Blowout: A Katerina Carter Fraud Legal Thriller

Katerina Carter Fraud Thrillers #3

by Colleen Cross

A Sinister Crime Lies Deep Beneath The Water...

A Katerina Carter Fraud Legal Thriller

On fraud investigator Katerina Carter's trip to a remote island aboard a luxurious yacht, she suspects the boat's slick and charming owner is hiding a dark secret. With her cunning instinct for sniffing out malevolent cons, Kat tries to warn her friends that something is very wrong with their host and that his moneymaking scheme smells fishy.

And why is she only one who thinks he's not being completely honest?

While exploring the island, Kat and her friends research the rumors of a sinister cult, the Aquarian Foundation, and search for buried treasure. The cult swindled people out of their money and now the same situation is starting to eerily echo their present circumstances. That is if Kat can prove to the others that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. . .

When Kat's warnings fall on deaf ears, she uncovers a horrifying truth that will place those closest to her in mortal danger. Now it's a race against the clock for Kat to expose a killer before he strikes again.

Blowout, the third book in the Katerina Carter Fraud Thriller series, appeals to crime thriller fans of James Patterson, John Grisham, and Michael Connelly.

Sign up for Colleen's new release email at www.colleencross.com and be the first to hear of new releases and exclusive subscriber only special offers.

Also by Colleen Cross:

Katerina Carter Fraud Thriller Series (Crime and Legal Thrillers)

Exit Strategy

Game Theory

Blowout

Katerina Carter Color of Money Mystery Series (International and Cozy Mysteries)

Red Handed

Blue Moon

Greenwash

Nonfiction (Business and Investing)

Anatomy of a Ponzi: Scams Past and Present

Genres: Thriller

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

Colleen Cross writes exciting, intelligent thrillers and engrossing mysteries that grip you from the very first page. She took her very own "Exit Strategy" from the corporate world into the book world several years ago to indulge her bookworm wannabe writer self.

She lives with her family on the West Coast. When she's not writing, she loves to run and explore with her rescue dog, Jaeger, who reminds her daily that life's too short to not follow your dreams--or a squirrel or two.

Her books have been translated into multiple languages with more to come.

Visit her website at www.colleencross.com and sign up for her twice-yearly private newsletter and be the first to hear of new releases and exclusive subscriber-only offers.

Connect with her on social media:
Facebook at www.facebook.com/colleenxcross
Twitter: @colleenxcross
or find her on Goodreads

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blowout
Katerina Carter Fraud Legal Thriller Series, Volume 3
By: Colleen Cross
Narrated by: Petrea Burchard
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. This book is very suspenseful because all through the book the reader knows the "billionaire" is a scam artist and cold blooded murderer and she can't convince her friends as they are trapped in a yacht. Great characters and plot!! I would get rid of that boyfriend!
Narration was excellent! She made the story even more suspenseful!

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Katerina Carter has to solve another fraud case. Her best friend has been duped by a conman, and it looks like her boyfriend and uncle are also being taken in by him.

This is the third book I’ve read/listened to in this series and I want more! The characters are all very believable. I love Kat. She is smart and tenacious so why oh why does she put up with Jas?? I think it’s time she ditched him! The story, as always, is gripping and suspenseful and paced just right, and I loved hearing about the history of the island and the cult.

Petrea Burchard’s narration was wonderful and she differentiates between the different voices brilliantly, especially Uncle Harry.

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

This is making accountants interesting, which is what I keep telling my children (although my life is nothing like this). I do love Uncle Harry he is so cuddly. But really Jas, spoiler alert, I would have dumped him midway through this book.

I have really enjoyed the series and look forward to more by the author and narrator.

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story from Colleen Cross, superbly narrated by Petrea Burchard. I enjoyed the intrigue and detailed descriptions and merging of historical facts with fiction. Kat has her hands full when all around her seem to be losing their heads in frustratingly simple fashion. Her patience seems to show no bounds when her boyfriend, best friend and uncle are deceived by the charismatic Rafael. The setting on a luxury yacht and secretive island along with scary caves adds to the story. Another good listen on audible.

[jhanami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved the first two in this series and the third is no exception - great plot, great female lead, great narration. Having a long-ago tax background myself, I love the financial fraud/ forensic accountancy angle to these stories - the financial entanglements are well enough explained for anyone to follow, but its nice to see financial crime centre stage.
The main characters and their interactions are well-oiled by now and Petrea Burchard brings them brilliantly to life in the audio version.
Super series, can’t wait for the next!

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot on the heels of Game Theory, Katerina Carter is at it again, sorting the wheat from the chaff. She is usually aided and abetted, and occasionally hindered, by her boyfriend Jas and her Uncle Harry, and this adventure proved no exception. I felt for Kat in this book; her friend has been duped by a conman, who has also managed to turn Jas and Uncle Harry's heads. So much so they never even noticed when she got left behind in the cave. Kat behaved way better than I would have done; I'd have killed Jas! Kat goes about building the case with solid evidence before confronting her doe eyed friend, boyfriend and uncle. Thank goodness they finally listen or we might have had a very different outcome. Another intriguing and multi-layered puzzle solved expertly by Kat. Phew! The author notes at the end of the book were very interesting and much appreciated. Excellent narration from Petrea Burchard.

[djpaterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Colleen Cross's Katerina Carter series. Katerina's forensic finance expertise gets her into all manner of trouble, and in this story, even when she's not on a case. As the blurb says, in this story, she suspects her best friend's fiance of hiding a dark secret, and to the reader, it's pretty clear what that secret is.

That doesn't spoil the fun as we follow Katerina's adventures, which are made all the better because Uncle Harry is also along for the ride this time. And what's accountancy without danger, and there is plenty of that for Katerina in this book, who once again manages to piece the clues together just in time.

I listened to this on audio, and whilst it's book 3, it could easily be read or listened to as a standalone. Oh, and great narration from Petrea Burchard!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the most intense story in the series of Katerina Carter. I was hanging on the edge of me seat through the whole book. I could not put it down because I had to know what would happen next. Colleen Cross is a wonderful suspense writer. She always delivers a book full of intrigue and twists. Blowout perfectly fills the need for a suspense story. It brings some personal touches to it and we get to know a little more about Katerina and her uncle. I loved this story from the first chapter. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Petera Buchard keeps this series consistent with the narration. Each character is always the same tone and infliction. Petrea makes the series flow from one book to the next. I felt as if it were a TV show and each book was another episode. I enjoyed this narration and look forward to hearing more.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Katerina Carter Legal Thriller series by Colleen Cross. I have really enjoyed Blowout, but think Blowout should be read before Game Theory.
The reason why is Uncle Harry seems to have money in Blowout.
In Game Theory Uncle Harry daughter swindles him for nearly everything his got.
In Blowout Uncle Harry is 79 years (in chapter 2 about 4.40 min in) and in Game Theory he’s 80 (in chapter 5 about 3.5min into the chapter).
It’s wonderful to have Petrea Burchard back again as narrator. Again a job well done. With each character having their own voice, as she delivers it smoothly and flawlessly.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed it again.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher free of charge for a honest, unbiased review.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Cross has continued the adventures of Katerina, Jace and Uncle Harry in Blowout. To date this is my favorite book by the author. I love how it is both a standalone listen and part of a series. The author does not write cliché books, but stories where I learn something. I love how she writes fiction with truth incorporated in the story. The book has unexpected twists, suspense, humor and so much more. Petrea Burchard performs this book wonderfully. She gives distinguishable voices to the characters. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will most definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.

[Jo Reason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Colleen Cross, the third in the series with Kat Carter, fraud investigator. Check out the reviews of the first two books, here and here.

In this book Kat, Jace and her Uncle Harry are with a friend on a yacht , but there is something mysterious about their host. Plenty of adventures are to be had by Kat in this installment. This is a personal case as the person involved is Kat’s best friend, I did find her friend to be a little stupid though. The book is well written, very well narrated, suspenseful. A worthy read or listen. I was given an audiobook from the author in exchange for a review.

[Lynda]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. A free week away with Jace, is turned upside down when the flight is cancelled and a friend of Kat's new boyfriend offers to take them on his yacht. All would be fine if all Kat's warning bells were not going off. As a forensic accountant, Kat could spot fraud a mile away. As Jace gets his story, Kat takes a good look at their host and doesn't like what she finds. A peaceful weekend it is not. Suspenseful with enough action to keep your interest. As you listen you keep wondering what will happen next. Looking forward to the next book.

[Adeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prenez une idiote, deux naïfs, une futée et un escroc et vous avez le tableau parfait des personnages de ce livre.
J'exagère un peu, mais à peine.
L'histoire, au fond, n'est pas si mal, mais les personnages manquent de profondeur, de réalisme.
J'ai eu l'impression de lire une série B, ou un genre de thriller "spaghetti".

Bref, c'est pas nul, en gratuit ça passe, mais à 6€ le kindle ou 16€ le broché, passez votre chemin.

A noter également, ne vous fiez pas au nombre de pages indiquées, en réalité il n'y en a facilement que la moitié.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I enjoy reading or hearing about Kat, she’s an interesting character. She doesn’t miss a trick & can read others really well.
Her uncle is a cute character too. Funny at times.
This time they get into trouble with a very dodgy guy, and learn about a cult & it’s leader. Which was very interesting in itself. At the end in the notes it was revealed the cult details are real & it made the story even more interesting for me.
Narrator was very good & keeps the tempo great.
Really enjoyable again.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Kat is usually very smart and a bulldog at rooting out fraudsters, but she's hampered this time because her best friend and also her own rat of a boyfriend have been taken in by a world class swindler/murderer. Lots of suspense and tough situations made worse by the idiocy of the boyfriend but mitigated by her uncle. There are also a lot of interesting historical facts hiding among the fiction. A very tense but excellent read!
Petrea Burchard really ups the ante with her compelling narration!
I requested and was very lucky to receive a free audiobook. Yay me!

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma, Cupidity, and Gullibility

When does a thinking person become a pawn and dupe? Exploring an historic site once run by Brother XII (real historic figure!) is the goal when Katerina, Jase, and her friend Gia encounter an Italian billionaire with a mega-yacht. Keep in mind the "thriller" part of the title as things get . . . interesting! (There is an author afterword delineating history versus imagination.) Her usual charismatic vocal interpretation by narrator Petrea Burchard keeps the action flowing smoothly.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the Katerina Carter books takes place off the coast of BC and contains elements of a true story of a cult, as well as a man out to get a quick buck. Kat, Jason, Harry, and Kat's friend Gia are invited to speed time on Gia's boyfriend's yacht while Jason researches the story of Brother XII. Kat has an immediate dislike for Rafael but the others are charmed by him. The weekend turns out to be full of intrigue and deceit.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Katerina Carter series and in my opinion the best one yet! Kat has to rescue a friend from a charismatic conman despite fierce opposition. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the story revolves around Kat’s circle of friends and family rather than a soul less multinational company.

[Simon Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is the debonair business tycoon who's yacht the story is centred around? Is Kat's friend making a huge mistake in marrying him? Full of mystery and intrigue the plot unfolds as Kat unearths anomalies and untruths. The deadly truth puts our heroine and party in mortal danger. This is well written and wonderfully narrated to give the listener a great experience.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books. They are delightful mysteries with a great cast. I love the Uncle in these stories and think he’s my favourite audio character at the moment as he reminds me of some of my family. These books never disappoint it’s a fast paced twist of a story which makes you smile.

[Bridget McKeown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to Katherine Carters’ collection of high profile cases as she sets about investigating another conman, though this one wants to dupe her best friend, boyfriend and uncle.
Great read

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy to follow story line, but still in depth with just the right amount of detail. My only criticism of this story is the Rafael- Gia relationship. The cynic in me just didn't buy it. Looking forward to reading the rest of Colleen Cross's books. Definitely a fan!

[Fernando Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read that keeps you wondering

The book was great the ending was a little assumed. Overall it moved at a good pace and keeps you engaged

[Linda Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this the most out of the first three books in this series, each book is better than the book before it.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this story was interesting and enjoyable Kat irritated me a bit in the beginning. It was still quite gripping and crazy to think that things like this does happen!

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite simply hectic. Katerina is very suspicious in this story. Possibly too suspicious for my liking, from the get go, although I hope my friends are as supportive as she was.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I did still enjoy this story I wasn’t quite as engaged as the first two ( wasn’t boring at all… just perhaps not as much going on)
Narration is good

[Jan Maes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this book in Dutch , I loved the story, easy read in the evening. Unfortunately the Dutch translation was crap, should receive 1 star.