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Beatrix Patterson Mysteries #2
The Finder
Three young women have been murdered in a cult-style ritual. Or maybe they jumped off a beach cliff to their rocky deaths somehow to cleanse their sins. Each have small concentric circles tattooed on their breasts. It’s a variation of one used by local Indigenous groups.
What would you do if you learned of the malicious acts?
If you’re Beatrix Patterson, recently settling in Santa Barbara with her fiancé Dr. Thomas Ling, Chinese British scientist, you’d vow to uncover the truth. She refuses to allow these women be buried as Jane Does. First, in the sleepy beach town, she must dig out who would want them dead. That would be enough for most “finders” but then she’s begged to unearth the secret behind of the recent death of a New Orleans high-roller. Who to believe, the man’s over-the-top drag queen son or the cold evidence in the city’s morgue?
It’s 1946. There’s no Internet and no way to search social media for instant answers. Beatrix discovers that the brutal killings are merely one layer of the mystery before her and she must unravel the lies, some decades old, before she also ends up dead.
What would you do if you learned of the malicious acts?
If you’re Beatrix Patterson, recently settling in Santa Barbara with her fiancé Dr. Thomas Ling, Chinese British scientist, you’d vow to uncover the truth. She refuses to allow these women be buried as Jane Does. First, in the sleepy beach town, she must dig out who would want them dead. That would be enough for most “finders” but then she’s begged to unearth the secret behind of the recent death of a New Orleans high-roller. Who to believe, the man’s over-the-top drag queen son or the cold evidence in the city’s morgue?
It’s 1946. There’s no Internet and no way to search social media for instant answers. Beatrix discovers that the brutal killings are merely one layer of the mystery before her and she must unravel the lies, some decades old, before she also ends up dead.
Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
4603 people want to read
About the author
Eva Shaw
43 books117 followersEVA SHAW is one of the country’s premier ghostwriters and is the author of more than award-winning 100 books. Novels with her byline include these faith-based Amazon best sellers: Doubts of the Heart and Games of the Heart. Nonfiction best sellers include: Ghostwriting: The Complete Guide, Writeriffic 2: Creativity Training for Writers, Write Your Book in 20 Minutes, Garden Therapy: Nature’s Health Plan, and What to Do When A Loved One Dies. Visit Amazon, Good Reads and other sellers for reviews.
Eva teaches five university-level writing courses available online at 4000 colleges and universities worldwide. A breast cancer survivor, she's an active volunteer with causes affecting women and children and with her church. She loves to travel, read, shop, garden, play the banjolele and paint, focusing on folk art and California landscapes. When not at her desk, she’s probably enjoying the beach village of Carlsbad, California with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 2-year-old Welsh terrier.
Eva teaches five university-level writing courses available online at 4000 colleges and universities worldwide. A breast cancer survivor, she's an active volunteer with causes affecting women and children and with her church. She loves to travel, read, shop, garden, play the banjolele and paint, focusing on folk art and California landscapes. When not at her desk, she’s probably enjoying the beach village of Carlsbad, California with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 2-year-old Welsh terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 8, 2022
The Finder is the second book in the Beatrix Patterson historical mystery series by Eva Shaw.
The main character, Beatrix Patterson is a psychologist with a fantastic memory.
The time period is after WWII and set in Santa Barbara.
The main characters are Beatrix and her fiancé Dr. Thomas Ling.
There are multiple mysteries that are seamlessly integrated and very captivating.
There are red herrings and twists that kept me guessing throughout the book.
The romance added a great addition to this historical mystery.
Well written and a great read.
The main character, Beatrix Patterson is a psychologist with a fantastic memory.
The time period is after WWII and set in Santa Barbara.
The main characters are Beatrix and her fiancé Dr. Thomas Ling.
There are multiple mysteries that are seamlessly integrated and very captivating.
There are red herrings and twists that kept me guessing throughout the book.
The romance added a great addition to this historical mystery.
Well written and a great read.
November 18, 2022
although I didn’t read the first book in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Finder; this historical mystery (with a bit of romance) was engaging with interesting characters, I might have to go back and read the first one now :)
December 8, 2022
This is a historical mystery and the sequel to The Seer but can also be read as a stand alone. In this second book Beatrix is now in Santa Barbara with her husband Dr. Lang. When three women are found dead with circles tattooed on their breast Beatrix "The Finder" vows to find out what happened and she also needs to find out exactly what happened to a New Orleans High Roller. Beatrix has a gift of remembering every little detail as we learned in The Seer. This was suspenseful and had many twists and turns that kept me guessing. I loved the first book and this one didn't disappoint. I'm a fan of Beatrix, she’s smart and witty. I really enjoyed this historical mystery. I highly recommend.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
October 9, 2023
TITLE: THE FINDER
AUTHOR: Eva Shaw
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022
I have to admit I did not have a chance to read the first book THE SEER but reading The Finder worked for me as a stand alone. What I loved about Eva Shaw’s writing is her interesting characters that are so enjoyable to read about - Beatrix and her special abilities to Dr Thomas Ling as they solve complex and puzzling deaths of three women with unusual markings, as well as, the twists and turns of this suspenseful mystery.
Set in the late 1940’s Santa Barbara, this engaging historical mystery is a delight to read for a strong female lead, who fights for justice, and a strong moral compass. I cannot wait to read more of Beatrix.
AUTHOR: Eva Shaw
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022
I have to admit I did not have a chance to read the first book THE SEER but reading The Finder worked for me as a stand alone. What I loved about Eva Shaw’s writing is her interesting characters that are so enjoyable to read about - Beatrix and her special abilities to Dr Thomas Ling as they solve complex and puzzling deaths of three women with unusual markings, as well as, the twists and turns of this suspenseful mystery.
Set in the late 1940’s Santa Barbara, this engaging historical mystery is a delight to read for a strong female lead, who fights for justice, and a strong moral compass. I cannot wait to read more of Beatrix.
December 15, 2022
Eva Shaw, author of “The Finder,” has written an intriguing novel. The genres for this book are Mystery, Suspense with a dash of Historical Fiction. The timeline is approximately 1946 and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author vividly describes her colorful characters as unique, quirky, complex, and complicated. Eva Shaw shows the betrayals, deceit, suspicious activity, unusual characters, missing people, deaths, and unexplained crimes.
The protagonist of the story, Beatrix Patterson, has the ability to find people, the truth, and things. At the same time, events and happenstance seem to find Beatrix. Beatrix is a psychologist engaged to Thomas, and their particular project is a huge house with many possibilities.
Beatrix finds herself overwhelmed when several mysteries are going on at one time. An acquaintance asks Beatrix to help him with his deceased father’s estate. Another person asks Beatrice to find his wife. Then there are dead bodies, and Beatrix is looking for a motive and the killer. At the same time, there are questionable women’s groups, cults, and other unusual groups. Some of Beatrix’s neighbors are very strange. Questionable activities are going on. This is one book with twists and turns and many surprises.
The protagonist of the story, Beatrix Patterson, has the ability to find people, the truth, and things. At the same time, events and happenstance seem to find Beatrix. Beatrix is a psychologist engaged to Thomas, and their particular project is a huge house with many possibilities.
Beatrix finds herself overwhelmed when several mysteries are going on at one time. An acquaintance asks Beatrix to help him with his deceased father’s estate. Another person asks Beatrice to find his wife. Then there are dead bodies, and Beatrix is looking for a motive and the killer. At the same time, there are questionable women’s groups, cults, and other unusual groups. Some of Beatrix’s neighbors are very strange. Questionable activities are going on. This is one book with twists and turns and many surprises.
December 9, 2022
I am so excited to be included on this book tour as I loved the first Beatrix Patterson book The Seer. They can be read as standalones although I enjoy running into repeat characters and knowing the back story. What impresses me most about this series is the seamless way the author weaves the storylines together with careful attention to historical detail and the unique fascinating characters she creates. Beatrix and her amazing memory skills, the humor and romance in her relationship with the charming scientist Thomas, and the curiosity they both possess to help others and find answers make this mystery as unputdownable as the first book!
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2022
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed "The Seer," I was delighted to hear there was a second book. "The Finder" did not disappoint, as you plunged right into the life of Beatrix Patterson, transplanted in the seaside town of Santa Barbara during 1946. Instead of respite and relaxation returning to her childhood hometown, Beatrix discovers death and secrets. Never a dull moment with delicious side characters like her fiancé, Thomas, a Chinese British scientist - a fascinating combination for a love interest. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages. Can't wait to see what's next for our incredible protagonist.
November 17, 2022
The Finder is the second in a historical mystery series following Beatrix Patterson, a courageous, intelligent psychologist with an excellent memory. I did not read the first book, The Seeker, and was able to enjoy The Finder, but it would enhance the reading experience to read them in order. After the second world war, Beatrix and her fiancé Dr. Thomas Ling have moved to Santa Barbara where they encounter three different mysteries to solve. The characters are interesting and well developed and the mystery intriguing and twisty. I liked Beatrix and Thomas, their sense of social justice, progressive views and witty banter. The Finder was a suspenseful and thought-provoking book, and I'd like to read The Seer to discover how Beatrix and Thomas met. Thank you to Books Forward PR and the publisher for a copy to review.
October 30, 2022
I wrote, but still I love it. Many of the characters from the first book, The Seer, are featured in this sequel and I've thrown them into a boat load of dangerous situations. Think the ending really works and I'd love your feedback.
September 16, 2022
I love everything by this author, and it was so great to be back with the characters from The Seer.
December 13, 2022
This historical mystery book is the second featuring main character Beatrix Patterson.
Before I talk about the mysteries that lie within the plot itself, I want to take a few sentences to gush about Beatrix. In the first book of the series, THE SEER, Beatrix pretends to be psychic mostly for her own gain and survival. In THE FINDER, Beatrix just simply wants to help find answers and sheds all pretense of being psychic. Beatrix is a wonderful character that has the combination of smarts, sympathy, and determination. Even though she is a fictional character, her personality pops on the pages of this book.
THE FINDER takes place in Santa Barbara, CA at the end of WWII. The setting gives an interesting insight to how people were transitioning back to life after two huge wars.
There are multiple mysteries in this book and I loved the way I personally stayed on edge to see if or how the mysteries may connect. Beatrix is asked by an acquaintance to find out how his father actually died. Beatrix also becomes intrigued with an unidentified dead girl with a mysterious symbol on her chest.
This book is so well written with the mysteries and all characters having a perfect balance of complexity and entertainment.
There are characters in this book including Beatrix’s fiancé, Dr. Thomas Ling, who were in THE SEER but you can easily read this book first or as a stand alone.
I’ve got fingers crossed that there will be more Beatrix books!
Before I talk about the mysteries that lie within the plot itself, I want to take a few sentences to gush about Beatrix. In the first book of the series, THE SEER, Beatrix pretends to be psychic mostly for her own gain and survival. In THE FINDER, Beatrix just simply wants to help find answers and sheds all pretense of being psychic. Beatrix is a wonderful character that has the combination of smarts, sympathy, and determination. Even though she is a fictional character, her personality pops on the pages of this book.
THE FINDER takes place in Santa Barbara, CA at the end of WWII. The setting gives an interesting insight to how people were transitioning back to life after two huge wars.
There are multiple mysteries in this book and I loved the way I personally stayed on edge to see if or how the mysteries may connect. Beatrix is asked by an acquaintance to find out how his father actually died. Beatrix also becomes intrigued with an unidentified dead girl with a mysterious symbol on her chest.
This book is so well written with the mysteries and all characters having a perfect balance of complexity and entertainment.
There are characters in this book including Beatrix’s fiancé, Dr. Thomas Ling, who were in THE SEER but you can easily read this book first or as a stand alone.
I’ve got fingers crossed that there will be more Beatrix books!
July 3, 2024
This is my first impression of the Beatrix Patterson stories and I grew attached to the story, characters, and plot! The story was fascinating and well done, and there was a period while reading this book that I just wanted to immerse myself with the main cast as a background character.
There's one small issue that I liked. I always knew that Franky and Bunny Turner were the ones who committed the crimes but I never knew that the story went way deeper. Morty, the father of Franky, was supposed to be dead, given the details of the unclaimed, dead body in the morgue, until the big fella just magically appeared on the front door of Ms. Patterson saying, "Mortimer Ramsey, alive and kicking, ma'am." (That's one of the funniest lines I've ever read). The story of Mrs. Turner was straight up unexpected. She had a husband who wouldn't pay attention to her, so that's why she's doing all of this. She got jewelry hanging on the wall from her death mates of her group, OO's, and had tea as her main power? (WTF?!)
Anyways, there are many good deeds done here, and I believe that it's a great idea for you to check out this if you're into stories of mystery/ semi-horror.
There's one small issue that I liked. I always knew that Franky and Bunny Turner were the ones who committed the crimes but I never knew that the story went way deeper. Morty, the father of Franky, was supposed to be dead, given the details of the unclaimed, dead body in the morgue, until the big fella just magically appeared on the front door of Ms. Patterson saying, "Mortimer Ramsey, alive and kicking, ma'am." (That's one of the funniest lines I've ever read). The story of Mrs. Turner was straight up unexpected. She had a husband who wouldn't pay attention to her, so that's why she's doing all of this. She got jewelry hanging on the wall from her death mates of her group, OO's, and had tea as her main power? (WTF?!)
Anyways, there are many good deeds done here, and I believe that it's a great idea for you to check out this if you're into stories of mystery/ semi-horror.
December 16, 2022
When you think of famous sleuths like Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple, you may want to list Beatrix Patterson among them.
I loved Beatrix! She’s smart, a bit sassy and very perceptive. Beatrix and her long-time fiance Dr. Thomas Ling are in the middle of home renovations when she is asked to look into a mutual friend's death.
Then news breaks of a young woman’s body found at the bottom of a cliff. Beatrix begins investigating both deaths; as more bodies pile up - things become quite mysterious.
Set in California 1945, the author did a great job of bringing in historical elements which dropped me into the time and place. The mysteries were intriguing with ties to a cult, but overall I really enjoyed the characters: Beatrix and Dr. Ling, plus a drag queen and a very snoopy neighbor.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @shaw.eva for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
I loved Beatrix! She’s smart, a bit sassy and very perceptive. Beatrix and her long-time fiance Dr. Thomas Ling are in the middle of home renovations when she is asked to look into a mutual friend's death.
Then news breaks of a young woman’s body found at the bottom of a cliff. Beatrix begins investigating both deaths; as more bodies pile up - things become quite mysterious.
Set in California 1945, the author did a great job of bringing in historical elements which dropped me into the time and place. The mysteries were intriguing with ties to a cult, but overall I really enjoyed the characters: Beatrix and Dr. Ling, plus a drag queen and a very snoopy neighbor.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @shaw.eva for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
December 19, 2022
I enjoyed this one immensely. A historical mystery with a little romance. There are multiple mysteries that intertwine filled with some red herrings along with twists and turns. The historical details of the 1940s added to my enjoyment. So many historical novels focus on the war and this one picks up right after the war.
I did not read the first in the series, but think that this one had complex characters that I liked. Beatrix Patterson is strong and spunky. I don’t feel I missed out on anything by picking up book two, but I plan to find book one.
I did not read the first in the series, but think that this one had complex characters that I liked. Beatrix Patterson is strong and spunky. I don’t feel I missed out on anything by picking up book two, but I plan to find book one.
December 15, 2022
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨!
The Finder is the second book in a historical fiction mystery, I read the previous one, The Seer and loved Beatrix character. This story is full of action, mystery, humor, history and characters that you’ll love. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 by Eva Shaw, Writer released November 1, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
The Finder is the second book in a historical fiction mystery, I read the previous one, The Seer and loved Beatrix character. This story is full of action, mystery, humor, history and characters that you’ll love. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 by Eva Shaw, Writer released November 1, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
December 18, 2022
I love a good mystery and this one is outstanding! Beatrix is such a unique character - - sharp and intuitive and equally warm and empathetic. She has the gift of a photographic memory and remembers every detail she sees. I really enjoyed the interesting cast of secondary characters including her fiancé, Thomas Ling. The Santa Barbara setting was an added bonus. This is the second in the series but I read it as a stand alone and had no problems.
December 21, 2022
When I first heard of this book, I was immediately drawn to the mystery aspect! I LOVE mystery books, cannot get to them fast enough. I consumed this read in a matter of hours because of how well it is written! As the mystery unfolds, the author pulls us into the story for readers to discover the truth! I absolutely enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this series.
December 15, 2022
A fantastic follow up to "The Seer". Filled with mystery and suspense and devoured in one sitting. I can't get enough of the amazing Beatrix Patterson.
June 10, 2023
This was a great continuation of the Beatrix and Thomas escapades. I just love the relationship between the two of them.
The mystery in this kept me guessing and I loved the resolution at the end.
The mystery in this kept me guessing and I loved the resolution at the end.
January 28, 2023
Second book in the Beatrix Patterson Mysteries. I did not read the first so this stood as a successful stand alone as the author ties up potential character questions and adds in snippets about each reoccurring character. The story takes place in California in Post-WWII era with an important discussion of one of the embarrassing parts of American history, internment camps. She also highlights other topics like how indigenous people experience displacement, racial discrimination and other topics but without feeling too heavy. There are 3 mysteries that keep you guessing till the very end if they tie into each other or are separate tendrils of story spread around several towns.
Something that I disliked were that it was too wrapped up in a bow at the last few chapters. Some illnesses/intoxication side effects did not match up with what actually occurs. I wish some topics were more in-depth and would have preferred fewer mysteries to delve deeper into two.
I do love that the dedication is to a longstanding non-profit that distributes menstrual products and they will be the recipients of 50% of the books profits so I have to recommend to buy this book! The about the book and dedication show that Eva Shaw really enjoys writing her stories.
Thank you BooksForwardPR for the gifted eARC.
Something that I disliked were that it was too wrapped up in a bow at the last few chapters. Some illnesses/intoxication side effects did not match up with what actually occurs. I wish some topics were more in-depth and would have preferred fewer mysteries to delve deeper into two.
I do love that the dedication is to a longstanding non-profit that distributes menstrual products and they will be the recipients of 50% of the books profits so I have to recommend to buy this book! The about the book and dedication show that Eva Shaw really enjoys writing her stories.
Thank you BooksForwardPR for the gifted eARC.
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October 15, 2023A mystery set in the past and plot lines that twisted and turned around each other made for a fun read. The Santa Barbara setting added some light to what could've been quite a dark tone of a murder investigation. Diverse and interesting characters lead the way through a journey of unraveling clues, and the reader is along for the ride, trying to figure out how each piece fits together.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews