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An epic coverup by powerful people is a hornet's nest. Will Detective Trevor Morris survive the stings?

Things are heating up again, and Detective Morris begins to suspect that the man he and his partner put behind bars—the elusive Jeff Collins—didn’t stay there.
He finds himself stumbling into corruption and intrigue on a huge scale.

Will he be able to uncover the truth within time?
Even with his own life in danger?

From the pen of the best-selling author Audrey Walker comes a new tale of intrigue, suspense, mystery, and powerful, ruthless enemies.
This is a bonus short story to the Sleepless Series featuring LAPD-Detective Shelby Griffin.

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2022

89 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Audrey Walker

89 books92 followers
Audrey Walker is a young and rising international best-selling Author in the Mystery & Suspense niche.

Walker's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming.

Walker lives currently in south Germany with her husband and a newly born daughter. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her climbing up the Alps in Switzerland and walking aroung the Black Forest in south of Germany.

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5 stars
106 (39%)
4 stars
66 (24%)
3 stars
47 (17%)
2 stars
34 (12%)
1 star
13 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Audrey Walker (Shelby Griffin Series season 1). Morris is on an investigation of Collins. He is beaten up by Collins but continues. He goes to a reporter, Sid, who join Morris in gathering information. Then Sid is found dead. They find Morris at his home and murder him. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 😀👒☺

This is a free novella. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀
Profile Image for Grace Convertino.
207 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2022
A prisoner switch, a cover-up at the highest level, warnings to leave it alone? What is happening with Jeff Collins, who is supposed to be in prison serving a life sentence for his crimes, and why isn’t Detective Trevor Morris allowed to see him?

“Sleepless Morris” is a quick-read prequel, a well-written, thrilling ride from start to finish. I am new to the series by Audrey Walker, and having whet my appetite with this novella, I cannot wait to fully immerse in the rest of the series. If you love thrillers, adventure, crime mysteries, interesting plots, and excitement, I highly recommend the Shelby Griffin female detective series.

I’d like to thank Audrey Walker for the ability to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
March 28, 2022
Sleepless Morris: a fast paced female detective mystery thriller Short Story (Shelby Griffin Series - Season 1) by Audrey Walker is a wonderful short read. This is season one in this wonderful series. It is a short mystery thriller story but I can not wait to read more I loved it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading mystery thrillers no matter how long they are.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
1,852 reviews18 followers
January 18, 2024
This is the Shelby Griffin series, yet we learn almost nothing about Shelby. We learn about her soon to be deceased partner. Probably a good setup to get Shelby going after the evil which is out there, but I was saddened by the end.
21 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2023
Shelby Griffin short with almost no Shelby

Sleepless Morris is told from Shelby’s long-time partner Morris’ perspective. It’s a fast paced story that takes place just after Shelby and Morris finally put drug dealer and all-around bad guy in prison. “No prison can hold me” or something to that effect was what he said when locked up.
I got a free ARC to review and finished it fast. It left me wanting more as it ended with a cliffhanger.
Worth the read, Shelby’s boyfriend Seth and Chinchilla Victoria make quick cameo appearances. But this is centered around Detective Morris tracking down baddie Collins.
If you like quick detective stuff, this will whet your appetite.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,949 reviews58 followers
April 17, 2022
Review of eBook

Detective Trevor Morris receives some unexpected news . . . Jeff Collins, supposedly serving a life sentence for a variety of crimes, is not in prison. He is walking free while someone else serves out his sentence.

As Detective Morris investigates, others warn him to forget what he’s learned. The corruption case involves extremely powerful people who will not overlook his interference. But Morris won’t walk away.

Will he find the elusive Collins or will he forfeit his own life?

=========

Intrigue and mystery fill this short story, a prequel to the author’s Shelby Griffin series. But the supposed main character [Shelby Griffin] only makes a brief appearance; the story focuses on Morris’s investigation of the criminal who’s managed to slip out of prison and return to the streets to continue his criminal activities.

With virtually no character development, no plot resolution, and a massive cliffhanger, readers are likely to feel as if they've been dropped into the middle of a story. It is apparent that, despite being a prequel to the series, the events in this story are not the ones that actually begin the series.
220 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2023
Tense

A tense prequel to the Shelby Griffin series. But far too short to enable a reader to evaluate the characters. In fact Shelby is barely in the story at all.

Shelby’s partner Morris is off in his own on this case, searching for evidence that a snout’s hint that a wealthy criminal, Collins, who he had incarcerated some time ago for life was now out and snout in the street doing his dirty deals. Morris is incensed by this and sets off to catch Collins but with disastrous repercussions.

I will probably buy the first full book in the series but if it’s too short or I can’t engage with Shelby then that will be the end of my reading of this series.
559 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2025
Cop gets more than he bargained for while looking for a serial killer - 3 stars

LAPD Detective Morris tells his captain that he has acquired information about a serial killer, a Mr Clifford. Morris's tipster suggested that a violent felon, Jeff Collins, was no longer behind bars -- impossible since the man was recently put away for decades. A trip to the prison should quickly verify that Jeff Collins was still inside. While Collins was not Clifford, a quick trip won't distract Morris from his investigation of a financial criminal, his top priority.

Morris hustled off to make arrangements to visit Collins. The warden at the prison said that Morris could not visit Collins, alarm bells should have been ringing. According to the warden, Collins was too ill to come to speak so that Morris would not be able to deliver a brief "Hi there, Jeff" greeting.

Back to the assigned case in which the tipster provided the location for Clifford. A raid ensued but Clifford escaped. The botched raid was the best part of the story as it featured roof top acrobatics.

Morris felt dutybound to pay even more money to his tipster (Wade) for additional information. The price for information dramatically increased but Morris wanted his man. Morris confronted his tipster and was told to back off looking for Collins. The order to stop looking for Collins included a bit of violence delivered using a knife blade and brass knuckles. Wade, who Morris wanted to interrogate was initially sitting in a chair, tied up, with guns pointed in Wade's direction. Wade was allowed to flee and Morris was given the same chair, tied up to be the next guest of honor.

A guy with a knife identified himself before practicing slicing and dicing as well as a bit of close quarters boxing with Morris unable to resist. "Sleepless Morris" is a very short story intended to be a prequel to the Shelby Griffin series. I found it violent and disjoint. I will not continue with this series.
555 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2023
Sleepless Morris mystery book is the third prequel to the Shelby Griffin mystery series. Three prequels to one series seems to be overkill. In my opinion, it would have been best to “kill” the publication of this third prequel. The main character in this short story is Trevor Morris, the veteran LAPD detective who is Shelby Griffin’s detective partner. Actually, Shelby has only a couple of cameo appearances and mentions in this mystery. The criminal conspiracy that is the foundation of this mystery is too immense and too complicated to come off as a realistic possibility. There are way too many people involved in the conspiracy for it to remain unknown. Keeping this criminal enterprise, a secret from the public is the primary concern of the public officials who are members of the conspiracy. Exactly what criminal activity they are hiding is never really explained. I guess the conspirators have been able to keep that a secret. Trevor’s investigation puts him and those close to him in personal danger. However, the physical intimidation tactics used by the criminal mastermind of this organization are way over the top to believe that those crimes could also remain unknown unless every law enforcement organization in California is in on the conspiracy. And to top it off, this story doesn’t actually end. The “ending” is an unresolved cliff hanger that leaves it to the readers imagination and wonder as to how this story will end. Perhaps the reader would have to go on to acquire the first book in the Shelby Griffin mystery series to see if that book picks up where this prequel “ended”. Personally, I dislike cliff hanger endings to books.
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
680 reviews16 followers
October 9, 2023
I became a certified, card-carrying bibliophile over seventy years ago. That was back in the dark ages when all we had were hardcover books and dime paperbacks. Back then, I averaged a book a week. Today, with eBooks, I read and review three books every week. My greatest enjoyment comes from discovering exciting new, talented authors, authors like Audrey Walker. Audrey isn’t new to the publishing world, but she is new to me in the sense that I have just discovered her books. Sleepless Morris is the second book by Walker that I've read. She has mew hooked.

I read many prequels to new series, some good ones, some not so good, but I had never read one like Sleepless Morris. We barely meet Shelby Griffin in this short prequel, but I learned enough about her to make me rush on over to Amazon to buy the complete three volume box set,

I have a challenging time reviewing books like this one, because they are so short it’s hard to review them without dropping spoilers. Sleepless Morris reads like the best detective noir with nonstop action with lots of blood and guts. Sleepless Morris is a cliffhanger. As a rule, I'm not into cliffhangers, but this one works. It really hooks the reader, reels him or her in, and leaves him or her with no choice but to buy the entire series. I'm chomping at the bit. I can’t wait to see where Audrey takes us with this explosive Shelby Griffin series.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,703 reviews28 followers
March 22, 2022
An edge of your seat thriller that keeps you turning pages! This is the back story about Morris, Shelby's mentor and first partner. Shelby and Morris had put away one of the most diabolical well-connected criminals, Collins for life. But when Morris has an informer that tells him Collins has escaped, he sets out to find him and put him back where he belongs. He tell no one about his plan except his captain. But the Captain tell him to forget it, let it go that there is more to this than meets the eye. He decides not even to tell Shelby what is going on and what he is doing. He goes it along, but will he be able to put Collins back where he belongs when so many are in his pocket and helped him escape. All Morris can think about is capturing Collins. He can't eat, he can't sleep and it becomes a major obsession. But people are dying that helped clue Morris in. Will Morris be next? Will Morris ever catch up with Collins and survive? I love this series and now the backstories of some of the characters is fascinating while still keeping you turning pages! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
1,839 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Shelby and Morris finally getting Collins in prison. Morris has turned his attention to other crimes. Receiving information from his CI, Morris was told that Collins was probably no longer in prison. The idea of this started Morris on finding out himself if it was true. He tried to see him in prison, but was refused. Morris contacted a friend who still had contacts in the prison for help. Eventually he was given a name of a cell mate and Morris went to see him. Morris even went to the hospital where Collins was taken so that he could talk to the doctor. He took the opportunity of printing Collins' medical file when no one was around. He talked with his old Captain who told him to let it go because it was too dangerous. Eventually Morris was visited by Collins who beat him and told to drop the case, this was a warning. Soon Morris provided information to another person, this was the last straw forr Collins.

To discover what eventually provided Morris the truth, what person he confided in and what the end result was, then you need to read this book.
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
509 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2022
Scary moment for a great detective on the scent of a really bad guy!
This case is one that a detective really does not ever want, or to hear of... but does! Jeff Collins, a guy who was put away for years!!... and detective Morris hears that he is NOT in the prison cell, but there is a guy there, that looks like him. Now, how can he just call up the prison and ask for the 'Real Jeff Collins' to come to the phone??? So, he goes there in person to see the man himself. He is put into a room to wait, wait, and then finally, a person who is not Jeff Collins comes in, and says he is disposed of... he is in the infirmary, and not able to see him. That's where it really starts to get a little sideways, like in the movies. He ends up getting warnings that he needs to leave this one alone, even from his boss! But he is like a dog with a bone, and this bad guy needs to be in prison!
I liked this story, even tho it was short!
Thank you Audrey Walker for another great story!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,790 reviews71 followers
March 22, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Robin Price.
1,191 reviews47 followers
March 25, 2022
A dodgy police informer tells Detective Morris something which is surely impossible to believe: an arch villain is back on the streets of L.A.
Audrey Walker reintroduces one of her most memorable characters and lets him pull all the strings. In a fight to the death will it be good or evil that triumphs? The author paints the dark, criminal underbelly of L.A. with her usual flair for noir and leaves it stained with the blood of innocents.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,983 reviews73 followers
March 26, 2022
Sleepless Morris - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Has killer Jeff Collins really escaped from jail?
Why won't the guards let Officer Morris see him?
Who's kept him safe from attack while inside?
It seems corruption and subterfuge mean there's skulduggery afoot in high places, but can Morris prove it and right a huge wrong, that's potentially put more lives at risk...including his own? What would Shelby do?
Find out in Audrey Walker's Sleepless Morris, by getting a copy today!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,812 reviews28 followers
Read
December 9, 2022
Sleepless Morris: a fast paced female detective mystery thriller Short Story (Shelby Griffin Series - Season 1), my thirteenth read from author Audrey Walker. A 51-page read, prequel to the series. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Karen Thompson.
20 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2024
I enjoyed this Book One, Prequel of Sleepless Morris by Audrey Walker. Morris is a detective that finds out that a rich man with connections that was supposed to still be in jail where he put him, no longer was in jail. He has set things in motion by investigating this, and now lives are at stake. His partners, his wife's and children, his family, including those on the force, and let's not forget his own.
Profile Image for Sandra Burns.
1,815 reviews45 followers
March 28, 2022
Great short read.

