Fatal Escape, A C.o.P. on the Scene Mystery

by Kassandra Lamb

The criminals aren't giving Chief of Police Judith Anderson much time to acclimate to Florida, or even to finish unpacking! Only two months on the job and barely recovered from a serial killer case, the newly minted C.o.P. is called out to a scene of what looks like a suicide--an abandoned car on a bridge and a young woman's body pulled from the river. But why is there no ID on her or in the car? And who wiped the fingerprints off the car's doors? With the help of "Sheriff Sam" from nearby Clover County, Judith's search for answers leads to the discovery of a human trafficking ring operating in her city--and to the realization that she's up against more than one ruthless foe, perhaps even someone on her own force. Can Judith find a killer, weed out the corruption in her department, and stop the traffickers...before more lives are destroyed? Fans of JA Jance's Sheriff Joanna Brady and JD Robb's Eve Dallas will love the second installment in this new series about a female chief of police!

278 pages, Paperback

Published December 13, 2022

About the author

Psychology and writing (or writing and psychology) have always vied for the number one spot on my list of greatest passions. I am now a retired psychotherapist and can afford to spend as much time as I want on my writing.

I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)

Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.

I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.

I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.

Reviews

[Jack Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first in the series!

Excellent. Captivating characters and an intriguing storyline that keeps you turning pages with plenty of action and excitement as well as lighter moments. I am definitely a fan!I

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why were people so often not who they seemed to be?"

In this, the second book in the series Judith has been forced to hit the ground running yet again ( cut the girl a break, she hasn't even been able to finish furnishing her apartment yet) as another body is found with a questionable situation attached.

And, yet again, the situation hits close to home as (#TW) abuse and human trafficking are front and center here. And why has the Starling PD not been at the fringes of this massive takedown in the works prior to her coming on board. Can she trust her officers? Should she?

As she and Sheriff Sam get closer we hear more of their personal back stories. And Judith has a new pet ( fostered until a home is found) that she's beginning to become attached to. Sam names her Pipsqueak and this little thing has a way of being there at the right place and time.

With hints of a third book to come, Kassandra Lamb has a great, hopefully long lasting series here. Highly Recommended 5/5
.[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that the characters are the kind of people that you hope would have your back in a bad situation. Judith is the new sheriff in a small town in Florida dealing with sex trafficking and murders. The things she has to deal with solving the case and dealing with finding a bad cop in her department keep her busy, but not enough that she isn't interested in a neighboring police officer that she is working with. Great story that you need to make sure that you have some time because this story will keep you up until the end.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this new series! The dust has barely settled from a serial killer investigation when Eve is call to the scene of an apparent suicide. But, there is no ID on the body or in her car, and something just seems off to the new police Chief. Will others die before the truth is uncovered? As always, the writing is exceptional, with lively characters and many plot twists and red herrings. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief of Police Kate Huntington is learning the ropes of her new job and feeling like a rookie. She also has a 'kinda' relationship with Sheriff Sam. There is also a murder of an orphaned boy, and sex trafficking. But one thing soon becomes more, and she believes someone on 'the inside' is helping the bad guys. This is going to stretch her employees and patience thin -- but can they get the bad guys? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. You know when it starts out with ....before the day's quota of defecation hits the ventilation system.... you are going to enjoy it. Plenty of character development as Judith has another murder that leads into something a lot bigger and reveals problems in her station. Enjoy this mystery as you follow Judith and the others track down clues and piece together the whole sordid mystery. Looking forward to the next one.

[Merrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its wonderful characters and well-paced storyline made it a great read. I got so caught up in it that I found myself reading until the early hours of the morning. I simply couldn't put it down!

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this wonderful book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves great story telling.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow two days for this PG thriller involving trafficking set mostly in and around Starling, Florida, but do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.

[Marie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read this book, make sure you leave plenty of time as you won't want to put it down. The plot builds throughout and will keep you guessing. The characters continue to develop. I can't wait for the next book.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in this series. Loved it - but not surprised. Any book by this author always satisfies my reading experience. I always get a great story with great characters. Please keep them coming.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in the wee hours of the morning!

First of all, I devour any book about human trafficking that I can find. The fact that there’s some romance mixed in provides an extra dash of spice. Third, this author’s work always satisfies. Excellent job, Kassandra Lamb!