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Hidden Valor #1
The Garbage Man
What she can't remember...just might kill her.
Former US Army detective Kate Holland spent years hiding from the world—and herself.
Now a small-town cop, the past catches up with Kate when the body of a fellow Army veteran is left along a backcountry road...in meticulously severed pieces.
Four years earlier, Kate spent eleven hours as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan. According to her Silver Star write-up, she singlehandedly took down eleven terrorists to avoid staying longer.
But Kate has no memory of the deaths, or the events that led up to them.
And now, bizarre clues are cropping up in and around that crime scene—and others. Clues that appear to connect to that fateful day. Is the killer trying to tell her something?
Or is Kate finally losing her grip on reality?
As the body count rises, Kate is forced to confront the guilt that caused her to bolt from the Army...along with the realization that, if she'd faced her demons sooner, her fellow vets might still be alive—and she wouldn't be in the killer's crosshairs.
The Garbage Man is Book 1 in the Hidden Valor Military Psychological Suspense Series. If you like strong, female protagonists with gripping, complex suspense that twists and turns all the way to The End, you'll love Candace Irving's 107,000-word military mystery/suspense featuring Braxton Police Deputy Kate Holland.
Grab your copy of The Garbage Man today and find out what happened to Kate during those eleven hours she spent as a POW...and why she must remember.
Former US Army detective Kate Holland spent years hiding from the world—and herself.
Now a small-town cop, the past catches up with Kate when the body of a fellow Army veteran is left along a backcountry road...in meticulously severed pieces.
Four years earlier, Kate spent eleven hours as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan. According to her Silver Star write-up, she singlehandedly took down eleven terrorists to avoid staying longer.
But Kate has no memory of the deaths, or the events that led up to them.
And now, bizarre clues are cropping up in and around that crime scene—and others. Clues that appear to connect to that fateful day. Is the killer trying to tell her something?
Or is Kate finally losing her grip on reality?
As the body count rises, Kate is forced to confront the guilt that caused her to bolt from the Army...along with the realization that, if she'd faced her demons sooner, her fellow vets might still be alive—and she wouldn't be in the killer's crosshairs.
The Garbage Man is Book 1 in the Hidden Valor Military Psychological Suspense Series. If you like strong, female protagonists with gripping, complex suspense that twists and turns all the way to The End, you'll love Candace Irving's 107,000-word military mystery/suspense featuring Braxton Police Deputy Kate Holland.
Grab your copy of The Garbage Man today and find out what happened to Kate during those eleven hours she spent as a POW...and why she must remember.
366 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2020
308 people are currently reading
2375 people want to read
About the author
Candace Irving
10 books1,360 followersA former US Navy Lt., CANDACE IRVING is the daughter of a librarian and a retired US Navy chief. Candace grew up in the Philippines, Germany, and all over the United States. Her senior year of high school, she enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training, she transferred to the Navy’s ROTC program at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT, she spent a summer in Washington, DC, as a Congressional Intern. She also worked security for the UT Police. BA in Political Science in hand, Candace was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy and sent to Surface Warfare Officer’s School to learn to drive warships. From there, she followed her father to sea.
Candace is married to her favorite soldier, a former US Army Combat Engineer. They live in the American Midwest, where the Army/Navy football game is avidly watched and argued over every year.
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Visit https://candaceirving.com/newsletter to sign up for Candace's newsletter & receive a free book.
*Candace also writes military romantic suspense under Candace Irvin.
Candace is married to her favorite soldier, a former US Army Combat Engineer. They live in the American Midwest, where the Army/Navy football game is avidly watched and argued over every year.
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Visit https://candaceirving.com/newsletter to sign up for Candace's newsletter & receive a free book.
*Candace also writes military romantic suspense under Candace Irvin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 1, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE GARBAGE MAN (A Hidden Valor Military Veteran/K-9 Mystery Book #1) by Candace Irving is an intense, gritty, emotional roller coaster mash-up of mystery, suspense, and thriller genres featuring a female small-town deputy on the hunt for a serial killer. I could not put this book down, but be warned, this is a book featuring a serial killer and it contains graphic violence.
Former US Army CID investigator Kate Holland saw several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan seeing some of the worse violence man does to man. On her last trip outside of the wire, her group was captured and Kate spent eleven hours at the hands of terrorists. She escaped but has been suppressing the memory of what happened.
Now a small-town deputy in her hometown, Kate and her German Shepard, Ruger are trying to just get through each day until she is called to the horrific crime scene left by the road. The clues have ties to fellow vets and begin to make Kate believe this is tied to her captivity overseas, but is it true or is she losing her grip on reality?
With each new victim, Kate is forced to face her suppressed past and worry that she may be the next veteran to die.
This is one of those books that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The plot comes at you from many different directions, but all the threads come together to a brilliant climax with PTSD, trauma, and revenge all interwoven throughout. Kate is a complex protagonist. She is strong on many levels, but also vulnerable. She is put through difficult situations, personally and professionally, throughout this story. Ruger is a wonderful sidekick, protector, and emotional support for Kate. This book has everything I look for in a gritty, intricately plotted genre mash-up with a memorable protagonist, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this mystery/suspense/thriller mash-up!
THE GARBAGE MAN (A Hidden Valor Military Veteran/K-9 Mystery Book #1) by Candace Irving is an intense, gritty, emotional roller coaster mash-up of mystery, suspense, and thriller genres featuring a female small-town deputy on the hunt for a serial killer. I could not put this book down, but be warned, this is a book featuring a serial killer and it contains graphic violence.
Former US Army CID investigator Kate Holland saw several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan seeing some of the worse violence man does to man. On her last trip outside of the wire, her group was captured and Kate spent eleven hours at the hands of terrorists. She escaped but has been suppressing the memory of what happened.
Now a small-town deputy in her hometown, Kate and her German Shepard, Ruger are trying to just get through each day until she is called to the horrific crime scene left by the road. The clues have ties to fellow vets and begin to make Kate believe this is tied to her captivity overseas, but is it true or is she losing her grip on reality?
With each new victim, Kate is forced to face her suppressed past and worry that she may be the next veteran to die.
This is one of those books that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The plot comes at you from many different directions, but all the threads come together to a brilliant climax with PTSD, trauma, and revenge all interwoven throughout. Kate is a complex protagonist. She is strong on many levels, but also vulnerable. She is put through difficult situations, personally and professionally, throughout this story. Ruger is a wonderful sidekick, protector, and emotional support for Kate. This book has everything I look for in a gritty, intricately plotted genre mash-up with a memorable protagonist, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this mystery/suspense/thriller mash-up!
December 1, 2020
What an overwhelmingly fine book. Plan on having your heart racing and blood pressure soaring as Kate comes across one body after butchered body of retired veterans. To say the least, it's very creepy. I'm not sure if I'll be able to walk through the aisles of the grocery store meat department again without thinking of these victims.
Kate, the local cop in charge of the investigation, discovers she has longstanding ties to some of the victims and suspects. Many of them have ties to each other. After a while it begins to feel like you're swimming in a pot of boiling Spaghetti noodles. It's about that hot and everything is twisted and tangled up.
One apparent homeless vet she met early in the investigation gave her good personal advice about her reliance on using distractions or crutches she used to keep her wits about her. He said, "You just gotta be careful you don't clamp down on your crutch so hard, you lose the ability to function on your own without it." It seemed like really sage advice, considering it was much later in the investigation before she realized how important a player he was in the murders.
Kate's close companion, Ruger her dog, saves her life and a few of the others as bodies continue to drop up til the bitter end. He often, "shaved the distance between them down to her jeans and his fur as they," moved from scene to scene.
For all the nosey neighbors, townsfolk, and news media who couldn't wait for more information on each murder in the investigation, Kate's dry response was, "All I can say for now is, the cause was not natural." It was a very refreshing put down considering all she knew and the terrors associated with that knowledge.
I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Kate, the local cop in charge of the investigation, discovers she has longstanding ties to some of the victims and suspects. Many of them have ties to each other. After a while it begins to feel like you're swimming in a pot of boiling Spaghetti noodles. It's about that hot and everything is twisted and tangled up.
One apparent homeless vet she met early in the investigation gave her good personal advice about her reliance on using distractions or crutches she used to keep her wits about her. He said, "You just gotta be careful you don't clamp down on your crutch so hard, you lose the ability to function on your own without it." It seemed like really sage advice, considering it was much later in the investigation before she realized how important a player he was in the murders.
Kate's close companion, Ruger her dog, saves her life and a few of the others as bodies continue to drop up til the bitter end. He often, "shaved the distance between them down to her jeans and his fur as they," moved from scene to scene.
For all the nosey neighbors, townsfolk, and news media who couldn't wait for more information on each murder in the investigation, Kate's dry response was, "All I can say for now is, the cause was not natural." It was a very refreshing put down considering all she knew and the terrors associated with that knowledge.
I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 30, 2020
Not all scars are visible. Not all handicaps can be fixed. But how can you tell when someone is totally broken? Can they explain it to you? Can you see it in their eyes? Is it in the way they walk or talk? How can you help, if someone doesn't want to be helped?
Soldiers returning from fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq face a long road of mental and physical healing. And unfortunately, medical facilities and personnel are not always readily available, no matter your military status. It's a razor sharp edge between help and hurt, and success or failure is measured in lives.
Such is the case of the Garbage Man. I honestly did not know where this story was headed, and every time I thought one thing, Ms. Irving threw another curve ball. I can see how those servicemen and women are unsure how they are supposed to feel. These brave people leave their homes and families, to fight our enemies, and are then brought home, half or almost whole, and tend to flounder to find their way back. It makes me want to cry. And then they can be labeled as criminals.
I received an ARC of this book. It is my decision to write this review because I am so impressed with Ms. Irving and her ability to shine a light in the darkness, and do so while delivering an exceptional story.
Soldiers returning from fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq face a long road of mental and physical healing. And unfortunately, medical facilities and personnel are not always readily available, no matter your military status. It's a razor sharp edge between help and hurt, and success or failure is measured in lives.
Such is the case of the Garbage Man. I honestly did not know where this story was headed, and every time I thought one thing, Ms. Irving threw another curve ball. I can see how those servicemen and women are unsure how they are supposed to feel. These brave people leave their homes and families, to fight our enemies, and are then brought home, half or almost whole, and tend to flounder to find their way back. It makes me want to cry. And then they can be labeled as criminals.
I received an ARC of this book. It is my decision to write this review because I am so impressed with Ms. Irving and her ability to shine a light in the darkness, and do so while delivering an exceptional story.
November 27, 2020
The Garbage Man is the first book in the Hidden Valor Military Psychological Suspense Series. This is a fantastic start to this new series.
The main character, former US Army detective Kate Holland, is well depicted, strong, intelligent, and has some lost memories that come back to haunt her. This book is a real page-turner that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish with action, danger, intrigue, and death. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
The main character, former US Army detective Kate Holland, is well depicted, strong, intelligent, and has some lost memories that come back to haunt her. This book is a real page-turner that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish with action, danger, intrigue, and death. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 21, 2025
4.5 stars
November 8, 2020
Until I picked up this book, I had forgotten how much I loved and missed getting hooked on a suspenseful, well-written military mystery. This book has it all and I was invested and totally mesmerized from the first few words. Kate was discharged from the military after a terrible IED explosion and subsequent capture and then escape as a prisoner Afghan extremists. Well that is what she was told because she has blocked most of her memories of that time in her life. But that past is crucial to the solving of some gruesome murders resulting in body dismemberments. The character of Kate is a masterful combination of a strong willed personality who at the same time has a venerability to her that makes everything that happens in this book so realistic. I loved this story and can't wait for the next book in the Hidden Valor Military Suspense Series. Not only have a found a new "must read" author but have re-kindled a love of this genre and can't wait to read more.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
January 11, 2021
Action packed suspense filled book. This book started slow for me but could be that I was trying to read it while preparing for the holidays. However, it didn’t take too long before I was sucked into the town of Braxton and the hunt for a serial killer. Kate Holland is a complex character with issues. She is a former Army CID agent now working for her hometown Police department. While investigating the murders of some retired veterans and medical personnel, she must deal with her own demons.
This book was non-stop action and intrigue. A gripping tale of a serial killing trying to get across a message and expose an ugly truth in the medical field. Kate must remember in order to solve this case but will she remember too late?
I received a copy of the book from the author. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book was non-stop action and intrigue. A gripping tale of a serial killing trying to get across a message and expose an ugly truth in the medical field. Kate must remember in order to solve this case but will she remember too late?
I received a copy of the book from the author. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 1, 2020
An interesting break-out for Candace from her Regan series.
Well written, taught, slightly darker than the other books she's written, but a great storyline that will keep you guessing up until the very end.
Character development is outstanding and just when you think you know what's going on, there's a roadblock or a detour!
Enjoyable read--I read the ARC in about a day and was truly disappointed when it ended! I'm looking forward to Kate's next adventure.
If you like a good mystery, interesting characters, and a strong storyline, read this book!
Stay SAFE!!!
Well written, taught, slightly darker than the other books she's written, but a great storyline that will keep you guessing up until the very end.
Character development is outstanding and just when you think you know what's going on, there's a roadblock or a detour!
Enjoyable read--I read the ARC in about a day and was truly disappointed when it ended! I'm looking forward to Kate's next adventure.
If you like a good mystery, interesting characters, and a strong storyline, read this book!
Stay SAFE!!!
November 4, 2020
People, people, people get ready for a ride you won't soon forget! This was a totally amazing story that kept me up three quarters of the night reading because I was literally glued to each page!! Ms. Irving takes you on a journey that causes the skin on your body to crawl, raises the hair on your neck and completely surprises you! Really just an amazing story you won't regret reading!
November 19, 2020
Very interesting story that keeps you guessing until the end. I couldn't believe who the killer was and hadn't suspected that person until they gave me a very good clue near the end. PTSD is mentioned and a real problem for a lot of vets. I personally have known two that had it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2021
Fascinating character, great story
Wow, I loved this book and plan to read the rest of the series. Kate Holland, wounded warrior, deputy investigator, is a complex, fascinating character that isn’t easy to forget. The effects of war are horrendous on those who serve and protect, and their struggles are key to this book. Highly recommend it.
Wow, I loved this book and plan to read the rest of the series. Kate Holland, wounded warrior, deputy investigator, is a complex, fascinating character that isn’t easy to forget. The effects of war are horrendous on those who serve and protect, and their struggles are key to this book. Highly recommend it.
May 22, 2023
Wow! Thrilling adventure and tribute to female veterans every where! Thank you!
I knew the minute I read the synopsis I would love this book, and I was right! Candace Irving is a new author for me, and "The Garbage Man" an exciting thriller, book one of the series Hidden Valor Military Veteran /K-9, was a "First Read" for me. The main character is a female veteran, former army CID, now working in law enforcement in her hometown. Candace Irving has crafted a magnificent heroine, with a transformation character arc that many woman who have served in the military will find inspiring. I especially appreciated the sensitivity, Candace demonstrated in exploring the issues that set apart female veteran health care needs, especially PTSD, from their male counterparts. Kate Holland poignant back story was as captivating to me as the mystery she was trying to solve!
I was drawn to this book by the synopsis but was captured and hooked by the opening scene. I was so intrigued I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. Then as usual cursed myself because in reading so fast, I finished too soon. I guess I will re-read in the future, savoring all the nuances, and carefully plotted twist and turns Candace Irving incorporated into this novel. She really surprised me at the end when the true protagonist was revealed. That ending was very well done! And even with all the death and mayhem, I was left with a feeling of happily ever after, even if in reality the heroine, Kate Holland, has a long way to go before she is ever going to feel whole again!
"The Garbage Man" contains all the elements of good story I need. It has wonderfully developed characters, a well written plot, happily ever after ending, with NO Cliffhangers! I encourage all romance readers, especially female veterans, to read it!
I knew the minute I read the synopsis I would love this book, and I was right! Candace Irving is a new author for me, and "The Garbage Man" an exciting thriller, book one of the series Hidden Valor Military Veteran /K-9, was a "First Read" for me. The main character is a female veteran, former army CID, now working in law enforcement in her hometown. Candace Irving has crafted a magnificent heroine, with a transformation character arc that many woman who have served in the military will find inspiring. I especially appreciated the sensitivity, Candace demonstrated in exploring the issues that set apart female veteran health care needs, especially PTSD, from their male counterparts. Kate Holland poignant back story was as captivating to me as the mystery she was trying to solve!
I was drawn to this book by the synopsis but was captured and hooked by the opening scene. I was so intrigued I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. Then as usual cursed myself because in reading so fast, I finished too soon. I guess I will re-read in the future, savoring all the nuances, and carefully plotted twist and turns Candace Irving incorporated into this novel. She really surprised me at the end when the true protagonist was revealed. That ending was very well done! And even with all the death and mayhem, I was left with a feeling of happily ever after, even if in reality the heroine, Kate Holland, has a long way to go before she is ever going to feel whole again!
"The Garbage Man" contains all the elements of good story I need. It has wonderfully developed characters, a well written plot, happily ever after ending, with NO Cliffhangers! I encourage all romance readers, especially female veterans, to read it!
September 19, 2022
Rating - 3.5
Time - Contemporary
Genre - Military, police procedural, psychological
Location - Braxton (small town) and Afghanistan.
This proved to be an interesting, but quite violent book. It features Kate Holland, who is currently a police officer in the small town of Braxton's police force. She was born and raised in Braxton and has served as a policeman for the past 3 years. Previously she was in the military and saw action in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Kate was awarded a Silver Star when she killed 11 terrorists after being a prisoner for eleven hours. Kate has little memory of this and now suffers from PTSD that threatens her sanity. The only things that can help her are her German Shepherd, Rugar, and a dive watch that she always wears. The watch had belonged to Max, a good friend and fellow soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Now she is confronted by a series of grisly murders of former vets. The victims are cut into small pieces and left on the side of a road. They are wrapped in plastic and placed in paper bags. Kate is intelligent, strong and compassionate; but also terribly vulnerable due to her PTSD.
I had decided not to read the next book in the series, but I can't stop thinking about her and her fellow policemen.
Time - Contemporary
Genre - Military, police procedural, psychological
Location - Braxton (small town) and Afghanistan.
This proved to be an interesting, but quite violent book. It features Kate Holland, who is currently a police officer in the small town of Braxton's police force. She was born and raised in Braxton and has served as a policeman for the past 3 years. Previously she was in the military and saw action in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Kate was awarded a Silver Star when she killed 11 terrorists after being a prisoner for eleven hours. Kate has little memory of this and now suffers from PTSD that threatens her sanity. The only things that can help her are her German Shepherd, Rugar, and a dive watch that she always wears. The watch had belonged to Max, a good friend and fellow soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Now she is confronted by a series of grisly murders of former vets. The victims are cut into small pieces and left on the side of a road. They are wrapped in plastic and placed in paper bags. Kate is intelligent, strong and compassionate; but also terribly vulnerable due to her PTSD.
I had decided not to read the next book in the series, but I can't stop thinking about her and her fellow policemen.
November 19, 2023
Even though Candace Irving has labeled her latest book, Invisible Wounds, as a prequel, don’t be fooled that this is just a brief short story. It is an amazing story of how Ruger, her German shepherd, came into her life. She has definitely gone over the top in description and emotion. Her descriptions of the ambush, explosion and capture during combat create such vivid visualizations of Kate’s experiences, they are emotionally exhausting. Having never been in either the military or combat situations, Candace has provided a just a brief picture of what our soldiers and veterans must have experienced. It definitely gives a better understanding of the causes of PTSD.
The story behind the introduction of Ruger is also emotionally draining, but provides a much better understanding of Kate’s thoughts and behavior prior to The Garbage Man book. I am glad that Candace took the time to create Invisible Wounds, but I believe it was an exhausting story to write. Keep them coming. Your fans are loving them.
The story behind the introduction of Ruger is also emotionally draining, but provides a much better understanding of Kate’s thoughts and behavior prior to The Garbage Man book. I am glad that Candace took the time to create Invisible Wounds, but I believe it was an exhausting story to write. Keep them coming. Your fans are loving them.
August 15, 2023
Kate Holland is a cop at at a small town. She lives with her best friend, Ruger. Ruger is a German Shepherd and her lifeline. Whenever she has anxiety problems, Ruger is there for her to calm her down and make the demons go away.
Kate was in the Army and four years earlier, she received the Silver Star by taking down eleven terrorists by trying to save her best friend, Max, life. But, she has no memory of what happened.
Now, the have found brown bags, stapled and in a line on the highway. What they find is one of the most disturbing sites Kate has taken in and she has taken in a lot being in the Army. The bags, separately, contain a body part. What is even worse, when they start investigating, they find that it is of a Veteran. Now, after identifying the body, another murder scene is called in, with the same brown bags and body parts!!
This will keep you turning pages to find out what is happening and is Kate being targeted, as some of the murdered Veterans she knows!!!
Kate was in the Army and four years earlier, she received the Silver Star by taking down eleven terrorists by trying to save her best friend, Max, life. But, she has no memory of what happened.
Now, the have found brown bags, stapled and in a line on the highway. What they find is one of the most disturbing sites Kate has taken in and she has taken in a lot being in the Army. The bags, separately, contain a body part. What is even worse, when they start investigating, they find that it is of a Veteran. Now, after identifying the body, another murder scene is called in, with the same brown bags and body parts!!
This will keep you turning pages to find out what is happening and is Kate being targeted, as some of the murdered Veterans she knows!!!
December 23, 2023
Dog left in house too often
This is easily the most impressive book I've read this year (although I do read a lot of happy-ending stuff because .... well, life IS difficult). The characters are VERY fully drawn, the plot and movements are credible, Kate will one day be moved to the big screen. As a transplant recipient myself this book worked on so many levels and as Kate struggles with her past and the investigation I did get fully invested in her. Her emotional and physical responses to stress and danger made me care.
The only small part of the whole book I would change would be - TAKE the dog everywhere with you. You need him.
Great book. I hope the series continues just as good. Thank you Candace.
This is easily the most impressive book I've read this year (although I do read a lot of happy-ending stuff because .... well, life IS difficult). The characters are VERY fully drawn, the plot and movements are credible, Kate will one day be moved to the big screen. As a transplant recipient myself this book worked on so many levels and as Kate struggles with her past and the investigation I did get fully invested in her. Her emotional and physical responses to stress and danger made me care.
The only small part of the whole book I would change would be - TAKE the dog everywhere with you. You need him.
Great book. I hope the series continues just as good. Thank you Candace.
July 5, 2024
This is a thriller where our heroine is an US army veteran. She returned to her hometown to work on the police force there. She carries many scars, both mental and physical. With this newest murder case, she may be the only one who can solve it. If she can face the memories, it drags up.
You can't get much more emotional than this book. Perhaps it will make people realise that War damages everybody it touches, even if you can't see it. How our heroine finds the courage to face it all, most of us couldn't possibly know. There are, however, many that do. Maybe they should enjoy more respect.
It's a great story and the first in a series that I will definitely read more of.
A fascinating story.
You can't get much more emotional than this book. Perhaps it will make people realise that War damages everybody it touches, even if you can't see it. How our heroine finds the courage to face it all, most of us couldn't possibly know. There are, however, many that do. Maybe they should enjoy more respect.
It's a great story and the first in a series that I will definitely read more of.
A fascinating story.
October 14, 2024
A friend of mine was reading this and telling me how good it was so I started reading it. I told her I hate her because I had a ton of things I needed to get done today but instead read from the first to the last page without accomplishing anything else. The story is riviting but not for the faint of heart. It touches on severla things that could be triggering. That said, I absolutely loved it. The characters weren't all black or white but had varying shades of gray in their actions. They all were dealing with something. Of course I loved Ruger. He was a comfort throughout. I cried several times reading this - the story just struck a chord with me. I will read the next book in the series but will read some light hearted books first so I can recover from this one.
January 23, 2022
What a read! First, a murder mystery so mysterious, a bit horrifying, and utterly riveting. Second, throughout weaves an even, balanced story our military veterans (focusing on Afghanistan and Iraq) experiencing PTSD and particularly the female detective investigating the murders. Third, betrayal runs deep especially those doing the betraying. Taut, compelling characters (both the good and the bad) skillfully managed this amazing plot. Candace Irving is new to me as an author. Not anymore. I am off to buy the second book in this series "In the Name Of" before I research Ms. Irving's other novels.
September 5, 2023
Whoa! Twists, turns and grisly murders
Could not put it down? Kate Holland was a POW for 11 hours she couldn't remember, but for which she had been declared a hero and awarded the Silver Star. She came back to a small town in Arkansas to become a deputy and a detective, along the way finding a wounded German Shepherd and nursing him.back to health.
Ruger, the dog, without any training, has fallen into the role of service dog - responding to her bouts of PTSD. A string of very grisly murders seems to point to a serial killer. Then to the guy she was sleeping with. And then it gets strange.
Looking forward to more!
Could not put it down? Kate Holland was a POW for 11 hours she couldn't remember, but for which she had been declared a hero and awarded the Silver Star. She came back to a small town in Arkansas to become a deputy and a detective, along the way finding a wounded German Shepherd and nursing him.back to health.
Ruger, the dog, without any training, has fallen into the role of service dog - responding to her bouts of PTSD. A string of very grisly murders seems to point to a serial killer. Then to the guy she was sleeping with. And then it gets strange.
Looking forward to more!
July 28, 2024
The dog is not a major character in this book despite what the write ups indicate. He's also left alone all day inside a house so I am critical of the role model here of responsible pet ownership. I bought these books because of the dog. I read ahead on subsequent books and it appears that Ruger, the dog, becomes a more active player in the storylines so I am going to continue to read in hopes that's true.
Be warned, it's a good story that kept me turning the pages and guessing who the bad guys were but it is graphically gory. If blood and guts turns your stomach, do not read this series.
Be warned, it's a good story that kept me turning the pages and guessing who the bad guys were but it is graphically gory. If blood and guts turns your stomach, do not read this series.
November 16, 2024
A thriller with many twists and turns.
This was one hell of a read, I found it very hard to put the book down, even though exhaustion was telling me to go to bed. Kate, a traumatised army veteran and a deputy investigator finds herself knee-deep in human body parts, all neatly sealed and wrapped. This is the beginning of a very bizarre case that leads to a network of criminals preying on veterans like herself. Her faulty memories cause night terrors and only her loyal dog Ruger is aware of how close to crumbling Kate is.
This was one hell of a read, I found it very hard to put the book down, even though exhaustion was telling me to go to bed. Kate, a traumatised army veteran and a deputy investigator finds herself knee-deep in human body parts, all neatly sealed and wrapped. This is the beginning of a very bizarre case that leads to a network of criminals preying on veterans like herself. Her faulty memories cause night terrors and only her loyal dog Ruger is aware of how close to crumbling Kate is.
January 7, 2025
So, not a bad read but for me it was a little depressing. A small town but it felt like the majority of the characters had all suffered some sort of trauma. Not just a bit of trauma and not just one character. PTSD at every turn. Lots of military vets in the story so I get it but at some point it seemed like the author was throwing stuff in at every turn. In my opinion the whole story got overrun with misery. I liked the police procedure and some of the action but for me the rest was like jumping into a deep, dark hole filled with trauma victims and no escape.
April 23, 2025
This is an excellent mystery thriller. It kept me guessing until the end and still had some twists I wasn't expecting. I didn't want to put it down. The main character, Kate Holland, is a former US Army CID and current small town police officer. She is living with extreme PTSD and a lack of memories from her time as a POW in Afghanistan. This book is fast paced, has great character building and a wonderful dog named Ruger (nothing happens to the dog I promise). I would recommend to anyone that needs an attention grabbing book that you don't want to put down.
September 8, 2022
5 stars
The Garbage Man is a first-rate thriller. Creepy, suspenseful and complex, Candace Irving clearly has a talent for storytelling. As a new-to-me author, I'm excited to continue this series and explore her other works.
Note: Not a cozy myestery... Gritty, but not overly graphic or vulgar in content (it's about a serial killer who dismembers his victims, so... all things considered).
The Garbage Man is a first-rate thriller. Creepy, suspenseful and complex, Candace Irving clearly has a talent for storytelling. As a new-to-me author, I'm excited to continue this series and explore her other works.
Note: Not a cozy myestery... Gritty, but not overly graphic or vulgar in content (it's about a serial killer who dismembers his victims, so... all things considered).
April 14, 2024
definitely not what I expected
This is a very good mystery/suspense story. I was traveling so it took me 3 days to finish but wow, what a ride. Usually I pegged what’s going to happen but this one had some very unexpected twists. I figured out the who but the why took a turn and then the other completely unexpected who was revealed. A great story and I’m looking forward to being just as mesmerized by the next in the series.
This is a very good mystery/suspense story. I was traveling so it took me 3 days to finish but wow, what a ride. Usually I pegged what’s going to happen but this one had some very unexpected twists. I figured out the who but the why took a turn and then the other completely unexpected who was revealed. A great story and I’m looking forward to being just as mesmerized by the next in the series.
July 28, 2023
It was difficult but
A well put together novel. I purchased the book thinking it was a K9 story. Ruger had an important place in the story but mostly in the background. Once I started reading, the story continued to draw me back. Not for the faint of heart. Just enough descriptions balanced with conversation.
A well put together novel. I purchased the book thinking it was a K9 story. Ruger had an important place in the story but mostly in the background. Once I started reading, the story continued to draw me back. Not for the faint of heart. Just enough descriptions balanced with conversation.
September 25, 2023
The garbage man.
The Garbage man kept showing on my feed. After going to Amazon and downloaded a sample of the book.
After reading the first the first three chapters, I was hooked. I bought the first three books. I am very impressed.
It kept me interested the entire book, a real page turner. I'm hooked.
The Garbage man kept showing on my feed. After going to Amazon and downloaded a sample of the book.
After reading the first the first three chapters, I was hooked. I bought the first three books. I am very impressed.
It kept me interested the entire book, a real page turner. I'm hooked.
December 3, 2023
Good Read
Full of twists and turns this gripping mystery is fast paced and keeps you guessing. There are no arbitrary rays of sunshine as the story unashamedly wraps itself in grit and grime to tell its tale. Be prepared to shake your head as you to swear you know who did it...only to realize you found another surprise suspect. Full of action from the first page to the last.
Full of twists and turns this gripping mystery is fast paced and keeps you guessing. There are no arbitrary rays of sunshine as the story unashamedly wraps itself in grit and grime to tell its tale. Be prepared to shake your head as you to swear you know who did it...only to realize you found another surprise suspect. Full of action from the first page to the last.
December 15, 2023
Rollercoaster ride
Great story line, well thought out characters. Halfway into the story I thought I knew who the ki!!er was. But by the end it was someone who I hadn't even suspected to be in this. The story was pretty gutwrenching and at times gnarly. But it hooked me right from the start. Definitely a must read.
Great story line, well thought out characters. Halfway into the story I thought I knew who the ki!!er was. But by the end it was someone who I hadn't even suspected to be in this. The story was pretty gutwrenching and at times gnarly. But it hooked me right from the start. Definitely a must read.
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