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Zoe Chambers Mysteries #11
Fatal Reunion
As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt—the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance.
But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
16 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Annette Dashofy
28 books502 followersAnnette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of 12 novels in the multi Agatha Award nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. In addition, her standalone, Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack, won the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. The second in her new Detective Honeywell Mystery series, Keep Your Family Close, was released in December 2023. Her upcoming What Comes Around (Zoe Chambers #13) is scheduled for release in May 2024. Annette and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this fast-paced thriller. This was my first Zoe Chambers book and I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
Zoe is the new county coroner. When she is called to the scene of a murder, it is hauntingly similar to a number of murders that happened twenty years ago.
Zoe and Pete, her chief of police husband, find themselves in the middle of a case that could bring them face to face with a serial killer.
The characters and plot were well developed and the twists took me by surprise. I loved it.
Zoe is the new county coroner. When she is called to the scene of a murder, it is hauntingly similar to a number of murders that happened twenty years ago.
Zoe and Pete, her chief of police husband, find themselves in the middle of a case that could bring them face to face with a serial killer.
The characters and plot were well developed and the twists took me by surprise. I loved it.
October 26, 2022
Set in small town Western Pennsylvania, this excellent series shows a strong sense of place and characters. Zoe Chambers, originally a paramedic and now the County Coroner for Monongahela County was called to a particularly gruesome crime scene of a young girl raped and murdered. The crime seems reminiscent to a trio of grisly murders that occurred when Zoe was in high school. Coincidentally, or not, the 20th reunion is this very weekend. Well-written. Both the pacing and the characters keep the pages flying by. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
This is the eleventh book in the Zoe Chambers series. I have not read any of her earlier books but I definitely will after reading this one
Zoe was originally a paramedic and is now the new county coroner. She is called out to a crime scene, a young girl has been raped and murdered. It is similar to a number of murders that happened twenty years ago when Zoe was at high school.
The murders stopped but the case was never solved and with people arriving in town for Zoe's twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days have returned with a vengeance.
Zoe and Peter, her chief of police husband find themselves investigating the case that could bring them face to face with a serial killer.
This is a real page turner. The plot was excellent and the twists took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review
Zoe was originally a paramedic and is now the new county coroner. She is called out to a crime scene, a young girl has been raped and murdered. It is similar to a number of murders that happened twenty years ago when Zoe was at high school.
The murders stopped but the case was never solved and with people arriving in town for Zoe's twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days have returned with a vengeance.
Zoe and Peter, her chief of police husband find themselves investigating the case that could bring them face to face with a serial killer.
This is a real page turner. The plot was excellent and the twists took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review
June 3, 2022
It’s good to be back in Monongahela County, Pennsylvania with a new Zoe Chambers book by Annette Dashofy. Fatal Reunion, #11, is being enthusiastically welcomed by the many fans of Zoe Chambers and Pete Adams. The covers have always been some of my favorite mystery/crime book covers, and the cover for Fatal Reunion is another engaging one. Because the series is so good, I sometimes forget that the cover of Circle of Influence, the first Zoe Chambers book, is what made me pick it up, and in this case, you certainly can choose a book by its cover. I found this series in 2020, when we all found ourselves home-bound, and read all ten that year. I found great comfort in the reliability of Annette Dashofy to always deliver a gripping story. With Fatal Reunion, she may have given us the best yet.
Zoe Chambers-Adams is finding her new job as County Coroner keeps her plenty busy. Switching from her former job as paramedic where she fought to save lives, Zoe now deals with only those whose lives have ended. She and husband Police Chief Pete Adams now live on the farm Zoe’s mother gave her, so she can still take care of her beloved horse and a few other boarding ones, plus sneak in rides, an activity that helps keep her centered. Pete, a city boy at heart, is slowly adjusting to his new country life, having come from Pittsburgh and living in town in Vance Township when he became Chief of Police there. And, Pete has also grown used to the different situations and kind of people he encounters in his Vance Township job as a rural community. However, I always enjoy when the author throws him a new situation that’s country born. Fatal Reunion opens with Pete and backup from other agencies chasing a juvenile on a giant John Deere tractor that the kid, of course, has stolen. Of course, Pete gets his tractor and his perpetrator after a wild ride through the countryside. The kid is a juvenile who has been in trouble on a frequent basis in the area, and he will be around the rest of the book muddying the waters a bit.
This story quickly grows darker when a local teenage girl goes missing. Taylor is a senior at Monongahela High School and hasn’t been seen since leaving her house for an after-dinner walk. Law enforcement and the community search for three days in hopes to find Taylor alive. Pete and his department retrace her movements the day she disappeared and talk to her boyfriend with whom she’d just broken up. But, Taylor has been dead since shortly after she was last seen by her parents. Vance Township is horrified by her brutal death.
The location where Taylor’s body is found brings back memories of the Monongahela Strangler, who preyed on teenage girls when Zoe and her friend Rose were seniors at the same Monongahela High School. Twenty years ago three girls were abducted, raped, and murdered and were also left in a field like Taylor, one girl in the exact location. Zoe, whose 20th high school reunion is the coming weekend, is most uncomfortable with the similarities, even though she knows that a teenage boy had been singled out as the murderer and killed himself before he was charged or tried for the gruesome murders. The murders had stopped after the suicide, but Zoe knows that could be due to several different scenarios. Pete, who isn’t familiar with the crimes or victims from the twenty-year-old case is looking squarely at the animosities between the victim’s family and that of her boyfriend’s family.
To add fuel to the fire of connecting the old murders to the new one, Zoe’s friend Rose is in town for the reunion and swears she sees a lurking male classmate who used to sexually harass them. Rose had always thought that particular creepy classmate had committed the earlier murders, not the young man who was vilified in the press for it. But, Zoe has not seen this man who had basically fallen off the face of the earth from everyone’s radar. She wants to believe Rose, and the sighting gains credibility when a former teacher of theirs, who is also in town for the reunion, confirms seeing the man, too. However, the lurking classmate seems most elusive to track down.
There are plenty of people connected to the current murder case and the murders from twenty years ago, and it’s interesting to see how Pete goes about his police work to break loose pieces of information buried deep about persons of interest. He is thorough and doesn’t hesitate to use other law enforcement resources to aid in the investigation, such County Detective Wayne Baronick and Pete’s friend FBI Agent Ethan McCoy. Rose’s husband, Miguel Morales, who is a deputy sheriff in New Mexico, helps some on this case, too. And, Pete stays in touch with Warren Froats, who was Vance Township’s police chief when the Monongahela Strangler killed the three high school girls twenty years ago. Baronick has access to a lab and other conveniences that the small town of Vance Township doesn’t, so Pete works with Wayne quite frequently. I’ve come to really enjoy Pete and Wayne working together, with their friendship and Wayne annoying Pete. Wayne’s sister Abby works as a new police officer for Pete, and is a bright up and coming investigator. And, of course, Zoe is an unofficial investigator, who works so well with her husband and Wayne. She knows the county and its people, which can be an invaluable resource. It’s a unrelenting trio who use plenty of legwork along with technology to find the truth.
While on the way to resolution in Fatal Reunion, the twists of direction will keep the reader guessing just which one of the persons of interest had the means, motive, opportunity, and intent. I changed my mind several times as to who I thought was the killer, and even briefly considered the actual guilty party, but Annette Dashofy cleverly ensures an element of surprise in the book’s finale. It’s an action-packed dramatic end, something Anette Dashofy is a master at. The pacing throughout the story is in step with the suspense, as layer after layer of secrets are peeled back and brought to light. Like all intriguing storytelling, the pieces are out there floating, waiting to be caught and connected.
The slightly longer than usual wait for Zoe Chambers #11 has been well worth it. I’ve read where quite a few people are saying this latest book in the series is their favorite, and I agree that Fatal Reunion has all the earmarks of outstanding in the series. Annette Dashofy is brilliant in her characters and plots and pacing. And, lets not forget dialogue, as it always captures the essence of the characters. The suspense is spine-tingling throughout the book, and it will take your breath away at the end. That’s why you might want to clear your schedule when you sit down with Fatal Reunion. You will not want to leave it once you start it.
Full disclosure is that I received a paper ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. My review reflects exactly how the book affected me.
Zoe Chambers-Adams is finding her new job as County Coroner keeps her plenty busy. Switching from her former job as paramedic where she fought to save lives, Zoe now deals with only those whose lives have ended. She and husband Police Chief Pete Adams now live on the farm Zoe’s mother gave her, so she can still take care of her beloved horse and a few other boarding ones, plus sneak in rides, an activity that helps keep her centered. Pete, a city boy at heart, is slowly adjusting to his new country life, having come from Pittsburgh and living in town in Vance Township when he became Chief of Police there. And, Pete has also grown used to the different situations and kind of people he encounters in his Vance Township job as a rural community. However, I always enjoy when the author throws him a new situation that’s country born. Fatal Reunion opens with Pete and backup from other agencies chasing a juvenile on a giant John Deere tractor that the kid, of course, has stolen. Of course, Pete gets his tractor and his perpetrator after a wild ride through the countryside. The kid is a juvenile who has been in trouble on a frequent basis in the area, and he will be around the rest of the book muddying the waters a bit.
This story quickly grows darker when a local teenage girl goes missing. Taylor is a senior at Monongahela High School and hasn’t been seen since leaving her house for an after-dinner walk. Law enforcement and the community search for three days in hopes to find Taylor alive. Pete and his department retrace her movements the day she disappeared and talk to her boyfriend with whom she’d just broken up. But, Taylor has been dead since shortly after she was last seen by her parents. Vance Township is horrified by her brutal death.
The location where Taylor’s body is found brings back memories of the Monongahela Strangler, who preyed on teenage girls when Zoe and her friend Rose were seniors at the same Monongahela High School. Twenty years ago three girls were abducted, raped, and murdered and were also left in a field like Taylor, one girl in the exact location. Zoe, whose 20th high school reunion is the coming weekend, is most uncomfortable with the similarities, even though she knows that a teenage boy had been singled out as the murderer and killed himself before he was charged or tried for the gruesome murders. The murders had stopped after the suicide, but Zoe knows that could be due to several different scenarios. Pete, who isn’t familiar with the crimes or victims from the twenty-year-old case is looking squarely at the animosities between the victim’s family and that of her boyfriend’s family.
To add fuel to the fire of connecting the old murders to the new one, Zoe’s friend Rose is in town for the reunion and swears she sees a lurking male classmate who used to sexually harass them. Rose had always thought that particular creepy classmate had committed the earlier murders, not the young man who was vilified in the press for it. But, Zoe has not seen this man who had basically fallen off the face of the earth from everyone’s radar. She wants to believe Rose, and the sighting gains credibility when a former teacher of theirs, who is also in town for the reunion, confirms seeing the man, too. However, the lurking classmate seems most elusive to track down.
There are plenty of people connected to the current murder case and the murders from twenty years ago, and it’s interesting to see how Pete goes about his police work to break loose pieces of information buried deep about persons of interest. He is thorough and doesn’t hesitate to use other law enforcement resources to aid in the investigation, such County Detective Wayne Baronick and Pete’s friend FBI Agent Ethan McCoy. Rose’s husband, Miguel Morales, who is a deputy sheriff in New Mexico, helps some on this case, too. And, Pete stays in touch with Warren Froats, who was Vance Township’s police chief when the Monongahela Strangler killed the three high school girls twenty years ago. Baronick has access to a lab and other conveniences that the small town of Vance Township doesn’t, so Pete works with Wayne quite frequently. I’ve come to really enjoy Pete and Wayne working together, with their friendship and Wayne annoying Pete. Wayne’s sister Abby works as a new police officer for Pete, and is a bright up and coming investigator. And, of course, Zoe is an unofficial investigator, who works so well with her husband and Wayne. She knows the county and its people, which can be an invaluable resource. It’s a unrelenting trio who use plenty of legwork along with technology to find the truth.
While on the way to resolution in Fatal Reunion, the twists of direction will keep the reader guessing just which one of the persons of interest had the means, motive, opportunity, and intent. I changed my mind several times as to who I thought was the killer, and even briefly considered the actual guilty party, but Annette Dashofy cleverly ensures an element of surprise in the book’s finale. It’s an action-packed dramatic end, something Anette Dashofy is a master at. The pacing throughout the story is in step with the suspense, as layer after layer of secrets are peeled back and brought to light. Like all intriguing storytelling, the pieces are out there floating, waiting to be caught and connected.
The slightly longer than usual wait for Zoe Chambers #11 has been well worth it. I’ve read where quite a few people are saying this latest book in the series is their favorite, and I agree that Fatal Reunion has all the earmarks of outstanding in the series. Annette Dashofy is brilliant in her characters and plots and pacing. And, lets not forget dialogue, as it always captures the essence of the characters. The suspense is spine-tingling throughout the book, and it will take your breath away at the end. That’s why you might want to clear your schedule when you sit down with Fatal Reunion. You will not want to leave it once you start it.
Full disclosure is that I received a paper ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. My review reflects exactly how the book affected me.
August 16, 2022
Another gems series that very worth to give it a try.
I read the 11th series but I don't think you really need to read previous book first since this book could stand alone.
Personally, I think that the genre of crime, thriller, suspense, mystery and similar to that will definitely be familiar to each other and we will find it difficult to find something completely new in a case. But what makes it different is in terms of the packaging of the storyline.
In this book, they are not only can hooked you up but I really like how this book develop engaged. starting from the discovery of a girl's body to the last plot twist which was very astonishing and I didn't think about it at all.
This was definitely outstanding with great characters, narrative, plot, fast paced, settings. the whole story is truly very enjoyable. I would really recommend this book to anyone and for myself I would absolutely consider to read the other series as well.
I read the 11th series but I don't think you really need to read previous book first since this book could stand alone.
Personally, I think that the genre of crime, thriller, suspense, mystery and similar to that will definitely be familiar to each other and we will find it difficult to find something completely new in a case. But what makes it different is in terms of the packaging of the storyline.
In this book, they are not only can hooked you up but I really like how this book develop engaged. starting from the discovery of a girl's body to the last plot twist which was very astonishing and I didn't think about it at all.
This was definitely outstanding with great characters, narrative, plot, fast paced, settings. the whole story is truly very enjoyable. I would really recommend this book to anyone and for myself I would absolutely consider to read the other series as well.
June 10, 2022
This may be the best book in the series so far! This book drew me into the story from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. Zoe's 20th high school reunion is coming up and many of her former classmates are back in town. When a young girl goes missing and is found murdered it brings back memories of similar crimes that happened during Zoe's senior year. Since Zoe is the County Coroner she is involved from the start and wants to help Pete, now her husband, solve the crime. It is personal for her. You could read this book as a stand alone, but the whole series is so good I recommend starting with the first book and reading them all.
September 15, 2022
I received this book through Netgalley for review purposes.
When selecting this book I entirely missed the fact that it is the eleventh book in the series. Lucky for me, it read just fine as a standalone.
This book toes the line between cozy mystery and a typical police/coroner drama quite well. Zoe is a likeable protagonist and does her best to help her police chief husband solve a recent murder. There were a bunch of red herrings that made me question all assumptions I made about the murderer, and made me reevaluate potential suspects. I appreciate that this wasn't a predictable read.
I enjoyed this book enough that I will eventually go back and start the series at book one. I figure if you can write something interesting for the eleventh book in a series, there is a good chance the first ten are also worth reading.
When selecting this book I entirely missed the fact that it is the eleventh book in the series. Lucky for me, it read just fine as a standalone.
This book toes the line between cozy mystery and a typical police/coroner drama quite well. Zoe is a likeable protagonist and does her best to help her police chief husband solve a recent murder. There were a bunch of red herrings that made me question all assumptions I made about the murderer, and made me reevaluate potential suspects. I appreciate that this wasn't a predictable read.
I enjoyed this book enough that I will eventually go back and start the series at book one. I figure if you can write something interesting for the eleventh book in a series, there is a good chance the first ten are also worth reading.
April 28, 2024
Ecco un'altra delle mie serie preferite in cui sono rimasta indietro nella lettura... Innanzitutto devo dire che sono molto contenta che l'autrice abbia trovato un'altra casa editrice per continuare questa serie. Poi confesso che all'inizio mi sono detta riguardo a un personaggio "vuoi vedere che è lui il colpevole?", poi sono apparsi almeno altri tre possibili colpevoli, molto più probabili del primo perché erano tutti più o meno dei poco di buono, quindi mi ero spostata a credere che l'assassino fosse uno di loro, anche se ne avevo scartato uno per l'età. Insomma, l'autrice mi ha "fregato", per dirla così. Bene.
July 27, 2022
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is apparently the most recent instalment of the Zoe Chambers series, but I haven't read any earlier books and it stood fine on its own. It moved quickly and the plot was coherent. I guessed the identity of the murderer, although I'm not sure why. I know it's not OK to blame the victims, but at least two of the teenage girls in this story would have been better off if they didn't a) get into a strange man's car, or b) decide to pose as 'bait' without telling anyone else.
This was competent, but nothing special.
This is apparently the most recent instalment of the Zoe Chambers series, but I haven't read any earlier books and it stood fine on its own. It moved quickly and the plot was coherent. I guessed the identity of the murderer, although I'm not sure why. I know it's not OK to blame the victims, but at least two of the teenage girls in this story would have been better off if they didn't a) get into a strange man's car, or b) decide to pose as 'bait' without telling anyone else.
This was competent, but nothing special.
July 13, 2022
I was blown away by the turn of events in this book. Zoe is a wonderful character and her role in this book was outstanding.
I had no idea that it was going to turn out the way it did, and I was shocked when I found out who the murderer was.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#FatalReunion #NetGalley
I had no idea that it was going to turn out the way it did, and I was shocked when I found out who the murderer was.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#FatalReunion #NetGalley
July 25, 2022
What a great book! 4.5⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️.
Enjoyed this book and had to read it during my breaks. Never would have guessed who done it.
Enjoyed this book and had to read it during my breaks. Never would have guessed who done it.
June 6, 2022
I'm happy to see this series back in publication. I enjoyed this one as much as the previous ten. All the old characters were back. The serial killer plot was interesting and kept my attention even though I guessed at the real killer, simply because he seemed the least obvious choice to me. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 16, 2022
Annette Dashofy is one of the best mystery writers of today and Fatal Reunion is the perfect addition to her Zoe Chambers Mystery series. This fast-paced heart-rending tale pulls the reader into the story with the everyday scenes, and the all-too-common horror of the crime. contributing to the sense of reality. Zoe's need to battle for the good guys, both living and dead, is the center that draws readers back over and over.
An old friend has returned for a high school reunion. Unfortunately, someone less welcomed may have returned, too. A high school student has been raped and murdered, just like three cases from Zoe's senior year. Has a serial killer returned or is the villain much closer to home?
Joy and Pain, Sorrow and Hope, Fatal Reunion pulls real life into the pages of a great mystery.
An old friend has returned for a high school reunion. Unfortunately, someone less welcomed may have returned, too. A high school student has been raped and murdered, just like three cases from Zoe's senior year. Has a serial killer returned or is the villain much closer to home?
Joy and Pain, Sorrow and Hope, Fatal Reunion pulls real life into the pages of a great mystery.
October 21, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for providing this title for my honest review.
I loved this book. Taking my time to read this title instead of devouring it in one sitting I found myself thinking about it and problem solving the murders while I was doing to my day to day tasks. It was always on my mind. The twists and turns kept me on my toes. My only feedback, and I feel like this has been the case with a few thriller titles lately, the ending felt like it wrapped up very quickly.
On a side note. I didn't realize this was part of a series when I originally started reading it but I'll say that it works really well as a standalone title and as series. I did not feel like I was missing something once I realized that it was a series.
I loved this book. Taking my time to read this title instead of devouring it in one sitting I found myself thinking about it and problem solving the murders while I was doing to my day to day tasks. It was always on my mind. The twists and turns kept me on my toes. My only feedback, and I feel like this has been the case with a few thriller titles lately, the ending felt like it wrapped up very quickly.
On a side note. I didn't realize this was part of a series when I originally started reading it but I'll say that it works really well as a standalone title and as series. I did not feel like I was missing something once I realized that it was a series.
Read
July 17, 2022As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt—the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance.
But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered
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
But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered
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
July 16, 2022
This is book 11 in Zoe Chambers Mysteries
As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance. But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
This whole series have been so good but this book is my favourite so far truly enjoyable read really gripping and I totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Level Best Books
I just reviewed Fatal Reunion by Annette Dashofy. #FatalReunion #NetGalley
As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance. But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
This whole series have been so good but this book is my favourite so far truly enjoyable read really gripping and I totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Level Best Books
I just reviewed Fatal Reunion by Annette Dashofy. #FatalReunion #NetGalley
July 16, 2022
This is book 11 in Zoe Chambers Mysteries
As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance. But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
This whole series have been so good but this book is my favourite so far truly enjoyable read really gripping and I totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Level Best Books
I just reviewed Fatal Reunion by Annette Dashofy. #FatalReunion #NetGalley
As Monongahela County’s new coroner Zoe Chambers-Adams gears up for a third day searching for a missing woman, she receives the news she’s been dreading: a body has been found. What she discovers at the scene leaves no doubt the missing woman was violently murdered. Worse, the manner of death mirrors the Monongahela Strangler case that terrorized the county when Zoe was in high school. Those murders stopped, but the case was never satisfactorily solved. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the memories of those scary days return with a vengeance. But Zoe’s new husband, Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, sees the murder differently. His investigation reveals two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.
This whole series have been so good but this book is my favourite so far truly enjoyable read really gripping and I totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Level Best Books
I just reviewed Fatal Reunion by Annette Dashofy. #FatalReunion #NetGalley
January 28, 2025
When a missing high school teen’s body is found in a remote area of the county, Zoe Chambers Adams has flashbacks to her senior year of high school. There are too many similarities to three teen girls who were killed all those years ago. Back then, the police had a suspect, but he committed suicide before he was charged. The killings stopped, so everyone moved on. While Zoe’s new husband, Police Chief Pete Adams, is busy looking at modern suspects and motives for the death, Zoe can’t help but wonder if a killer has been roaming free all these years. And, with her twentieth high school reunion happening, she’s wondering if the killer is in town for the event. Is what is happening today tied into what happened two decades ago?
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 14, 2022
I love the character of Zoe Chambers, paramedic and county coroner in rural PA, newly married to police chief Pete Adams. She is grounded, courageous, and highly skilled at her job, but she sometimes worries she is too soft-hearted and emotional for her new coroner role.
As the 11th in the series opens, Zoe is helping with the search for a teenager who has disappeared. When the missing girl is found dead, memories of the Monongahela Strangler are suddenly evoked. Several girls in Zoe's high school class were murdered two decades ago, but the murders stopped when the prime suspect committed suicide. The latest murder has similarities to those earlier killings--could the real murderer still be on the loose and murdering again? At the same time, Zoe's graduating class is having a 20th reunion. Zoe refuses to attend because she doesn't want to be reminded of her own behavior in those days, but it means that more people are gathering in the area, making it increasingly difficult for the police to do their investigation.
The supporting characters in this book are realistically drawn and developed, and the relationship between Zoe and Pete is solid and inspiring. Fans of traditional mysteries with a strong protagonist and intriguing plots should enjoy this engrossing series.
As the 11th in the series opens, Zoe is helping with the search for a teenager who has disappeared. When the missing girl is found dead, memories of the Monongahela Strangler are suddenly evoked. Several girls in Zoe's high school class were murdered two decades ago, but the murders stopped when the prime suspect committed suicide. The latest murder has similarities to those earlier killings--could the real murderer still be on the loose and murdering again? At the same time, Zoe's graduating class is having a 20th reunion. Zoe refuses to attend because she doesn't want to be reminded of her own behavior in those days, but it means that more people are gathering in the area, making it increasingly difficult for the police to do their investigation.
The supporting characters in this book are realistically drawn and developed, and the relationship between Zoe and Pete is solid and inspiring. Fans of traditional mysteries with a strong protagonist and intriguing plots should enjoy this engrossing series.
July 13, 2022
Zoe is now the Chief Coroner and as newlyweds she and Police Chief Pete Adams are adjusting to living at the run-down farm that Zoe inherited while they fix it up and her horse boarding business grows.
It is the 20 year reunion of Zoe's high school graduating class and she is determined not to attend until her friend Rose arrives with her family to help convince her that she needs to be there.
After a 20 year absence from the Monongahela Strangler that was in operation during their final months of HS, when Pete discovers the newly missing teenager raped and strangled it brings back the terror of the earlier crimes. Tension mounts as the town recalls the past and how the present seems to be replicating the horror. Just who is the strangler and why are the murders happening again?
I guessed, from the early stages, who the murderer might be but it was still a disappointment to see Zoe have to face another horrific experience from her past.
This series just keeps getting better and better and the suspense gets more intense without becoming overwhelming. Thank you Annette for another great story!
It is the 20 year reunion of Zoe's high school graduating class and she is determined not to attend until her friend Rose arrives with her family to help convince her that she needs to be there.
After a 20 year absence from the Monongahela Strangler that was in operation during their final months of HS, when Pete discovers the newly missing teenager raped and strangled it brings back the terror of the earlier crimes. Tension mounts as the town recalls the past and how the present seems to be replicating the horror. Just who is the strangler and why are the murders happening again?
I guessed, from the early stages, who the murderer might be but it was still a disappointment to see Zoe have to face another horrific experience from her past.
This series just keeps getting better and better and the suspense gets more intense without becoming overwhelming. Thank you Annette for another great story!
July 15, 2022
“ The homicide appears to be a crime of passion until Pete’s relentless digging unearths a link between his prime suspect and Zoe’s serial killer. Suddenly, with the predator threatening to strike someone near and dear to both Zoe and Pete, they must race to uncover the truth and catch a madman before another innocent victim is brutally murdered.”
This was my first book by Annette Dashofy, but it won’t be my last. Coming into a series at book 11 meant that I didn’t have a good grasp of the key characters but I was easily able to jump into the action. This was a thrilling read and my initial guess at the baddie turned out to be accurate, however, I changed my mind 4 or 5 times. So the mystery definitely keeps the reader engaged. Surprisingly I liked the husband of the main character more than Zoe herself. Perhaps this wouldn’t be the case if I’d read the previous 10 books (which I know plan to do). I can highly recommend this book to fans of Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh and Karen Rose.
Can be read as a stand-alone book.
Thanks to Ms Dashofy, Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 stars
This was my first book by Annette Dashofy, but it won’t be my last. Coming into a series at book 11 meant that I didn’t have a good grasp of the key characters but I was easily able to jump into the action. This was a thrilling read and my initial guess at the baddie turned out to be accurate, however, I changed my mind 4 or 5 times. So the mystery definitely keeps the reader engaged. Surprisingly I liked the husband of the main character more than Zoe herself. Perhaps this wouldn’t be the case if I’d read the previous 10 books (which I know plan to do). I can highly recommend this book to fans of Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh and Karen Rose.
Can be read as a stand-alone book.
Thanks to Ms Dashofy, Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 stars
July 17, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was my first Zoe Chambers series book and I hate not starting a series from the beginning but I felt it was still easy to get to know all the characters and you didn't necessarily have to read the previous books in order to understand this one as it could be a stand alone. Zoe Chambers is the coroner in her small town and she is married to the police chief when a teen girl, Taylor, winds up murdered during the time that people are back in town for Zoe's 20 year High School reunion. The case ends up being eerily similar to a string of murders back when Zoe was in High School leaving them to wonder if Taylor was murdered by her boyfriend, someone else, or possibly the serial killer is back after 20 years. Many believed the old serial killer case was solved when the suspect had killed himself and the murders had stopped but with the murder of Taylor, perhaps they were wrong.
I really enjoyed reading this and there were times I was sure I had figured out who the murderer was but I was wrong and I love when it's not too easy to guess but not completely absurd either.
I really enjoyed reading this and there were times I was sure I had figured out who the murderer was but I was wrong and I love when it's not too easy to guess but not completely absurd either.
September 1, 2022
The search for a missing young woman ends when her strangled body is found in a rural field. Zoe Chambers is adjusting to her new role as coroner and is troubled by the similarities of Taylor's brutal murder and the deaths of 3 young women by the Monongahela Strangler 20 years ago. Those murders occurred when Zoe was in high school and attacks stopped when the alleged killer committed suicide. And with people arriving in town for Zoe’s twentieth high school reunion, the haunting memories of those attacks are affecting Zoe and her best friend Rose.
Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams's investigation into Taylor's murder leads him to two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. But Zoe and Rose's insistence on digging into those past serial killings reveals a dreaded predator who is back in town. Zoe and Pete must race to find this serial killer before the daughter of their dear friend becomes his next victim.
This was another great book in the long-running Zoe Chambers mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Level Best Books. My opinions are my own.
Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams's investigation into Taylor's murder leads him to two feuding families and a forbidden relationship between their children. But Zoe and Rose's insistence on digging into those past serial killings reveals a dreaded predator who is back in town. Zoe and Pete must race to find this serial killer before the daughter of their dear friend becomes his next victim.
This was another great book in the long-running Zoe Chambers mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Level Best Books. My opinions are my own.
March 15, 2023
Fatal Reunion follows Zoe Chambers, the newly elected county coroner in a rural Pennsylvania county, as she gets accustomed to her new job duties. With friends and old classmates in town for her 20th class reunion, Zoe begs off from the festivities. She'd much rather spend any free time she has with her horses and her police detective husband, Pete. But when a teenager girl is murdered and her body dumped in the exact spot a girl was left twenty years ago, Zoe begins to wonder if one of her old classmates is a serial killer. Things get intense when another teenage girl goes missing. Zoe and Pete scramble to unravel the clues and find her before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, Agatha-nominated, mystery. The setting was vivid, the characters fleshed out and real. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Even though Fatal Reunion is the eleventh in the series, I hadn't read any of the previous books but was never lost. It reads great as a standalone and has me ready to go back and start at book one!
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, Agatha-nominated, mystery. The setting was vivid, the characters fleshed out and real. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Even though Fatal Reunion is the eleventh in the series, I hadn't read any of the previous books but was never lost. It reads great as a standalone and has me ready to go back and start at book one!
June 17, 2022
Zoe and Pete are back! The latest Zoe Chambers Mystery, Fatal Reunion, is packed with action and plot twists that will keep you turning pages and wanting more Zoe and Pete when the book is done!
It’s Zoe’s 20th high school reunion and a lot of former classmates are back in town. When a young girl is found brutally murdered, the resemblances to the Monongahela Serial Killer case that was assumed closed years ago when Zoe and her best friend, Rose were seniors in high school is brought to the forefront of Zoe’s mind. In the capacity of the County Coroner, Zoe is in the middle of the investigation and the closer she and Pete get to solving the murder, the more personal the case becomes.
Dashofy’s characters are so well developed. Her experience as a paramedic and her research into law enforcement, and the coroner’s office shine through in her writing.
Another complex, suspenseful mystery by Annette Dashofy.
It’s Zoe’s 20th high school reunion and a lot of former classmates are back in town. When a young girl is found brutally murdered, the resemblances to the Monongahela Serial Killer case that was assumed closed years ago when Zoe and her best friend, Rose were seniors in high school is brought to the forefront of Zoe’s mind. In the capacity of the County Coroner, Zoe is in the middle of the investigation and the closer she and Pete get to solving the murder, the more personal the case becomes.
Dashofy’s characters are so well developed. Her experience as a paramedic and her research into law enforcement, and the coroner’s office shine through in her writing.
Another complex, suspenseful mystery by Annette Dashofy.
August 16, 2022
Another gems series that very worth to give it a try.
I read the 11th series but I don't think you really need to read previous book first since this book could stand alone.
Personally, I think that the genre of crime, thriller, suspense, mystery and similar to that will definitely be familiar to each other and we will find it difficult to find something completely new in a case. But what makes it different is in terms of the packaging of the storyline.
In this book, they are not only can hooked you up but I really like how this book develop engaged. starting from the discovery of a girl's body to the last plot twist which was very astonishing and I didn't think about it at all.
This was definitely outstanding with great characters, narrative, plot, fast paced, settings. the whole story is truly very enjoyable. I would really recommend this book to anyone and for myself I would absolutely consider to read the other series as well.
I read the 11th series but I don't think you really need to read previous book first since this book could stand alone.
Personally, I think that the genre of crime, thriller, suspense, mystery and similar to that will definitely be familiar to each other and we will find it difficult to find something completely new in a case. But what makes it different is in terms of the packaging of the storyline.
In this book, they are not only can hooked you up but I really like how this book develop engaged. starting from the discovery of a girl's body to the last plot twist which was very astonishing and I didn't think about it at all.
This was definitely outstanding with great characters, narrative, plot, fast paced, settings. the whole story is truly very enjoyable. I would really recommend this book to anyone and for myself I would absolutely consider to read the other series as well.
June 23, 2023
For the sake of full disclosure, the author, Annette Dashofy, is a friend. That, however, doesn’t affect my opinion.
Fatal Reunion is one of the better entries in a great series. Zoe Chambers and Pete Adams and their friends are the kinds of characters readers can connect with, can see themselves at a picnic or restaurant together. And that is the greatest accomplishment an author can achieve – to make the reader want to spend time with the characters.
The murder of a young woman stirs memories of identical murders among Zoe and her classmates at their 20th high school reunion. Is the killer the rebellious teen, the punk, the father of the young man dating the murdered girl, or someone else.
Dashofy fills the story with twists and turns and delivers plenty of doubts about who the guilty party is.
As long as Annette keeps writing these, I’ll keep reading them. I hope both go on a long, long time.
Fatal Reunion is one of the better entries in a great series. Zoe Chambers and Pete Adams and their friends are the kinds of characters readers can connect with, can see themselves at a picnic or restaurant together. And that is the greatest accomplishment an author can achieve – to make the reader want to spend time with the characters.
The murder of a young woman stirs memories of identical murders among Zoe and her classmates at their 20th high school reunion. Is the killer the rebellious teen, the punk, the father of the young man dating the murdered girl, or someone else.
Dashofy fills the story with twists and turns and delivers plenty of doubts about who the guilty party is.
As long as Annette keeps writing these, I’ll keep reading them. I hope both go on a long, long time.
October 25, 2022
Zoe and Pete have their work cut out for them in this 11th installment in her Zoe Chambers series. From juvenile delinquency to murder to cold cases to serial killers to a 20th high school reunion, Zoe has her plate full as Monongahela County's new coroner. She and her husband, Sheriff Pete Adams, must solve the murder of one girl and find a missing girl before she becomes the second victim in recent days; but are these latest crimes the work of a copy cat or those of a serial killer from Zoe's past? The answer to those questions will require a lot of digging, soul searching, and the re-examination of a 20 year old suicide. The characters are genuine. The action is solid, and the story is riveting. After 10 books, Annette Dashofy still manages to make these characters and the storylines fresh and interesting. I hope this series continues for years to come.
May 12, 2022
Annette Dashofy's FATAL REUNION had me caught from the first with the “high speed chase” of a huge John Deere tractor stolen by a troubled youth. Just as Shakespeare used humor to deflect and then deepen his tragedies, humor works to make this serious book deeper and more universal.
I read past my bedtime, but stopped when the iPad went dark and went to bed, thinking "Please don't let it be . . . " but . . . (nope, no spoiling from me) and finished first thing in the morning. Satisfying ending even before breakfast.
I do love the surprising twists of the plot and the teamwork of the friends and colleagues. I especially love the bold and caring Zoe, who points out that she can handle large, willful horses, so bad guys had better watch out, and when she's told to stay behind and wait — won’t! Those who care for and respect her have come to appreciate that. Above all, she knows how to really pay attention, a lesson for us all.
This is #11 (!) in the series, but they don’t have to be read in order. OTOH, I suspect you’ll want to read them all, in whatever order you decide.
I read past my bedtime, but stopped when the iPad went dark and went to bed, thinking "Please don't let it be . . . " but . . . (nope, no spoiling from me) and finished first thing in the morning. Satisfying ending even before breakfast.
I do love the surprising twists of the plot and the teamwork of the friends and colleagues. I especially love the bold and caring Zoe, who points out that she can handle large, willful horses, so bad guys had better watch out, and when she's told to stay behind and wait — won’t! Those who care for and respect her have come to appreciate that. Above all, she knows how to really pay attention, a lesson for us all.
This is #11 (!) in the series, but they don’t have to be read in order. OTOH, I suspect you’ll want to read them all, in whatever order you decide.
July 14, 2022
Gosh, this was a real whodunnit, my favorite genre! As Zoe, the county coroner, and her husband Pete, the Chief of Police, wandered around looking for clues, I was wandering around my house and yard, following the story. I couldn't quit the story, so most of the day I had a phone in one hand, trying not to miss anything. How I love books that hold my attention that well!
This is the first time I have read Annette Dashofy and, upon checking, I see that there are ten books in the series that precede this one. Of course, I want to read all of them. If only they were available on KU or less expensive to buy. I was fortunate to find this one on NetGalley and am grateful for that.
Mild profanity, not enough to really bother me.
This is the first time I have read Annette Dashofy and, upon checking, I see that there are ten books in the series that precede this one. Of course, I want to read all of them. If only they were available on KU or less expensive to buy. I was fortunate to find this one on NetGalley and am grateful for that.
Mild profanity, not enough to really bother me.
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