What do you think?
Rate this book
Miranda and Parker #3
Clowns and Cowboys
Who would murder a circus clown?
And why?
When private investigator Miranda Steele gets a call from an old "friend" in Dallas, Texas and decides to take his case, her boss and husband Wade Parker is none too pleased.
Especially when she insists he stay home due to his recent injuries.
No way, Jose.
But when Southeastern sophisticated meets Southwestern country, tempers blaze hotter than Texas chili sauce, stressing Miranda's relationship with Parker to the max.
And sending Miranda into a turmoil.
How can she solve this case with the clash between her past "friend" and her present husband raging? She needs to figure it out before more people die.
But the murder of a circus clown is about to lead her to something more disturbing and bizarre than even Parker could have predicted.
Will she survive what she discovers?
And why?
When private investigator Miranda Steele gets a call from an old "friend" in Dallas, Texas and decides to take his case, her boss and husband Wade Parker is none too pleased.
Especially when she insists he stay home due to his recent injuries.
No way, Jose.
But when Southeastern sophisticated meets Southwestern country, tempers blaze hotter than Texas chili sauce, stressing Miranda's relationship with Parker to the max.
And sending Miranda into a turmoil.
How can she solve this case with the clash between her past "friend" and her present husband raging? She needs to figure it out before more people die.
But the murder of a circus clown is about to lead her to something more disturbing and bizarre than even Parker could have predicted.
Will she survive what she discovers?
Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
1561 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Lanier
87 books307 followersLinsey Lanier writes chilling mystery-thrillers that keep you up at night.
Daughter of a WWII Navy Lieutenant, she has written fiction for over twenty years. She is best known for the popular Miranda's Rights Mystery series and the Miranda and Parker Mystery series. Someone Else's Daughter has received several thousand reviews and more than one million downloads.
Linsey is a member of International Thriller Writers, and her books have been nominated in several well-known contests.
In her spare time, Linsey enjoys watching crime shows with her husband of over two decades and trying to figure out "who-dun-it." But her favorite activity is writing and creating entertaining new stories for her readers.
She's always working on a new book, currently books in the Miranda and Parker Mystery series (a continuation of the Miranda's Rights Mystery series). Other series include the Maggie Delaney Police Thrillers and the Wesson and Sloan FBI Thriller series.
For alerts on her latest releases join Linsey's mailing list at linseylanier.com.
Daughter of a WWII Navy Lieutenant, she has written fiction for over twenty years. She is best known for the popular Miranda's Rights Mystery series and the Miranda and Parker Mystery series. Someone Else's Daughter has received several thousand reviews and more than one million downloads.
Linsey is a member of International Thriller Writers, and her books have been nominated in several well-known contests.
In her spare time, Linsey enjoys watching crime shows with her husband of over two decades and trying to figure out "who-dun-it." But her favorite activity is writing and creating entertaining new stories for her readers.
She's always working on a new book, currently books in the Miranda and Parker Mystery series (a continuation of the Miranda's Rights Mystery series). Other series include the Maggie Delaney Police Thrillers and the Wesson and Sloan FBI Thriller series.
For alerts on her latest releases join Linsey's mailing list at linseylanier.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 3, 2019
Another wonderful sequel in the Miranda and Parker Series!
Linsey Lanier is one of my automatic go to authors! I especially love the Miranda and Parker stories! This was my eighth novel read in order! While I the love the series and the interaction between the characters, Clowns and Cowboys was an excellent story, it just didn't meet my expectations from previous books!
Parker is injured, doesn't want to take the case of an old friend of Miranda's! She doesn't really do friends (so it's weird from the begining)and she took the case without consulting with Parker!
An apparent case of suicide, leads to missing persons, another murder and ultimately to a gigantic cover up! The storyline seemed slow and boorish, the usual conflicts between the protagonists and then something exciting happens! The powerful plotline explodes in the final 20% of the book! While some background needed to be developed, the crux of the story should have been at least half the book! A powerful and pulsepounding, full scale investigation was clearly needed! The finale is too easy and over too quickly! A shocking plotline was disappointing as anticlimatic!
Spoiler Alert:
Then it's over and Miranda and Parker go see Wendy skate at The Atlanta open, give thought to a first anniversary party (minimal thought from Miranda as expected, and oh she gets a threatening email she keeps from Parker [as usual])! Just another day for our erstwhile detectives!
Linsey Lanier is one of my automatic go to authors! I especially love the Miranda and Parker stories! This was my eighth novel read in order! While I the love the series and the interaction between the characters, Clowns and Cowboys was an excellent story, it just didn't meet my expectations from previous books!
Parker is injured, doesn't want to take the case of an old friend of Miranda's! She doesn't really do friends (so it's weird from the begining)and she took the case without consulting with Parker!
An apparent case of suicide, leads to missing persons, another murder and ultimately to a gigantic cover up! The storyline seemed slow and boorish, the usual conflicts between the protagonists and then something exciting happens! The powerful plotline explodes in the final 20% of the book! While some background needed to be developed, the crux of the story should have been at least half the book! A powerful and pulsepounding, full scale investigation was clearly needed! The finale is too easy and over too quickly! A shocking plotline was disappointing as anticlimatic!
Spoiler Alert:
Then it's over and Miranda and Parker go see Wendy skate at The Atlanta open, give thought to a first anniversary party (minimal thought from Miranda as expected, and oh she gets a threatening email she keeps from Parker [as usual])! Just another day for our erstwhile detectives!
January 7, 2020
Totally engaging
Another good story by Lindsey Lanier. Great characters, good plot. There are many twists and turns in this story. I could hardly put the book down.
Story: Miranda gets a call from an old flame in Texas who works for a circus. His best friend is found dead and the local police say initially it was natural causes. But Sam feels it is not and hires Miranda and Parker to check it out. Parker knew Miranda must have had a past but when he sees sparks in Miranda's eyes when Sam meets them at the airport , Parker wants to know more about Miranda's past relationship. Did Sam call them just to see Miranda again . Will sparks ignite between Sam and Miranda or will sparks ignite with Parker and Miranda as Parker and Miranda investigate the death of Sam,s friend .
Another good story by Lindsey Lanier. Great characters, good plot. There are many twists and turns in this story. I could hardly put the book down.
Story: Miranda gets a call from an old flame in Texas who works for a circus. His best friend is found dead and the local police say initially it was natural causes. But Sam feels it is not and hires Miranda and Parker to check it out. Parker knew Miranda must have had a past but when he sees sparks in Miranda's eyes when Sam meets them at the airport , Parker wants to know more about Miranda's past relationship. Did Sam call them just to see Miranda again . Will sparks ignite between Sam and Miranda or will sparks ignite with Parker and Miranda as Parker and Miranda investigate the death of Sam,s friend .
October 26, 2021
Found this book a deviation from reality to too much fantasy; I was disappointed with the human cloning angle and hope the next books don't go this route; I read an author in their book order so if Miranda/Parker #4 leaves too much to the imagination I will have to find another author who solves crimes & has courtroom cases putting the villians where they belong (smile). Just my opinion of Clowns & Cowboys after reading all of Linsey's previous books.
December 7, 2021
Another gripping read
Once again, Linsey Lanier did not disappoint. Miranda and Wade are on their way to Texas at the request of Sam, Miranda's old friend. Not only are they trying to solve 2 murders but Sam tries to pick up where things were left between him and Miranda years ago. They solve the murders, rescue a bunch of kids from a research lab and make it back home. But Miranda has been getting strange messages, what could they mean?
Once again, Linsey Lanier did not disappoint. Miranda and Wade are on their way to Texas at the request of Sam, Miranda's old friend. Not only are they trying to solve 2 murders but Sam tries to pick up where things were left between him and Miranda years ago. They solve the murders, rescue a bunch of kids from a research lab and make it back home. But Miranda has been getting strange messages, what could they mean?
June 18, 2018
Very inventive
Lanier is very inventive and handles plotting well. I have read all 4 of the books in the series leading up to this series, and am happily reading through this series now. Linsey Lanier is an entertaining read. I highly recommend her writing. (Although I will admit to skipping some of the more explicit passages.)
Lanier is very inventive and handles plotting well. I have read all 4 of the books in the series leading up to this series, and am happily reading through this series now. Linsey Lanier is an entertaining read. I highly recommend her writing. (Although I will admit to skipping some of the more explicit passages.)
February 22, 2019
Clowns and Cowboys
This is a great series each book in the series that I read so far has kept me in suspense until the very end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series. Once you start this series you will look forward to the next book in the series.
This is a great series each book in the series that I read so far has kept me in suspense until the very end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series. Once you start this series you will look forward to the next book in the series.
January 16, 2020
Unbelievable... and not in a good way.
I’ve read 8 books so far on these characters’ adventures. Clearly I like them or I wouldn’t be reading so many. But the storyline in this one was a little too far fetched for me. Just not believable or realistic. Maybe the next one will be more like the previous ones.
I’ve read 8 books so far on these characters’ adventures. Clearly I like them or I wouldn’t be reading so many. But the storyline in this one was a little too far fetched for me. Just not believable or realistic. Maybe the next one will be more like the previous ones.
February 3, 2020
Mysterious Parker & Steele
I always enjoy Parker and Miranda no matter what they’re doing. I would recommend any of their mysteries to anyone who enjoys intriguing murder stories.
Moving on to #4 The Watcher👍😎👽❤️Another heart rendering “Spy in the sky” know it will be as good as all the rest 🥰
Tweety
I always enjoy Parker and Miranda no matter what they’re doing. I would recommend any of their mysteries to anyone who enjoys intriguing murder stories.
Moving on to #4 The Watcher👍😎👽❤️Another heart rendering “Spy in the sky” know it will be as good as all the rest 🥰
Tweety
April 19, 2021
Solid Mystery, Manageable Emoting
Miranda encounters unfinished business with Sam, an old admirer, deep in Texas, who calls her after his co-worker and buddy-a circus clown-ends up dead as a suspected suicide. Nothing is as it seems in this traveling circus and the death is just the first of many puzzling unexplained events.
Miranda encounters unfinished business with Sam, an old admirer, deep in Texas, who calls her after his co-worker and buddy-a circus clown-ends up dead as a suspected suicide. Nothing is as it seems in this traveling circus and the death is just the first of many puzzling unexplained events.
May 31, 2021
The Past
A friend from Miranda's past calls needing help after his friend has died. Parker and Miranda set off to Texas for the case. Miranda doesn't reveal all the details about her friend Sam which causes friction between Parker and Miranda. Two suspicious deaths, a missing person and no one is talking. Many twists and turns.
A friend from Miranda's past calls needing help after his friend has died. Parker and Miranda set off to Texas for the case. Miranda doesn't reveal all the details about her friend Sam which causes friction between Parker and Miranda. Two suspicious deaths, a missing person and no one is talking. Many twists and turns.
January 28, 2025
Can't fool the best!
Great read. Characters well designed. Miranda and Parker right on the job. Took awhile to unravel. Determination is the drive that gets it done. The people at the circus did their jobs well kept the mystery ripe. The discovery of the labs and the creations of the subjects just couldn't work at that point.
Great read. Characters well designed. Miranda and Parker right on the job. Took awhile to unravel. Determination is the drive that gets it done. The people at the circus did their jobs well kept the mystery ripe. The discovery of the labs and the creations of the subjects just couldn't work at that point.
January 28, 2019
Unusual storyline
Don't let the title fool you, there is more to this story than clowns an cowboys. The story is interesting. Not at all what I thought it would be. Miranda and Parker for the win!
Don't let the title fool you, there is more to this story than clowns an cowboys. The story is interesting. Not at all what I thought it would be. Miranda and Parker for the win!
May 19, 2019
Clowns and cowboys
Great book. I wasn't to sure about how it would be until I kept reading it. A little different than the last book , but I really enjoyed it. Can't wait until the next one.
Great book. I wasn't to sure about how it would be until I kept reading it. A little different than the last book , but I really enjoyed it. Can't wait until the next one.
August 18, 2019
Wow
What an amazing read, my heart was in my mouth towards the end. It's scary to think those kind of labs exist, but I'm in no doubt they do. Thanks for another fantastic book. Can't wait to read the next one
What an amazing read, my heart was in my mouth towards the end. It's scary to think those kind of labs exist, but I'm in no doubt they do. Thanks for another fantastic book. Can't wait to read the next one
September 14, 2019
Well wasn't that a weird one!!
Linsey must have a big imagination to come up with this story. I'm truly impressed. It's definitely beyond my imagination. I just wish she'd told Parker about the texts. She's not holding her end up to the deal.
Linsey must have a big imagination to come up with this story. I'm truly impressed. It's definitely beyond my imagination. I just wish she'd told Parker about the texts. She's not holding her end up to the deal.
September 26, 2019
Miss Linsey's 3rd offering
She just keeps getting better and better. Her characters in this book are multi dimensional that they seem to come to life. I had part of the great who done it figured out but not who the boss was or what they did. Happy reading. I'm off to number 4
She just keeps getting better and better. Her characters in this book are multi dimensional that they seem to come to life. I had part of the great who done it figured out but not who the boss was or what they did. Happy reading. I'm off to number 4
March 16, 2020
Weird Case
Miranda and Parker get involved with circus performers, and of course, a murder or two! Throw in a mad scientist and some cloning experiments and things really get crazy!!
Miranda and Parker get involved with circus performers, and of course, a murder or two! Throw in a mad scientist and some cloning experiments and things really get crazy!!
June 30, 2020
Mystery and suspense
Another mystery for Parker and Miranda to solve.. This one has some very strange events that eventually tie in together. The ending leaves more mystery than expected.
Another mystery for Parker and Miranda to solve.. This one has some very strange events that eventually tie in together. The ending leaves more mystery than expected.
August 26, 2020
WOW THIS ONE IS REALLY AWESOME
Spoiler alert
For me it seemed just a bit too much like me gel a. But the book does have all
the elements we love.
I recommend this highly to you all!
CAROL VANATTA
just vs46@gmail.com
Spoiler alert
For me it seemed just a bit too much like me gel a. But the book does have all
the elements we love.
I recommend this highly to you all!
CAROL VANATTA
just vs46@gmail.com
September 28, 2021
Great series
This was a shocker of a book kept you on the edge till the end. Really enjoyed, thought Miranda had really screwed her marriage up, glad she woke up, really enjoy the closeness her and Parker has.
This was a shocker of a book kept you on the edge till the end. Really enjoyed, thought Miranda had really screwed her marriage up, glad she woke up, really enjoy the closeness her and Parker has.
February 21, 2022
Clowns and Cowboys
Wow these books keep getting better and better and more in-depth with how the world keeps on changing and changing and the people involved keep getting better. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Wow these books keep getting better and better and more in-depth with how the world keeps on changing and changing and the people involved keep getting better. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
April 11, 2022
Great Mystery
Clowns and Cowboys is a great name for this book.
Miranda and Parker went through a lot of twists and turns of mystery and it tested there love. Love it. Don’t want to tell to much. A Must Read but you need to read the series to really understand some of the relationships. Loved it
Clowns and Cowboys is a great name for this book.
Miranda and Parker went through a lot of twists and turns of mystery and it tested there love. Love it. Don’t want to tell to much. A Must Read but you need to read the series to really understand some of the relationships. Loved it
February 28, 2025
Brilliant book the descriptions are so good you feel as though you’re there with them. Had me guessing who had done it yet again. I’m now reading the next in the series and hopefully it’s as good as all the others.
June 24, 2018
A confusing Mystery
I've read many of the Miranda and Parker mysteries. But this one was my least favorite. I did not like the story line. It was too unbelievable for me.
I've read many of the Miranda and Parker mysteries. But this one was my least favorite. I did not like the story line. It was too unbelievable for me.
April 16, 2019
A winner
I loved the fact that Miranda was going to her past.She lives Parker ,no doubt,but when she sees Sam the past throws her for a loop.
I loved the fact that Miranda was going to her past.She lives Parker ,no doubt,but when she sees Sam the past throws her for a loop.
June 3, 2019
Another winner!
I wasn't sure where this book would take me but I learned a long time , don't judge a book by its title. Great writing!
I wasn't sure where this book would take me but I learned a long time , don't judge a book by its title. Great writing!
June 8, 2019
This series sure has me hooked. This book sure took an unexpected turn. Now I am ready for the next one.
June 20, 2019
Love the characters in this series! Strong female character. The mystery keeps you guessing to the very end.
July 3, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 17, 2019
Clowns and cowboys
This is one of my favorite series exciting quick reads because can’t put down !! You think you know the outcome but you don’t !!
This is one of my favorite series exciting quick reads because can’t put down !! You think you know the outcome but you don’t !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews