been given her job back with the police force.
Ellery is a very damaged character and I keep rooting for her as she has so many issues as the result of being abducted as a teenager. I think you never really “get past” those things, but hopefully continue to slowly heal. I’m not sure that being a detective or police officer is the best career choice for her, but maybe it makes her feel safer?
She’s reunited in this book with Reed, and they are hot on the heels of a missing young girl. Everyone thinks that Reed is invincible and will find this girl too since he rescued Ellery years ago.
Chloe Lockhart is a privileged teen kept on a short leash by her parents. Did she just try to escape the confinement of her parents or has someone really taken her? As Ellery and Reed dig into the case, they find all sorts of issues with this family!
I really enjoyed getting to know Reed’s sweet young daughter, Tula. They are supposed to be on vacation together in Boston. We also get more time with Sarit, Reed’s ex-wife and Ellery’s half-sister. These women really add a lot to the story. Reed and Ellery’s relationship is slowly developing, but I’m not sure how much I’m rooting for them to be together for the long haul.
This one ends with a huge cliffhanger, and I’m so glad the next one in the series is already available! This has been a fun series to read with Jayme. Be sure to read her review and find out how she feels, especially about Reed and Ellery!
Thank you to my local library for the copy of this one!
June 30, 2023
3.5
I liked the previous books in the series, but in this one the personal dramas of the investigators overshadowed the actual investigation. I like the crime/mystery books I read to be fast and furious and un-put-downable.
I liked the previous books in the series, but in this one the personal dramas of the investigators overshadowed the actual investigation. I like the crime/mystery books I read to be fast and furious and un-put-downable.
March 25, 2021
It all ends with a twist, a gut punch and a cliffy.
Every Waking Hour, the fourth installment of the Ellery Hathaway series, delivers once again, this time with workplace and personal drama going head to head for our attention.
This is one of those nesting doll misteries where the villains and victors aren't who you think they are.
One thing I appreciated was the total inability to even guess who was behind what; breaks lead to more questions which, in turn, lead to even more breaks and still more questions.
Who was the creepy guy asking for pictures of a 12-year old girl?
Who has two cell phones and why?
What's with the GPS trackers, bars and cameras?
Why is this one guy running to the cleaners with a bloody shirt and an angry scratch on his arm?
Who's the older kid with D.E.A.T.H" etched on his fingers?
Why is this one family seemingly being picked off one by one?
Meanwhile, Reed and Ellery must grapple with the tension between the lives they want and the ties they have.
Reed's ex wife is increasingly worried about their daughter's proximity to Ellary, and Ellary has more house guests than she can handle, one of whom comes with a truck-load of painful memories and resentments.
Add to that Ellery's lingering fears and insecurities and Reed's need for more of...everything from her and you've got a situation on the verge of collapse.
The only questions are, where will the crumbling begin and who will be hurt in the aftermath.
On a brighter note, the almost complete absence of overprotective chest-thumping that tends to plague female-led police procedurals continues to be a major selling point.
Ellery remains tough as nails and, while her romantic and professional partner count this as a major character flaw, I like it just fine.
I especially appreciate Ellery's willingness to put misogynist asshole gossips in their places, especially when the misogynist asshole gossips in question are fellow cops in whom she may need to trust to go through a door and/or have her back in the line.
Now, anyone familiar with me on GR knows that I rarely award five stars, even for books penned by GR pals.
Was this a perfect book? No, but the issues aren't worth noting and are counterbalanced by some near perfect storytelling.
All in all, Every Waking Hour ranks among some of the best books I've read in recent months.
Well done, Joanna, and get thee to work on the next installment!
Every Waking Hour, the fourth installment of the Ellery Hathaway series, delivers once again, this time with workplace and personal drama going head to head for our attention.
This is one of those nesting doll misteries where the villains and victors aren't who you think they are.
One thing I appreciated was the total inability to even guess who was behind what; breaks lead to more questions which, in turn, lead to even more breaks and still more questions.
Who was the creepy guy asking for pictures of a 12-year old girl?
Who has two cell phones and why?
What's with the GPS trackers, bars and cameras?
Why is this one guy running to the cleaners with a bloody shirt and an angry scratch on his arm?
Who's the older kid with D.E.A.T.H" etched on his fingers?
Why is this one family seemingly being picked off one by one?
Meanwhile, Reed and Ellery must grapple with the tension between the lives they want and the ties they have.
Reed's ex wife is increasingly worried about their daughter's proximity to Ellary, and Ellary has more house guests than she can handle, one of whom comes with a truck-load of painful memories and resentments.
Add to that Ellery's lingering fears and insecurities and Reed's need for more of...everything from her and you've got a situation on the verge of collapse.
The only questions are, where will the crumbling begin and who will be hurt in the aftermath.
On a brighter note, the almost complete absence of overprotective chest-thumping that tends to plague female-led police procedurals continues to be a major selling point.
Ellery remains tough as nails and, while her romantic and professional partner count this as a major character flaw, I like it just fine.
I especially appreciate Ellery's willingness to put misogynist asshole gossips in their places, especially when the misogynist asshole gossips in question are fellow cops in whom she may need to trust to go through a door and/or have her back in the line.
Now, anyone familiar with me on GR knows that I rarely award five stars, even for books penned by GR pals.
Was this a perfect book? No, but the issues aren't worth noting and are counterbalanced by some near perfect storytelling.
All in all, Every Waking Hour ranks among some of the best books I've read in recent months.
Well done, Joanna, and get thee to work on the next installment!
September 16, 2021
Twelve year old Chloe disappears at a fair in Boston. She's from a wealthy family and Detective Ellery Hathaway must determine if a ransom will be forthcoming or if Chloe got tired of prison-like walls in her everyday existence. Or maybe she's gone for another reason...
There's lots of flashbacks for Ellery in this book as she is constantly reminded of the days she was imprisoned by a serial killer. I got my wish from the last story -- there are more scenes with the dog Speed Bump. There's also another dog in this one, Snuffles. The author thinks up great names for pets. This is a good story in tracking down a missing person. In the epilogue, readers find out where the next installment is going. I'll be waiting.
There's lots of flashbacks for Ellery in this book as she is constantly reminded of the days she was imprisoned by a serial killer. I got my wish from the last story -- there are more scenes with the dog Speed Bump. There's also another dog in this one, Snuffles. The author thinks up great names for pets. This is a good story in tracking down a missing person. In the epilogue, readers find out where the next installment is going. I'll be waiting.
January 14, 2021
I have a book hangover. Wow.
I haven't read the previous books on this series- the author did a great job giving backstory without slowing the book.
Chloe is at a Boston festival with her nannie, Mimi. She goes to get an ice cream - and is gone.
FBI agent Reed and BCP Detective Ellery happen to be at the same festival- Ellery quickly gets BCP on it with a description. Then she finds Chloe's abandoned cell phone.
The parents do all they can to help- but with their busy professions, Mimi is the main caregiver. Martin may be having an affair. Teresa's first child, Trevor, had been murdered - still unsolved.
Ellery and Reed struggle with their own relationship as Ellery and her partner Dorie sift through leads. Ellery is the only surviving victim of Coben - a serial killer who snatched Ellery on her 14th birthday. Reed saved her - forging a massive connection.
Great plot. Fast paced. Intense suspense. And the twists - stellar.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read the previous books on this series- the author did a great job giving backstory without slowing the book.
Chloe is at a Boston festival with her nannie, Mimi. She goes to get an ice cream - and is gone.
FBI agent Reed and BCP Detective Ellery happen to be at the same festival- Ellery quickly gets BCP on it with a description. Then she finds Chloe's abandoned cell phone.
The parents do all they can to help- but with their busy professions, Mimi is the main caregiver. Martin may be having an affair. Teresa's first child, Trevor, had been murdered - still unsolved.
Ellery and Reed struggle with their own relationship as Ellery and her partner Dorie sift through leads. Ellery is the only surviving victim of Coben - a serial killer who snatched Ellery on her 14th birthday. Reed saved her - forging a massive connection.
Great plot. Fast paced. Intense suspense. And the twists - stellar.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2023
Review coming soon.
February 2, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham mystery series; it is the second one I have read. As a young teenager, Ellery was kidnapped, raped, and tortured; she was rescued by FBI Agent Markham. Now an adult, Hathaway has become a police officer and has formed a close relationship Markham.
While he is visiting Ellery in Boston, he gets caught up in a missing child case assigned to Ellery and her training officer. Ellery, who has many emotional scars from her ordeal years ago, is a bit overwhelmed when she has to share her living space with Reed, his daughter, and her half sister who turns up uninvited at her door. All the while, she frantically searches for the missing child, hoping to save her as she had been saved.
Ellery is a flawed character and Reed may have his own savior complex to deal with. But, they make a good team and the story is can’t put down engrossing. An intriguing plot, twists and turns, and strong character development make this another good read in the series. And, best of all, the ending sets up a sequel.
While he is visiting Ellery in Boston, he gets caught up in a missing child case assigned to Ellery and her training officer. Ellery, who has many emotional scars from her ordeal years ago, is a bit overwhelmed when she has to share her living space with Reed, his daughter, and her half sister who turns up uninvited at her door. All the while, she frantically searches for the missing child, hoping to save her as she had been saved.
Ellery is a flawed character and Reed may have his own savior complex to deal with. But, they make a good team and the story is can’t put down engrossing. An intriguing plot, twists and turns, and strong character development make this another good read in the series. And, best of all, the ending sets up a sequel.
December 31, 2020
Book 4 in the Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham series and it just keeps going from strength to strength. Another fantastic instalment that will keep you turning pages. While this could be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading the first 3 books to understand the characters better.
This time there is a case that hits close to home for Ellery. As a teenager she was saved from a serial killer. by FBI agent Reed Markham. 16 years later na they are working together on a missing girl case. Chloe Lockhart disappears from a street fair in Boston. The family has plenty of secrets and an solved murder in their past so you can be sure that this is one twisty story.
Thanks to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
This time there is a case that hits close to home for Ellery. As a teenager she was saved from a serial killer. by FBI agent Reed Markham. 16 years later na they are working together on a missing girl case. Chloe Lockhart disappears from a street fair in Boston. The family has plenty of secrets and an solved murder in their past so you can be sure that this is one twisty story.
Thanks to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
January 23, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series. As of right now this is my favorite of the four books. I am #teambump all the way. This was not predictable. It was on the edge of your seat good. I had no idea where Chloe was, who had her. and if she was coming home. Now that is saying a lot from a thriller lover.
This is a 5 star read and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This is a 5 star read and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
February 20, 2021
Intricate, sinister, and twisty!
In this fourth instalment in the Ellery Hathaway series, Every Waking Hour, Detective Hathaway and Agent Markham find themselves inadvertently working together once again when a child goes missing, a kidnapper seems to have a targeted agenda, and the family has way too many skeletons hiding in their closet.
The writing is sharp and sophisticated. The characterization is spot on with all the usual gang back, including the scarred and stubborn Ellery Hathaway, whose greatest struggles involve her own emotional demons and her apprehension at the growing intimacy between herself and Markham. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel quickly into a gripping tale of life, loss, family, friendship, deception, manipulation, jealousy, violence, and murder.
Overall, Every Waking Hour is another addictive, propulsive, thrilling addition to one of my favourite series with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency that I can never get enough of.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this fourth instalment in the Ellery Hathaway series, Every Waking Hour, Detective Hathaway and Agent Markham find themselves inadvertently working together once again when a child goes missing, a kidnapper seems to have a targeted agenda, and the family has way too many skeletons hiding in their closet.
The writing is sharp and sophisticated. The characterization is spot on with all the usual gang back, including the scarred and stubborn Ellery Hathaway, whose greatest struggles involve her own emotional demons and her apprehension at the growing intimacy between herself and Markham. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel quickly into a gripping tale of life, loss, family, friendship, deception, manipulation, jealousy, violence, and murder.
Overall, Every Waking Hour is another addictive, propulsive, thrilling addition to one of my favourite series with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency that I can never get enough of.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2021
“Not again,” she said. “This can’t be happening again.”Ellery and Reed aren’t actively looking for their next case. They’re spending time with Tula, Reed’s seven year old daughter, when they learn that twelve year old Chloe Lockhart has gone missing. Ellery knows only too well what Chloe may be experiencing, having barely survived a serial killer when she was a child.
There’s no shortage of leads to track down, with multiple potential suspects. It turns out that this is not the first time the Lockhart family have lost a child and they may not be the only ones who are keeping secrets.
“Where there’s one secret, you’ll find others. There’s something hiding in the middle of that family, something they’re not telling us.”Meanwhile, Ellery’s home is much more crowded than it usually is. Ellery’s not comfortable with this development although Bump, her basset hound, is delighted by all of the extra humans who are on call for snuggles and treats.
Sarit, Reed’s ex-wife, expressed some of my feelings about Ellery and Reed’s relationship but I have to admit they’re growing on me. It’s weird though, because they seem to make complete sense and no sense at the same time. They likely never would have crossed paths if it wasn’t for Coben, the serial killer who had Ellery in his closet, and no matter how much they want it to be otherwise, he’s always going to be associated with the two of them.
He couldn’t climb into the darkness with her. But he could stand in the light and extend his hand and wait patiently to see if she would join him.The characters are really well developed in this series. I feel like I know both of our leads, understanding their motivations and fears. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a series that tackles the long term effects of sexual assault in such an authentic way. I don’t think I will ever get the image of nails in a closet out of my mind.
Ellery has physical and psychological scars from her abduction and these continue to impact on her life. She is resilient and brave and strong, despite her experiences and maybe even because of them. I see her as a survivor role model. Her struggles only make her more realistic to me.
I was delighted to find a couple of X-Files taglines in conversations.
You could read this book as a standalone but to fully understand the nuances of the main characters and their journey together you really need to start at the beginning. This will also show you just how much Ellery has grown since we first met her.
The fifth book, which I’m really hoping is not the last, promises something I’ve been eagerly awaiting: the chance to peer inside the mind of Coben, the Big Bad of the series. Although I absolutely despise him, I’m intrigued by the possibility of finding out what makes him tick.
Content warnings include .
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
September 26, 2020
I'm new to the Ellery Hathaway series. This is the fourth book. Firstly, why didn't ya'll tell me?! Where has this series been all my life? I'm in love with a good female lead in a mystery/thriller series and Ellery is my new go-to character.
It's hard to describe when you've found a writer that just gets it. We can talk about the character's believability and interesting plot points, but for me Schaffhausen has accomplished more than that. It's just smart writing. The dialogue is crisp and not over-written. Sometimes writers try too hard to make their characters' voices distinct and end up reaching a point in dialogue and then hurdle past that point to some place far, far away. It's like losing control of your character instead of allowing him/her to speak through the writing. Schaffhausen remains in control.
Ellery presents as intelligent and self-aware. She doesn't bend too far in a particular direction. She's not the broken victim or the tough, emotionless woman who has been "through it" either. She has doubts and puts up a good front. She has trouble with relationships. She takes things too far sometimes. She can be vulnerable and strong.
In this particular book, we follow Ellery and her FBI boyfriend, Reed as they try to find a missing twelve year-old girl. It's a parent's biggest fear. One moment your child is with you, the next, you're wondering if your child is even alive. Schaffhausen takes us through the possibilities, not letting us rest on one too long before introducing a new twist, while testing Ellery's ability to stay focused as the memories of her own kidnapping and torture are triggered by this case.
A stand-out take-away for me was the clash of Ellery's past with her present job. She is still hounded by media; movies are still being made about her kidnapping and she has to find a way to do her job without letting her kidnapper's infamy and her own need for privacy color her decisions. A survivor's life can never be the same and I found that to be a unique perspective for a detective.
I'm excited to read the earlier books in this series and whatever is next for Ellery Hathaway!
It's hard to describe when you've found a writer that just gets it. We can talk about the character's believability and interesting plot points, but for me Schaffhausen has accomplished more than that. It's just smart writing. The dialogue is crisp and not over-written. Sometimes writers try too hard to make their characters' voices distinct and end up reaching a point in dialogue and then hurdle past that point to some place far, far away. It's like losing control of your character instead of allowing him/her to speak through the writing. Schaffhausen remains in control.
Ellery presents as intelligent and self-aware. She doesn't bend too far in a particular direction. She's not the broken victim or the tough, emotionless woman who has been "through it" either. She has doubts and puts up a good front. She has trouble with relationships. She takes things too far sometimes. She can be vulnerable and strong.
In this particular book, we follow Ellery and her FBI boyfriend, Reed as they try to find a missing twelve year-old girl. It's a parent's biggest fear. One moment your child is with you, the next, you're wondering if your child is even alive. Schaffhausen takes us through the possibilities, not letting us rest on one too long before introducing a new twist, while testing Ellery's ability to stay focused as the memories of her own kidnapping and torture are triggered by this case.
A stand-out take-away for me was the clash of Ellery's past with her present job. She is still hounded by media; movies are still being made about her kidnapping and she has to find a way to do her job without letting her kidnapper's infamy and her own need for privacy color her decisions. A survivor's life can never be the same and I found that to be a unique perspective for a detective.
I'm excited to read the earlier books in this series and whatever is next for Ellery Hathaway!
February 16, 2024
Twelve-year-old Chloe Lockhart has gone missing, and her cell phone was found abandoned. As police officer Ellery Hathaway and FBI Profiler Reed Markham have begun a relationship, he is currently in Boston. When news of Chloe's disappearance is made known, he remains in Boston to work on the case, However, Reed also works on a case of two decades before, with a niggling feeling that they somehow the two cases just might be related.
Ellery and Reed have a complicated relationship. Reed saved Ellery's life after she had been captured and tortured by a brutal serial killer over fifteen years ago. In the past year or so the pair has worked a few cases together and their relationship has grown. However, Ellery remains broken, and that comes to no surprise when it came to the things she suffered. Over the years, Reed has proved to be quite the expert in child abduction cases, although most had tragic results.
Drama affects Reed on another level, as it does Ellery. For Reed, he is concerned that his wife will further limit his visitation with his precious six-year-old daughter. For Ellery, her half-sister lands right in her life and Ellery finds she must adjust to yet another personal change. What a wonderful read, and another five stars in this stellar series.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Ellery and Reed have a complicated relationship. Reed saved Ellery's life after she had been captured and tortured by a brutal serial killer over fifteen years ago. In the past year or so the pair has worked a few cases together and their relationship has grown. However, Ellery remains broken, and that comes to no surprise when it came to the things she suffered. Over the years, Reed has proved to be quite the expert in child abduction cases, although most had tragic results.
Drama affects Reed on another level, as it does Ellery. For Reed, he is concerned that his wife will further limit his visitation with his precious six-year-old daughter. For Ellery, her half-sister lands right in her life and Ellery finds she must adjust to yet another personal change. What a wonderful read, and another five stars in this stellar series.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 25, 2021
This is book four in the Ellery Hathaway series and it is another wonderful installment.
Ellery Hathaway is a survivor, but she will never be over her kidnapping, rape and torture that happened to her when she was a teenager. Now, many years later she is a rookie detective in the Boston Police Department. Special Agent Reed Markham was the FBI assigned to her case and has continued to be in her life, now in a romantic relationship.
Reed and his seven year old daughter are visiting Ellery in Boston when a twelve year old girl suddenly goes missing. Reed steps in to assist on the case. Was the girl taken or did she run away from her controlling parents? It brings back memories for Ellery and the realization that time is not on their side in finding this girl.
Nothing about this story dragged or was unnecessary. It was a page turner and I loved every page of it. I think more people should be reading this underappreciated series. It's so good!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the advanced readers copy. Also, thank you for the final copy.
Ellery Hathaway is a survivor, but she will never be over her kidnapping, rape and torture that happened to her when she was a teenager. Now, many years later she is a rookie detective in the Boston Police Department. Special Agent Reed Markham was the FBI assigned to her case and has continued to be in her life, now in a romantic relationship.
Reed and his seven year old daughter are visiting Ellery in Boston when a twelve year old girl suddenly goes missing. Reed steps in to assist on the case. Was the girl taken or did she run away from her controlling parents? It brings back memories for Ellery and the realization that time is not on their side in finding this girl.
Nothing about this story dragged or was unnecessary. It was a page turner and I loved every page of it. I think more people should be reading this underappreciated series. It's so good!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the advanced readers copy. Also, thank you for the final copy.
August 6, 2020
This book is aptly named, as I spent the past day reading it every waking hour! Ellery Hathaway is back on the job, trying not to fall apart as her 6-month probationary period as a detective the Boston PD nears its end, when a missing child case threatens her mental stability. I couldn't put this down as Ellery and Reed team up to rescue the missing girl, as well as deal with ex-wives, half-sisters, and other family distractions.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for access to a digital arc.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for access to a digital arc.
April 25, 2022
Every Waking Hour was a fantastic read following Ellery as she investigates the disappearance of a twelve-year-old girl.
As the rookie detective at the Boston police department, Ellery Hathaway still needs to prove herself to her colleagues. When a twelve-year-old girl goes missing from a street fair Ellery is attending with her beau, FBI agent Reed Markham, the case reopens old wounds for Ellery. As Ellery works with her partner to trace Chloe Lockhart's last movements, the pair quickly discover that not all was as it seemed in the Lockhart household. After interviewing Teresa Lockhart and learning Chloe is not the first child the woman has lost, Ellery starts digging into her first child's murder. But as more time passes, the likelihood of finding Chloe alive begins to dwindle.
Every Waking Hour sees Ellery trying to live a somewhat normal life compared to the last few books in the series. She's started a new job with the Boston PD and is even trying to make a relationship with Reed work. One of the things I like about Ellery is that she's flawed and it makes her character feel more realistic. She has a hard time relying on anyone else and I liked seeing the relationship she developed with her partner and the trust they built. Ellery and Reed have decided to explore the feelings they have for each other that we've seen hints of throughout the series. Personally I don't love the idea of a romance between these two as I feel Reed's savior complex gets in the way of things. There are a number of obstacles to their romance throughout the book and I wasn't surprised by how those things were worked out.
Chloe Lockhart's disappearance made for an intriguing case, particularly when you add in the fact her half-brother was murdered prior to her birth. With a child being missing, there's an urgency to find her before something happens to her so the plot is fairly fast-paced. Chloe's parents are incredibly overprotective which after learning about the death of Teresa's first child, makes sense to an extent. But it also lends credence to the idea that Chloe could have left on her own because she was tired of her parents restricting everything she did. Throughout the case, several leads present themselves and I was surprised by the direction a few of them went. The ending definitely wasn't what I was expecting and the author did a great job keeping you guessing until the last minute.
Overall Every Waking Hour was a great read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Last Seen Alive, soon.
As the rookie detective at the Boston police department, Ellery Hathaway still needs to prove herself to her colleagues. When a twelve-year-old girl goes missing from a street fair Ellery is attending with her beau, FBI agent Reed Markham, the case reopens old wounds for Ellery. As Ellery works with her partner to trace Chloe Lockhart's last movements, the pair quickly discover that not all was as it seemed in the Lockhart household. After interviewing Teresa Lockhart and learning Chloe is not the first child the woman has lost, Ellery starts digging into her first child's murder. But as more time passes, the likelihood of finding Chloe alive begins to dwindle.
Every Waking Hour sees Ellery trying to live a somewhat normal life compared to the last few books in the series. She's started a new job with the Boston PD and is even trying to make a relationship with Reed work. One of the things I like about Ellery is that she's flawed and it makes her character feel more realistic. She has a hard time relying on anyone else and I liked seeing the relationship she developed with her partner and the trust they built. Ellery and Reed have decided to explore the feelings they have for each other that we've seen hints of throughout the series. Personally I don't love the idea of a romance between these two as I feel Reed's savior complex gets in the way of things. There are a number of obstacles to their romance throughout the book and I wasn't surprised by how those things were worked out.
Chloe Lockhart's disappearance made for an intriguing case, particularly when you add in the fact her half-brother was murdered prior to her birth. With a child being missing, there's an urgency to find her before something happens to her so the plot is fairly fast-paced. Chloe's parents are incredibly overprotective which after learning about the death of Teresa's first child, makes sense to an extent. But it also lends credence to the idea that Chloe could have left on her own because she was tired of her parents restricting everything she did. Throughout the case, several leads present themselves and I was surprised by the direction a few of them went. The ending definitely wasn't what I was expecting and the author did a great job keeping you guessing until the last minute.
Overall Every Waking Hour was a great read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Last Seen Alive, soon.
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