Unhinged

by Blair Howard

There’s something strange going on at Clearwater Psychiatric Hospital.Director Dr. Norman Gill has a list in his desk drawer. He keeps it locked away. It’s for his eyes only. The list has seven names, with seven dates.

Seven deaths in eleven months. PI Harry Starke will have to sharpen his skills for this one. Is there a lunatic loose in the hospital? A staff member, a patient? Does someone else have a list, and if so . . . how many names are on it?


Will Harry Starke break this case wide open?

Get your copy and start investigating!

Genres: Thriller

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Blair at his new office which is still under consruction. After meeting with his interior designer, he meets a new client. She is requesting him to look into a large number of apparent suicides which happened at a mental hospital. This was not a case that Harry would normally take, but he had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. He decided that he would give it a few days and if he didn't find anything, he would stop.

After a couple of days, Harry and Tim, went to the hospital to try and get into their computer system. According to information they had, the director was to be out fishing. Unfortunately, they were caught red handed. Instead of being arrested, the director wanted to hire Harry because of the latest suicide which just happened. This one it seemed was a person quite important. Harry was already on the scene and was able to visit the crime scene. This case also had Kate assigned to work with him. After the autopsy the death was ruled a suicide. This suicide also got Harry hired by a 3rd party to investigate.

Harry began a much more detailed investigation since he was given free reign of the hospital. Unfortunately, he wasn't coming up with any answers and the last party that hired him was getting impatient. He eventually managed to discover what the reason the person who hired him first was about. It was only after he received a suggestion from Amanda, his wife, that the pieces of the puzzle fell in place and he knew what happened.

To discover why Harry was hired in the 1st place, who the important person was for the last suicide which bought Kate into the picture, what suggestion Amanda gave Harry was that told him who was involved with the suicides, then you need to read this book.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Boy, this is Blaire Howard at his brilliant best, I am so glad to see PI Harry Starke doing what he does best.
Harry and his eclectic team, each hand picked for their special skills, are just settling into their state of the art new headquarters or they would be if Harry ever decided on the decor for his office, he had loved his old office, it was his space but that had been blown up.
Harry had worked for the Chattanooga PD until he couldn't stand the red tape and working with his hands tied any longer, he did however remain friends with his ex partner both in work romantically , Captain Kate Gazarra, they often sought each others help, and that help was needed when Harry was approached to investigate the number of suicides at the Clearwater Heights psychiatric hospital......none for years and then seven in eleven months, Harry didn't believe in coincidence. Although the deaths were recorded as suicide, it didn't sit well with Harry and when two more people, one a Miami mob boss offered to pay his fees his brain was telling him that the suicides were just that.....his gut was telling him a different story.
This is a real page turner, one that I couldn't put down, it is a roller coaster of red herrings, suspects coming out of the woodwork (and I had everyone of them down as guilty), it kept me guessing until the very end. This story has everything, an escalating body count, intrigue, nail biting suspense and fast action and a dangerous psychopath on the loose.
It is lovely to see Harry still so happy outside work with the beautiful Amanda who he obviously adores and his cutie daughter Jade who completes the picture. I now can't wait to see what Harry gets up to next.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this most recent entry in Blair Howard's Harry Stark series, Harry is hired by a receptionist at a top Psychiatric Hospital. It seems the hospital has had an unusually high number of suicides in recent months. She thinks there is a murderer loose in the hospital. After convincing Harry that something is seriously amiss, he agrees to investigate. In order to not accidentally give away something that would spoil the story for someone, that is all I am going to say about the plot.

Mr. Howard came up with a very interesting theory as to what was really going on, the problem is proving it when all evidence points to the deaths being suicides. There were complications, twists and turns and surprises throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Although there are several books ahead of this one in the series,this was the first I had read and I had no trouble following the story. Harry and crew put all their talents to work in solving this case. Little character development as I am assuming this has mostly been done in the previous books. I will discover this as I plan to read earlier books.

I received an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my opinion which is voluntarily being given in this review.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry is hired by the receptionist of the Clearwater Psychiatric Hospital to investigate a string of 7 suicides in 11 months, among their patients. She fears they were really murders, even though none of them raised suspicions among the police or Medical Examiners who handled the cases. Harry’s first impression is ‘nothing to see here’, but his gut tells him to go for it; when he gets two more requests, one from the Miami Mob, for the same reason, he knows his gut is right. This is a well-written story with an excellent plot, with Harry and his team putting in lots of overtime, working with his old partner Kate, and even his wife Amanda getting involved, using her old reporter’s instinct to help. The story pulled me in right from the start, the building suspense keeping me on the edge of my seat, through many twists and turns, right up to the strong surprise finish. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion. I have pre-ordered an e-book copy to support this outstanding author. This is the ninth book by Mr. Howard that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed, some from each of his series. I highly recommend his work – it is all excellent!

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soon after Harry walks into the new Starke Investigations' new office building, still under construction, Harry is asked by a possible new client, one Rachel Summers, to look into a series of suicides in the mental hospital Clearwater Heights. What Ms. Summers wants Harry to prove about the suicides is that they are actually murders, even when each one of them has already been officially ruled as suicides by law enforcement. Harry decides to take the case since Ms. Summers is very sure in her belief that a crime has actually been committed, and has the funds to pay for a retainer fee.

Starke Investigations start to look into the case and discover that there is one wing at the hospital that houses criminally insane patients. The team also discover that at least two criminal organizations are private investors in Clearwater Heights. Soon after that another suicide is discovered at the hospital, one that brings the Miami Mob to Chattanooga. Harry and his team has to determine what is actually going on at Clearwater Heights, while keeping the Mob from getting underfoot.

Blair Howard once again proves that he can write a story that will keep you reading late at night.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Puzzling Mystery – when things aren’t always what they seem to be.

Blair Howard is, by far, my favorite mystery writer and Harry Starke is my favorite investigator. I love how he thinks things through and how he works with his team. His personal life has always been of interest, too. These novels come packed with intriguing characters and unexpected situations that urge you to keep reading.

Unhinged hooked me from the start and kept me guessing throughout. There is never too much violence (but just enough to keep it real) or sexual intimacy to distract from the case at hand. We get to dig in and dig deep to uncover the clues to solving the mystery. I needn’t reiterate the plot here but the fact that it involves a psychiatric facility and eight supposed suicides should be enough to get anyone’s attention and did I not mention the mob? – a great whodunnit (if done at all)…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Korinne Tande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy this author's writing style. Everything is laid out in order without giving away too much too soon. I appreciate not having to go back and forth to make sure I am not confused or to check whether or not I have missed something important. Missing a clue (or two) does happen, but I often don't know it until the mystery is solved at the end! This story is both engaging and intriguing. My favorite aspect of this book had to do with the characters and trying to decide "who was who" and "what role(s) did this cast of characters play. While I have not read all the Harry Starke books, I have read several, and I have enjoyed everyone....even though I am usually wrong in guessing "who done it" and "why." I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Starke is hired by a woman who is a Receptionist at a residential facility for those who are psychologically unable to cope with the outside world. It also houses a unit for those deemed to be criminally insane and sent there by the courts. In the past eleven months seven patients died under unusual circumstances. She wants to know why. This leads Harry and his team into a complex situation where they literally don’t know what is going on or why. None of it makes sense. Without going into spoilers I will say that his team and a member of the Miami mob (who we will hopefully meet again) make discoveries that both shock and amaze. Once again, a terrific and gripping read. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say besides amazing! This Harry Stark story will go down as one of the best so far. And that’s saying a lot because they’re all great. The storyline was engaging, intense, and well written. The mystery was well plotted and the suspense kept building until the end. Of course the characters are multifaceted but this book was a little different. Although Harry is always the protagonist in this series he generally shares the writers time with Kate, Amanda, or one of the people in his agency. They were all there but he was really center stage. While there was action it came more toward the end of the story rather than throughout. A very impressive new book in this series!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[John Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - Harry's back and has a seriously complex mystery on his hands. A fairly prestigious psychiatric hospital experiences several patient suicides in a relatively short period of time. Harry learns of the situation when a lady representing herself as a concerned employee, who is convinced a serial killer may be involved, hires his team to look into the situation. Harry quickly finds himself in an increasingly confusing investigation. Are they really suicides? He soon discovers there are complicating issues at play and potentially dangerous relatives who insert themselves into the investigation with more than one person wanting to be the main client paying for his efforts. This is a well written and thoroughly enjoyable albeit complex and unpredictable tale.

[Craig Smedley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy case lands on the desk of Harry Starke when a receptionist seeks to hire Harry and his agency to track down a serial killer at a small local psychiatric hospital where there has been a spate of suicides.
This sets the scene for an interesting story with numerous twists and turns along the way before Harry manages to solve the case and, in the process, save the life of one of the principal characters as well. The story takes Harry into the world of another mobster which raises concerns for him having had bad experiences with mobsters previously. And throughout the story Harry is also being pressured to decide on decorations for his new office premises after the previous story finished with his offices being blown up.
Moses

[J Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry and his team are working out of their new office which is still under construction.
A distraught woman wants to hire Harry to investigate the death of seven people that died in less then a year at a psychiatric hospital. All ruled as suicides but she thinks it’s a serial killer. Harry reluctantly agrees to look into it since he doesn’t believe in coincidence. Before you know it three people want to pay him to investigate including the mob.
This is a tough case with some serious twists that keeps you in suspense and guessing until the very end.
I really liked that it brings in Kate, Doc Shedden, Amanda as well as some very interesting characters from the hospital and the mob that kept me turning pages. This is a a Great addition to this series that I highly recommend.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry's latest case involves a series of suicides at a psychiatric hospital. But the deaths have been reviewed by both the cops and the medical examiner, and have been ruled as suicide. Som is there anything there? Harry agrees to do some preliminary investigation but then later thinks about ending his investigation. Until Amanda (his wife) reminds him that he must have had a reason for taking the case in the first place.

As Harry and his team investigate, they turn up some interesting facts. Like, the hospital has an affiliation to the Miami mafia. And that is just one strange twist in the story. As can be expected with this author's books, there are plenty of twists and turns, especially the closer Harry gets to solving the case. This is a fast-paced read and will leave you reeling.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt so good reading this new release in the Harry Starke series. Blair Howard, as he always does, tells a great story. All through the book, I found myself guessing who was the one causing the havoc at Clearwater Psychiatric Hospital, and I didn’t figure it out until the very end. And what a surprise it was! I just love the kind of mysteries that keep you guessing.
One reason I love to read books in a series is that you can see the personal growth of the characters. I loved the side of Amanda that emerged in this story, and I hope to see her partner with Harry in further books. It’s also good to see Harry working with his former team at the Chattanooga Police Department, especially Kate and even Chief Johnson. I highly recommend this book!

[Steven T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing story from Blair Howard. Several suicides have happened in the past year at a local psychiatric hospital. Way more than what is considered normal. An employee thinks that something nefarious may be going on. Perhaps a serial killer is making it look like suicide? They approach Harry about looking into it. Against his better judgement, he decides to take the case because he has a gut feeling that something is amiss. After all, Harry’s gut has never let him down. What will Harry and his team discover? Read this gripping tale to find out. As usual, it has twists and turns that make all of Blair’s books an entertaining read. Enjoy!

[Sally Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder or suicide. The truth has to come out.

Harry is reluctant to take a case where the death is obviously suicide. It turns out that there were 7 other suicides at Clearwater. To Harry, something didn't sit well with so many suicides in such a short period of time. He decided to take the case. There were so many questions that didn't have answers. There was no possible way that these people could have been murdered. Travel with Harry to learn if he can unravel the causes of these deaths and stay out of trouble while doing so. Blair never disappoints his readers. This is another c enjoyable book.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite Harry Starke book so far!
The murder by suicide storyline was different and kept me awake until very early in the morning because I couldn't put the book down. One of the things I like best about Blair Howard's books is that I'm hooked from the first chapter each time
The usual characters were in the book and I like every one of them, each having their particular character quirks. I enjoyed the Mafia angle to Unhinged and that brought another really interesting character into the story.
The twists were great and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Javon50]

Seven patients have committed suicide at the Clearwater Heights Psychiatric Hospital. When Harry Starke is hired by a hospital employee to investigate the deaths, he is not sure why he agreed to investigate, other than a “gut feeling” that something sinister may be occurring at the hospital. Blair Howard always creates a storyline that is fully thought out with characters that are interesting and a mystery that keeps me up late at night until the final page, when I can finally sleep. This book is another example of a fantastic book.

[Joanne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much anticipated return of Harry and all my favourite characters. An interesting plot with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the last chapter. Things are never all they seem at first or even second or third. Seven suicides? 7 murders? What is going on at the Clearwater Heights Psychological Hospital? As with all the Harry Starke series, there is so much pleasure to be had by reading them all, but they are all fabulous reads in their own right. Thanks Blair for continuing to write such enjoyable books. I’m eagerly waiting the next one as always.

[Terri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always a new mystery with Harry Starke. I have read every one in the series and each one captures my interest right away and continues right through the end. So many twists and turns that I’m never quite sure who to look at “who done it”. So glad to get another one and enjoy the characters that are in each book. They seem like old friends. I’m always glad when a new one arrives! Since we now live in TN and have been to Chattanooga it is fun visualizing where the action takes place.

[Pamela Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry is hired to investigate suicides at Clearwater Psychiatric Hospital. Too many suicides in just a few months make them look very suspicious. But are they really murders, and who could possibly do the murders leaving no trace or clues behind? Harry and his team get right to work while at the same time trying to get his new office up and running and furnished and spend time with wife Amanda and daughter Jade. Another fast-paced story which you can't put down. You won't guess the nerve biting ending! Highly recommend.

[Diane Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! What starts out as a 'probable' suicide, turns into so much more. Harry is at it again, investigating and pursuing answers...he couldn't do it without his team! This story has more than a few unexpected twists. From murderous psychiatric patients, to the mob becoming involved, to, well...I'll let you read it! I'm from Chattanooga & I find it very enjoyable when the story takes place in my stomping grounds. Kudos to Blair Howard for writing a very believeable & entertaining story...may you write many more!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Starke's brilliance reigns supreme! This is a convoluted case that lands on Harry's desk. Suicides are rampant at the psych hospital. The police and medical examiners have all declared them as suicides, everyone believes this except for one employee who hires Harry to investigate. What seemed like a straight forward case of dotting i's and crossing t's is anything but. As Harry uncovers the secrets and mysteries at the psych hospital the team is put into danger. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI Harry Starke and his team are back after the last explosive book 16 and I mean that literally!

When a receptionist from Clearwater Heights a local psychiatric hospital asks Harry for help about some suicides that have recently happened, he really doesn't see what him and his team can do.
But Harry's gut tells him otherwise and said that he will take a look into it.
When an 8th suicide victim is named as the son of the Miami mob boss everything goes from bad to worse in a heartbeat.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder by suicide, and Harry's working for the mob?

Harry Starke and his team are back, with a new office building and a strange new case. Patients at a top-end hospital are dying at an alarming rate. The evidence and medical examiner all say suicide, while Harry's new client is certain it's murder. Harry takes the case, despite his years of experience telling him otherwise. In a matter of days, Harry has also been hired by the hospital administrator and a crime lord to get to the bottom of the matter. The twists and turns in the case will make it hard to put this book down!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Starke, PI Extraordinaire, and his team are back in yet another crime thriller. Is a serial killer loose in a psychiatric hospital? Or are the recent multiple suicides caused by mental illness? Harry and his team are embroiled in the middle of another riddle. Full of action with great characters and as expected, a killer plot, the twists and turns are what readers expect from Harry Starke. Another great read.

[Vj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Unhinged is a perfect title. Thinking he will spend a few days looking into one mysterious circumstance of too many suicides in a mental hospital, Harry suddenly finds himself in uncharted territory. He is being paid by more than one client to solve the mystery that devolves into three different crimes. All the twists in this story kept this reader intrigued. This is one of Howard's best stories. Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well all I can see is welcome back Harry - this was amazing and it was so addictive I needed to know how the patients were killed - what an answer.

Harry and Kate and all the other characters are so well developed it is like slipping on a comfortable duvet and snuggling down and investing the time to read. Well worth it.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Blair Howard brings us Harry Stark in a delightful detective procedural novel. While this is a stand-alone book it has all the familiar characters from previous stories. I do not believe in reiterating storylines as I feel that takes away from the pleasure of a new reader, but this tale has a couple of unforseen twists which are well thought out and developed. I highly recommend Unhinged to readers of this genre. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion of this novel.

[Barbara Balch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good, solid, hard to put down, read.
Suicides?
Homicides?
— add in a psychiatric hospital with questionable financial resources, the loss of Harry’s beloved office at the hands of Shady Tree, and his inability to bond with the new one being built— and what shakes out is a different sort of story than I am used to. And it all works.

I do feel there is a bit of an undercurrent regarding Harry’s personal life sneaking in - unsettling - we shall see….

AR Team - Barbara