Detective finds out, that an inmate has been released from prison. He wasn't supposed to be. Other law enforcement, tell him to leave it be. Detective does not. The criminal element, killed the reporter, that the Detective was working with. Now, the evil people, are at the Detective's house.
Profile Image for Sylvia Jacobs.
210 reviews34 followers
April 17, 2022
I received this book for an honest review.
A detective story which begins by saying that they are chasing an Art dealer and a money launderer.
Next thing I know the detective is going to visit an inmate in jail. The inmate is sick and can’t see the detective. They suspect later that he might have escaped from jail. Here comes another interesting investigation.
718 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2022
Heart stopping book!

This story dealt with corruption at the highest law enforcement levels, and the cop who tried to put an end to it. It leaves the reader with many questions, one being what will happen next. If you like spine tingling mysteries, you'll like this story. I highly recommend it to other police procedural readers.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,728 reviews119 followers
June 16, 2022
I received this short prequel #0.6, to the Sleepless series as a gift from the author. Thank you, Audrey Walker, for sharing your hard work with me. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode in the leadup to the Sleepless series and will want to read the series again in order at a later date. Write fast, ok? I'll be 74 this fall...
Profile Image for Donna.
850 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2022
Sleepless Morris by Audrey Walker was an enjoyable short story that I recommend. In this book an epic coverup by powerful people has Detective Morris investigating about a person that is supposed to be in prison. He finds himself stumbling into corruption and intrigue on a huge scale. Will he uncover the truth, and will he survive it if he does? This is available on Amazon
521 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2022
Here we get a glimpse into the beginning of Shelby’s obsession with Collins. We find out how absolutely ruthless he is. A good glimpse into Shelby’s past, although she is a “minor character”. I received a free ARC of this short story for an honest review.
227 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2022
This prequel to the Shelby Griffin Sleepless series is in the style we have come to expect from author Audrey Walker. The action is continuous and the storyline lean and clean of clutter. This is an excellent introduction to the characters around Shelby Griffin.
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,584 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2022
I love everything I’ve read by Audrey and this is no exception. If you love suspenseful thrillers and are fine with cliffhangers you’ll love her books. The characters are fantastic and so is the storyline. Yeah you may be like WHY???? or WHAT???? But definitely worth the shirt read.
1,871 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2023
A wealthy evil criminal, Collins, is supposed to be in prison. The prisoner looks the same but acts differently after returning from the hospital. Detective Morris knows it is dangerous, but he can't let it go. The cover up is massive, and people die trying to expose it. A thrilling novella.
Profile Image for Annemarie .
993 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2023
This is Morris' explanation on how he received information that Collins was no longer in prison. It also tells the reader of events that happened prior to his murder. Events that his partner Shelby wasn't privy to, as Morris kept his investigation from her.
Profile Image for Krista Beckwith.
Author 7 books26 followers
September 19, 2023
Caught My Attention

This is the first thing I’ve read by Audrey and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This prequel gives just enough to make me want to read more about the story. I need more back story so I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
860 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2023
Fast paced story as we follow this Detective, on his quest for justice. What cost to bring down the Criminals.
A quick read that sets the base for further stories.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews