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Emily Slate #2
The Collection Girls
When a federal judge’s daughter goes missing without a trace, it will be up to recently-reinstated FBI agent Emily Slate to find her. Only Emily doesn’t realize what dangers lurk at the edges of this unique case.
Special Agent Emily Slate is a woman on the hunt. After returning home from the town of Stillwater, she’s more haunted than ever. Ghosts she thought she’d laid to rest have suddenly reared their heads, and the only person who can answer her questions has disappeared.
Meanwhile, a Federal Judge’s daughter is reported missing and it’s up to Emily to find her. As she dives into the case, she discovers a clever and twisted mind working against her and every minute that passes could mean it’s too late for his victims.
Emily will need all the help she can get if she hopes to find the person responsible and bring them to justice. And if doing so means bending the rules just so no more people get hurt, she can live with that.
One, two, three,
You’ll never find me.
Try as you might,
I am beyond the light.
Special Agent Emily Slate is a woman on the hunt. After returning home from the town of Stillwater, she’s more haunted than ever. Ghosts she thought she’d laid to rest have suddenly reared their heads, and the only person who can answer her questions has disappeared.
Meanwhile, a Federal Judge’s daughter is reported missing and it’s up to Emily to find her. As she dives into the case, she discovers a clever and twisted mind working against her and every minute that passes could mean it’s too late for his victims.
Emily will need all the help she can get if she hopes to find the person responsible and bring them to justice. And if doing so means bending the rules just so no more people get hurt, she can live with that.
One, two, three,
You’ll never find me.
Try as you might,
I am beyond the light.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2022
1429 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 16, 2022
Agent Emily Slate of the FBI is back on the job in The Collection Girls and she’s right in the thick of things. After resolving her case in Stillwater, only to lose her suspect to a heart attack, Emily is eager to prove her good name.
Janice Simmons, Emily’s boss, calls her in on a high profile missing persons case. Judge Stewart’s daughter, Hannah, left a bar after meeting with a friend and never came home.
From this point on, Emily and her fellow agent, Zara Foley, are scrambling through a maze of clues, high tech obstacles, Mafia bosses and powerful predators while racing against time to find the missing girl before it’s too late.
Woven into solving the case is Emily’s determination to crack the mystery of the death of her last suspect and the possible implications of the death of her husband.
Alex Sigmore keeps you turning the pages, holding your breath and waiting for the boogie man to jump out of the dark. A fantastic second book in the series, and, obviously, not the last.
I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Janice Simmons, Emily’s boss, calls her in on a high profile missing persons case. Judge Stewart’s daughter, Hannah, left a bar after meeting with a friend and never came home.
From this point on, Emily and her fellow agent, Zara Foley, are scrambling through a maze of clues, high tech obstacles, Mafia bosses and powerful predators while racing against time to find the missing girl before it’s too late.
Woven into solving the case is Emily’s determination to crack the mystery of the death of her last suspect and the possible implications of the death of her husband.
Alex Sigmore keeps you turning the pages, holding your breath and waiting for the boogie man to jump out of the dark. A fantastic second book in the series, and, obviously, not the last.
I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2022
Utterly fantastic, I loved it!
It has been years that I wasn’t reading mystery books because of my anxiety attack back in 2015 I could no longer read the already few crime stories I used to read. I never could stand the psychological torture, let alone physical. Still, there were a few scenes that did spike up my anxiety levels, but it was tolerable. Lol. But Emily Slate is so different, I don’t know, more human, not showing much of the psychological thriller aspect of the thriller, but more suspense, intrigue, and more mystery, a fantastic detective work, not ruthless but more personal, more thoughtful. Alex Sigmore’s books dig deep emotionally, delving into the human psyche.
A rollercoaster of emotional ride,
breathtaking action. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Exciting from beginning to end with plot twists melding seamlessly to perfection. Totally engrossing and delightful. I Hated to see it end. Ahh..,but I have Smoke and Ash #3 to read next!
I highly recommend this unique mystery thriller! An exceptional writer. I’d read anything he writes! And I’m not biased at all because it’s written by El Maestro, aka Eric Warren, author of the bestselling Infinity’s End SciFi series.
Just..read it!
It has been years that I wasn’t reading mystery books because of my anxiety attack back in 2015 I could no longer read the already few crime stories I used to read. I never could stand the psychological torture, let alone physical. Still, there were a few scenes that did spike up my anxiety levels, but it was tolerable. Lol. But Emily Slate is so different, I don’t know, more human, not showing much of the psychological thriller aspect of the thriller, but more suspense, intrigue, and more mystery, a fantastic detective work, not ruthless but more personal, more thoughtful. Alex Sigmore’s books dig deep emotionally, delving into the human psyche.
A rollercoaster of emotional ride,
breathtaking action. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Exciting from beginning to end with plot twists melding seamlessly to perfection. Totally engrossing and delightful. I Hated to see it end. Ahh..,but I have Smoke and Ash #3 to read next!
I highly recommend this unique mystery thriller! An exceptional writer. I’d read anything he writes! And I’m not biased at all because it’s written by El Maestro, aka Eric Warren, author of the bestselling Infinity’s End SciFi series.
Just..read it!
April 20, 2023
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ohh I like that this book gave us a little bit of a break from Detective Coll. Because he needs time to go through the academy and FBI Agent Emily needs to heal a little more.
We get more Zara another fellow FBI Agent who hasn't been out in the field before. But since they are friends its nice that they bounce ideas off each other. This case they are on is a tough one. Nothing is going their way and they really have to dig to find the evidence they need.
Its a but of a ride, and I loved it. I am excited to see where the series is going to take us.
Again the narration really does suite the story.
Ohh I like that this book gave us a little bit of a break from Detective Coll. Because he needs time to go through the academy and FBI Agent Emily needs to heal a little more.
We get more Zara another fellow FBI Agent who hasn't been out in the field before. But since they are friends its nice that they bounce ideas off each other. This case they are on is a tough one. Nothing is going their way and they really have to dig to find the evidence they need.
Its a but of a ride, and I loved it. I am excited to see where the series is going to take us.
Again the narration really does suite the story.
December 18, 2023
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. The Collection Girls is one harrowing story that begins with its well crafted prologue that introduces Hannah Stewart, whom finds herself in a sticky situation with a secret she cannot confide to even a best friend about. The night out takes a starker shift as a mysterious ride share driver hauntingly abducts Hannah with unknown intentions.
The case's complexity brings a deep level of frustration for Emily and Zara at the same time Emily's personal secret quest to unlock the shadowy woman that killed her husband is finally getting somewhere with its own investigation that she too wants no one to know about so they don't reap any of her consequences. Unraveling the clues to Hannah's whereabouts is mystery all its own; finding the ride share is once thing, getting the owner of Ryde 4 Lyfe to corporate is like pulling teeth; for Mr. Robert Aruz has his own secret to hold onto... damn the loss of innocent life.
Another complication in finding Hannah is her own father, a prominent judge wracked in fear and grief; tries to aid the agents by pointing them to certain directions that waste time no one has if Hannah can be found alive. What Hannah discovers within her prison cell is her mysterious captor believes that she is his sister: Lisa; leaving Hannah playing a delicate dance of pleasing this odd man while secretly working the courage to attempt an escape.
After what seemed like an eternity, Emily and Zara have found their best possible suspect: Douglas Krauss, a brilliant mind who invented sophisticated technology that even the FBI use. What they discover at the man's home leaves them floored and Emily find herself connecting to Krauss; as personal pain has deeply altered both of their lives.
The Collection Girls is poignant and profound and can be enjoyed separately without reading the first book of the series: His Perfect Crime... Highly recommended.
The case's complexity brings a deep level of frustration for Emily and Zara at the same time Emily's personal secret quest to unlock the shadowy woman that killed her husband is finally getting somewhere with its own investigation that she too wants no one to know about so they don't reap any of her consequences. Unraveling the clues to Hannah's whereabouts is mystery all its own; finding the ride share is once thing, getting the owner of Ryde 4 Lyfe to corporate is like pulling teeth; for Mr. Robert Aruz has his own secret to hold onto... damn the loss of innocent life.
Another complication in finding Hannah is her own father, a prominent judge wracked in fear and grief; tries to aid the agents by pointing them to certain directions that waste time no one has if Hannah can be found alive. What Hannah discovers within her prison cell is her mysterious captor believes that she is his sister: Lisa; leaving Hannah playing a delicate dance of pleasing this odd man while secretly working the courage to attempt an escape.
After what seemed like an eternity, Emily and Zara have found their best possible suspect: Douglas Krauss, a brilliant mind who invented sophisticated technology that even the FBI use. What they discover at the man's home leaves them floored and Emily find herself connecting to Krauss; as personal pain has deeply altered both of their lives.
The Collection Girls is poignant and profound and can be enjoyed separately without reading the first book of the series: His Perfect Crime... Highly recommended.
August 4, 2022
4.5* ARC Review – Tracking a Collector
This is the second book in the series, and I could not wait to continue with Emily’s story. Although you could probably read this as a standalone, I recommend reading the first book to have a better idea of Emily’s backstory and the other cases she is working on. This was also provided by Hidden Gems ARC program.
This book has Emily Slate still trying to earn her place back with the FBI, so she has been sent to investigate the disappearance of a federal judge’s daughter. Her friend and colleague, Zara has passed her field certification and is riding shotgun on this investigation. They are friends but are developing a good working relationship too. The trail of the missing woman takes the story through the ups and downs of a police investigation and how it might be related to other missing women. While looking into this disappearance, Emily is also still investigating the suspicious death from the last case that may be connected to her husband’s death.
This is the second book in the series, and I could not wait to continue with Emily’s story. Although you could probably read this as a standalone, I recommend reading the first book to have a better idea of Emily’s backstory and the other cases she is working on. This was also provided by Hidden Gems ARC program.
This book has Emily Slate still trying to earn her place back with the FBI, so she has been sent to investigate the disappearance of a federal judge’s daughter. Her friend and colleague, Zara has passed her field certification and is riding shotgun on this investigation. They are friends but are developing a good working relationship too. The trail of the missing woman takes the story through the ups and downs of a police investigation and how it might be related to other missing women. While looking into this disappearance, Emily is also still investigating the suspicious death from the last case that may be connected to her husband’s death.
July 25, 2022
Yes~ if you have not read this author, and you like mystery, police procedural, intrigue and even smiles, grab this book! Better yet grab book 1 and read them back to back although you will be wanting book 3 like yesterday! This can be read as a standalone, but there is such growth and things happening that I highly recommend grabbing book 1, His Perfect Crime. Emily is a flawed (aka human) FBI agent. She is smart, driven, focused and lacking in friendship, except for Timber and Zara. Zara was an ace analyst with FBI who was just approved for field work. She is funny, caring and helps lighten the book as they search for a Judges daughter who goes missing. Emily is also dong a side investigation, personal. This really shows the issues and frustration law enforcement deals with, as well as the individual. I love this series and am thrilled to find out Book 3 and 4 have titles, and there will be a book 5 and six. Be still my heart, creepy, thriller, law enforcement, friendship and family, so much is here. Thank you for the arc, I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #alexsigmore #Emilyslate #thecollectiongirls #booksprout
July 6, 2022
The series slowly improves and the characters are stellar (as per the usual with this author).
Again, not a typical genre I read, but I have an affinity for this author and his writing skills and if he so penned a romance novel, I would give it a chance. With that said, the book is quite believable, well researched, and something of a nailbitter towards the end.
The protagonist is a character we can all connect with at one level or another, and she endears herself to you with each iterative page.
Also, there is a larger arc to these stories, just as compelling as the stand-alone books themselves - an impressive feature this author is wont to do.
I look forward to the next installment.
Final rating: 4.8743 stars
Again, not a typical genre I read, but I have an affinity for this author and his writing skills and if he so penned a romance novel, I would give it a chance. With that said, the book is quite believable, well researched, and something of a nailbitter towards the end.
The protagonist is a character we can all connect with at one level or another, and she endears herself to you with each iterative page.
Also, there is a larger arc to these stories, just as compelling as the stand-alone books themselves - an impressive feature this author is wont to do.
I look forward to the next installment.
Final rating: 4.8743 stars
July 27, 2022
Special Agents Emily and Zara team up to investigate when a federal judge's daughter goes missing. Chasing a lead involving Ryde4Lyft they encounter a twisting turn of events.
As the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place Emily and Zara are confident they know who the perpetrator is, but what they find is even more disturbing.
Emily's past comes back to haunt her when the PI she hired, after her husband's death, produces a photo of the woman who Emily is sure who murdered her husband and another man.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place Emily and Zara are confident they know who the perpetrator is, but what they find is even more disturbing.
Emily's past comes back to haunt her when the PI she hired, after her husband's death, produces a photo of the woman who Emily is sure who murdered her husband and another man.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 27, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a great story that has twists and turns that had me coming back for more. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. This is a well written story that is full of action and suspense. The characters are connectable and strong. They bring the story to life on each page This is a story that is hard to put down. I highly recomend this book.
July 28, 2022
An FBI story that kept me totally engrossed and turning the pages. Emily and Zara were a good match as partners, they worked together well and also with some humour.
A first Alex Sigmore story for me and now I want to read Book 1 and the rest in this series.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
A first Alex Sigmore story for me and now I want to read Book 1 and the rest in this series.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
This was a decent story over all - It didnt have me on the edge of my seat but it kept my attaention. I did not read the first book but I felt enough was revealed that I didnt feel lost. I feel some of Emily's actions were questionable. I love Zara - she should get her own series
April 23, 2025
I guess I’m the outlier here.
I just found this to be kind of boring and written in a very amateur way. I feel even bad writing that, but it’s true.
I just found this to be kind of boring and written in a very amateur way. I feel even bad writing that, but it’s true.
June 25, 2023
Excellent book. Could be read alone but follows on with a lot of themes from the first novel. Characters are rich and well written and plot moves quickly. Although there isn't a major twist this was actually refreshing as it felt much more realistic. The book was action packed and kept me hooked. Highly recommend.
August 13, 2025
Emily Slate is given another chance, as she mentally, and physically tries to get her life back in shape . She must find the daughter , who is missing, of a prominent judge. It was well plotted out, and I am finding that I like this author more, and more. The mystery was tight, and it had a great ending. 5 stars.
December 6, 2022
Good, fun read
Fun to read, knowing she's going to get the case resolved. The different directions and twists were interesting. The long term thread to the books keep the readers interested in reading the series.
Fun to read, knowing she's going to get the case resolved. The different directions and twists were interesting. The long term thread to the books keep the readers interested in reading the series.
January 4, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed Emily Slate book #1 and loved The Collection Girls #2.
Already started on #3.
Already started on #3.
February 15, 2023
Easy read
Emily and Zara are well developed characters. It's a joy to find strong women with great criticism all thinking skills. Why
5 stars? This series is a fun read!
Emily and Zara are well developed characters. It's a joy to find strong women with great criticism all thinking skills. Why
5 stars? This series is a fun read!
June 25, 2023
Amazing
Love the characters Amazing Love the FBI thrillers. They are my favorite books to read. This author is a favorite!!!
Love the characters Amazing Love the FBI thrillers. They are my favorite books to read. This author is a favorite!!!
August 26, 2023
Enjoying this series so far! Onto the next! 4.5⭐️
June 27, 2024
4.5⭐️ these are so quick and easy to read!
October 24, 2022
An ending, but not
This was a good read with a lot of layers. While it is proving to be an intriguing story, it is the story behind the story that hopefully won't go on forever.
This was a good read with a lot of layers. While it is proving to be an intriguing story, it is the story behind the story that hopefully won't go on forever.
January 5, 2023
Taps into a realistic and terrifying fear of all young ladies. While you confidently cheer on Emily as she skirts on the outside of the guidelines of her job.
November 10, 2022
Wow
This will freak most anyone out! Why would you want women who look like your dead sister ? Why? What? Help!
This will freak most anyone out! Why would you want women who look like your dead sister ? Why? What? Help!
December 25, 2022
great series, love the characters
Emily takes on a kidnapping case of a federal judges daughter. With her friend Zara who is now a field agent and no longer an analyst, they think they know who did it. Very fast paced, exciting. Keeps your interest as they find ways to get information for the case. Hope she works more with Zara, she is a good agent and funny. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Emily takes on a kidnapping case of a federal judges daughter. With her friend Zara who is now a field agent and no longer an analyst, they think they know who did it. Very fast paced, exciting. Keeps your interest as they find ways to get information for the case. Hope she works more with Zara, she is a good agent and funny. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 15, 2023
enjoy!
I enjoyed the book very much almost as much as I liked the first one and would recommend it to all.
I enjoyed the book very much almost as much as I liked the first one and would recommend it to all.
December 27, 2022
entertaining and not boring in the least
Some editing issues, but the ins and outs of the mystery are quite compelling. Very happily on to book 3!
Some editing issues, but the ins and outs of the mystery are quite compelling. Very happily on to book 3!
April 11, 2023
Loving it
Carrying on from a great first book, the second hasn't disappointed, another great case and two strong feisty women to solve it, bring on the third book
Carrying on from a great first book, the second hasn't disappointed, another great case and two strong feisty women to solve it, bring on the third book
May 2, 2023
Who is she?
I don't think I will be able to rest until I find out who the woman is. I like the way Sigmore weaves the first book into this story, while introducing a new and intriguing plot. Excited to see what happens next.
I don't think I will be able to rest until I find out who the woman is. I like the way Sigmore weaves the first book into this story, while introducing a new and intriguing plot. Excited to see what happens next.
February 7, 2023
Great book
This author is new to me but these two books I've read are great. The books keep you in suspense and the FBI characters ate great. I'm continuing to the next book in the series. If you want a great mystery check these out.
This author is new to me but these two books I've read are great. The books keep you in suspense and the FBI characters ate great. I'm continuing to the next book in the series. If you want a great mystery check these out.
May 2, 2023
Interesting series
Complex mental health issues plague an overly bright kidnapper, but audacious Agent Slate works the case to a successful conclusion.
Complex mental health issues plague an overly bright kidnapper, but audacious Agent Slate works the case to a successful conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews