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Perfect Crime #Prequel
Over The Window
He’s a rookie FBI agent chasing after one of the most sadistic killers; can he handle this taxing case?
Leon Graves has just joined the FBI and is working under Dr. Naderi, a demanding boss with “a heart of stone.” Before he can say Jack Robinson, Leon and his new team have to fly to New York for a gruesome case where 3 people from a retirement home are murdered, dismembered, and their body parts shoved in random pits.
Leon and his teammates set out to the nursing home for investigations, but they soon discover that someone posing as one of their agents subtly ransacked the home, possibly getting rid of any evidence. But one thing is clear – this killer is meticulous.
After reviewing the employee list, they zero in on one suspect and have to hold on to all their hope that they have the right guy. But another older man’s dead body pops up, yet Leon doesn’t have much to work with other than an unlikely suspect and a faint footprint out in the bushes.
Days then weeks pass, but they still have nothing.
Will they find the killer, or do they have a cold case in the making?
Leon Graves has just joined the FBI and is working under Dr. Naderi, a demanding boss with “a heart of stone.” Before he can say Jack Robinson, Leon and his new team have to fly to New York for a gruesome case where 3 people from a retirement home are murdered, dismembered, and their body parts shoved in random pits.
Leon and his teammates set out to the nursing home for investigations, but they soon discover that someone posing as one of their agents subtly ransacked the home, possibly getting rid of any evidence. But one thing is clear – this killer is meticulous.
After reviewing the employee list, they zero in on one suspect and have to hold on to all their hope that they have the right guy. But another older man’s dead body pops up, yet Leon doesn’t have much to work with other than an unlikely suspect and a faint footprint out in the bushes.
Days then weeks pass, but they still have nothing.
Will they find the killer, or do they have a cold case in the making?
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2023
84 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Clara Lewis
67 books52 followersAuthor Clara Lewis has always been an avid fan of mysteries. As a child, she devoured the “Nancy Drew” and “Hardy Boys” series’s, which inspired her desire to write her own mystery thrillers. Though Clara’s journey took her in several different directions, she eventually published her debut series early in 2021.
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
Besides spending her time creating vast worlds and convoluted mysteries for her readers to divulge in, Lewis spends her time at her home in Portland, Oregon. As a mother and wife, she wears many hats, and can often be found baking and crocheting.
Lewis always had a passion for creating, and she wants nothing more than to provide the same thrills she loves to her readers. She loves to read (and smell) books just as much as she loves to write them! She has several projects in the works, and can’t wait to share them with her audience.
Connect with her at her:
Official website: https://claralewis.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorclaral...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorclara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 18, 2023
Holey moley! The twists, the turns and the dark!
There's a dark, evilness afoot. The killing and the method of how the killing is done.
There's a rotten down trodden way of behavior of patients and especially the staff of this nursing(?) home(?!).
You're going to find yourself a) shaking in your boots with fear because of the killer b) absolute horror of knowing how the killer thinks then c) anger at the nursing home staff and their total disregard to the well being of the residents..
I received this story for an honest review and rating..And I'll tell you -- this story is full of twists, turn, dark (and light) ..And I liked it!! So yeah, go grab a copy, settle in for a quick,quirky, mysterious read...And enjoy yourself-- I know I did!!--P/
There's a dark, evilness afoot. The killing and the method of how the killing is done.
There's a rotten down trodden way of behavior of patients and especially the staff of this nursing(?) home(?!).
You're going to find yourself a) shaking in your boots with fear because of the killer b) absolute horror of knowing how the killer thinks then c) anger at the nursing home staff and their total disregard to the well being of the residents..
I received this story for an honest review and rating..And I'll tell you -- this story is full of twists, turn, dark (and light) ..And I liked it!! So yeah, go grab a copy, settle in for a quick,quirky, mysterious read...And enjoy yourself-- I know I did!!--P/
February 20, 2023
‘Good art takes time to perfect’
The prologue is gruesome in that the author takes us into the mind of the sadistic killer. And it’s also a sad commentary on the state of elder care homes (understaffed, underpaid, and undersupervised).
Failure can make crime investigators jaded (and I cannot fault them for it):
‘We win some and we lose some.’
During interrogations, it’s crucial to include someone in the room who has this affect on people:
‘Even if the person wasn’t guilty, it was enough to force them into thinking about every crime they had ever committed since they were the age of twelve.’
Looking forward to ‘The Dark Path’ expected March 4, the ‘Detective Ava Locke’ prequel, and the first four books of ‘The Dresden Island Series’.
The prologue is gruesome in that the author takes us into the mind of the sadistic killer. And it’s also a sad commentary on the state of elder care homes (understaffed, underpaid, and undersupervised).
Failure can make crime investigators jaded (and I cannot fault them for it):
‘We win some and we lose some.’
During interrogations, it’s crucial to include someone in the room who has this affect on people:
‘Even if the person wasn’t guilty, it was enough to force them into thinking about every crime they had ever committed since they were the age of twelve.’
Looking forward to ‘The Dark Path’ expected March 4, the ‘Detective Ava Locke’ prequel, and the first four books of ‘The Dresden Island Series’.
February 8, 2023
A really good introduction to the series, this story promises of a very interesting investigation and has you guessing who the killer is all the way through. I like the way the characters are introduced and a good mixture of investigators. Twists and turns galore are guaranteed.
I definitely recommend adding this series to your must read list.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.
I definitely recommend adding this series to your must read list.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.
February 16, 2023
I enjoyed this prequel and I am looking forward to the next book. We meet Leon Graves who has just joined the FBI. His boss is Dr. Naderi and he really wants to impress him. They travel for his first case with the team. A killer has taken an elderly woman in ‘over the window’. He, or she, knew the schedule of the nurses and was able to snatch her from the open window of the retirement home and she’s found dead and dismembered. Apparently, this is not the first. Leon tries to work his magic and solve the case but it isn’t going as planned and Dr. Naderi wants to pull the team and leave the case unsolved. The team is granted a little more time. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
March 25, 2023
Leon Graves's First F.B.I. Case: Elderly Ladies and Men - Murdered and Dismembered!
by Barbara Kelley
"Over the Window", written by Clara Lewis, is supposed to be a prequel to the Perfect Crime Series. However, since this was an introduction of main characters to the series, this should, in fact, be considered as book 1. We meet Leon Graves, a former police officer, now a rookie F.B.I. Agent, who strives to impress his new boss, Dr. Ahmed Naderi, a man known for his stone cold personality. Case One is that of several murdered and dismembered bodies of elderly residents of an old age home. Even though there were 3 victims, the F.B.I. team only went into a deep investigation of the last victim, Diane, an ornery, stubborn old lady who yelled at everybody she saw in the home, and who didn't get along with anybody. The team didn't even look into the first two murders, and the book didn't say whether those victims were male or female. The team did not question every member of the old age home staff. They only got information from an old lady, a resident of the home, that lead them to a possible suspect, and that suspect might have turned out to not be a totally innocent member of society, but I don't think he was a murderer, either. This story did not ring realistic to me. I know the F.B.I. are busy people, but I also know they do not close a file as a cold case after only a week's worth of investigation. This particular episode ended with the statement that "You win some and you lose some." This might be true, but I hope this Perfect Crime Series isn't just a continuous set of crimes that the killer gets away with. I'm also wondering if this is going to be a continuation series that leaves a cliffhanger at the end of each book. Will this series be about the same killer of old people, all of the victims being cranky, stubborn, and ornery? I hope Leon finds the real murderer and brings him or her to justice. The book started off in the prologue with the mind and thoughts of the killer. Who is this killer, and will they ever be caught? I gave this book 4 stars, because even though it was well-written, it lacked in realism as to how soon a case is thrown into a cold case archive.
I received a copy through BookFunnel and this is my voluntary honest review.
by Barbara Kelley
"Over the Window", written by Clara Lewis, is supposed to be a prequel to the Perfect Crime Series. However, since this was an introduction of main characters to the series, this should, in fact, be considered as book 1. We meet Leon Graves, a former police officer, now a rookie F.B.I. Agent, who strives to impress his new boss, Dr. Ahmed Naderi, a man known for his stone cold personality. Case One is that of several murdered and dismembered bodies of elderly residents of an old age home. Even though there were 3 victims, the F.B.I. team only went into a deep investigation of the last victim, Diane, an ornery, stubborn old lady who yelled at everybody she saw in the home, and who didn't get along with anybody. The team didn't even look into the first two murders, and the book didn't say whether those victims were male or female. The team did not question every member of the old age home staff. They only got information from an old lady, a resident of the home, that lead them to a possible suspect, and that suspect might have turned out to not be a totally innocent member of society, but I don't think he was a murderer, either. This story did not ring realistic to me. I know the F.B.I. are busy people, but I also know they do not close a file as a cold case after only a week's worth of investigation. This particular episode ended with the statement that "You win some and you lose some." This might be true, but I hope this Perfect Crime Series isn't just a continuous set of crimes that the killer gets away with. I'm also wondering if this is going to be a continuation series that leaves a cliffhanger at the end of each book. Will this series be about the same killer of old people, all of the victims being cranky, stubborn, and ornery? I hope Leon finds the real murderer and brings him or her to justice. The book started off in the prologue with the mind and thoughts of the killer. Who is this killer, and will they ever be caught? I gave this book 4 stars, because even though it was well-written, it lacked in realism as to how soon a case is thrown into a cold case archive.
I received a copy through BookFunnel and this is my voluntary honest review.
February 27, 2024
Unrealistic!
I dislike giving poor reviews, I hate it actually, it causes me stress. However, I have made a commitment to people who read my reviews, that I will always give my honest opinion about a book. In my opinion the book is juvenile, it doesn't read like a good police procedural, the idea that there is a serial killer loose in a Nursing Home, dismembering the elderly, and they are going to pack up and leave? The FBI would have left the local field office if their Special Unit left after a set amount of time! The Nursing Home would have hired a private Security Guard or been sued out of existence. I am sorry, I love Police Procedurals, sad to say that this one is not frightening, and certainly doesn't read like professional law enforcement.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee
I dislike giving poor reviews, I hate it actually, it causes me stress. However, I have made a commitment to people who read my reviews, that I will always give my honest opinion about a book. In my opinion the book is juvenile, it doesn't read like a good police procedural, the idea that there is a serial killer loose in a Nursing Home, dismembering the elderly, and they are going to pack up and leave? The FBI would have left the local field office if their Special Unit left after a set amount of time! The Nursing Home would have hired a private Security Guard or been sued out of existence. I am sorry, I love Police Procedurals, sad to say that this one is not frightening, and certainly doesn't read like professional law enforcement.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee
September 23, 2024
It started okay, then somehow everything happened really fast.
The newbie in the team doesn't even feel the awkwardness of a new environment and new people around him.
Also the description of some of the characters don't matched their attitude.
Ex. Dr. Naderi, famously as someone with a heart of stone; smile on Leon first interview and giving drug suggestion to help him sleep. That's on Leon's first day. Second day, he snorted after Honeywell employee's story of a patient and alien. Third day, he cautiously asked Leon who reacting after a mistake.
The doctor exhibit way too many emotions and doesn't have a cold attitude that merit him the reputation. Firm and authoritative, sure. Cold? Nah.
They also jump to conclusions at times.
I agree with other reviewer, this feels juvenile.
The newbie in the team doesn't even feel the awkwardness of a new environment and new people around him.
Also the description of some of the characters don't matched their attitude.
Ex. Dr. Naderi, famously as someone with a heart of stone; smile on Leon first interview and giving drug suggestion to help him sleep. That's on Leon's first day. Second day, he snorted after Honeywell employee's story of a patient and alien. Third day, he cautiously asked Leon who reacting after a mistake.
The doctor exhibit way too many emotions and doesn't have a cold attitude that merit him the reputation. Firm and authoritative, sure. Cold? Nah.
They also jump to conclusions at times.
I agree with other reviewer, this feels juvenile.
September 20, 2023
I enjoyed this prequel and found it to be a very interesting introduction to a new series which I will certainly read. There are a number of murders in this story and they all follow the same basic traits letting you know that they were all killed by the same person. They take place in a nursing facility and it unfortunately does not show the staff of the facility in a good light and I don't doubt there are some of those around BUT I am also certain that there exists the opposite with very caring nursing staff. The new detective is working on the case and his superior is a rather impatient individual but our new detective is working well in spite of this. A good read and a perfect set up for the books to follow.
June 6, 2024
This is a prequel to the FBI Perfect Crimes Series, and after this and buying book one, be aware that the killer is not caught in each book. I don't know if that continues through each book in the series, or if the plan is that the killer/s is/are identified at the end of the series.
Leon is brought onto this case at an old age home where residents are murdered. My personal opinion is that I was shocked this was classified as a cold case so soon after the murder. Although it is well written, there is no hook to keep your attention, unless it is to keep you reading until the last in the series to find out the murderer.
Added: After reading reviews for Book 1, it refers back to this case, so I will continue to Book 1.
Leon is brought onto this case at an old age home where residents are murdered. My personal opinion is that I was shocked this was classified as a cold case so soon after the murder. Although it is well written, there is no hook to keep your attention, unless it is to keep you reading until the last in the series to find out the murderer.
Added: After reading reviews for Book 1, it refers back to this case, so I will continue to Book 1.
February 11, 2023
Leon Graves has just joined the FBI and working under Dr. Naderi, a fussy boss who has a heart of stone. Leon and his new team have to fly to New York to solve 3 gruesome killings at a retirement home where the bodies where dismembered and their bodies shoved into pits. Leon and his team are surprised to find that someone posing as one of their agents was getting rid of all the evidence. This was a person who was very clever and methodical. With another old man’s body being found they have their work cut out. A chilling read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
February 13, 2023
The new series, with Leon the rookie FBI agent, seems to be quite interesting.
In this prequel, Leon gets to know his fellow colleagues in the team, being first misguided by a map of the building that was not accurate anymore, since that part was under construction.
Anywa he is very quick introduced ti work with a gruesom murder of a woman in some asylum.
As days goes by without them finding any solid clues about the killer, and even with a second similar murder taking place, Leon feels he started his work with a failure.
We'll see him in the next installment how he will face this dissapointment.
In this prequel, Leon gets to know his fellow colleagues in the team, being first misguided by a map of the building that was not accurate anymore, since that part was under construction.
Anywa he is very quick introduced ti work with a gruesom murder of a woman in some asylum.
As days goes by without them finding any solid clues about the killer, and even with a second similar murder taking place, Leon feels he started his work with a failure.
We'll see him in the next installment how he will face this dissapointment.
February 12, 2023
Good thriller!
I was hooked on the story early on. Leon Graves, a newly minted FBI agent, is assigned to help in the case of a serial killer who has been murdering residents of an old folks home and then dismembering their bodies, which he then scatters over the area. Leon and his team key in on one particular suspect, a worker at the home. Is he the murderer they are pursuing? Read this intriguing book and find out. I highly recommend it to other thriller readers. I received an ARC of the this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
I was hooked on the story early on. Leon Graves, a newly minted FBI agent, is assigned to help in the case of a serial killer who has been murdering residents of an old folks home and then dismembering their bodies, which he then scatters over the area. Leon and his team key in on one particular suspect, a worker at the home. Is he the murderer they are pursuing? Read this intriguing book and find out. I highly recommend it to other thriller readers. I received an ARC of the this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
February 20, 2023
A thrilling journey full of adventure and mystery
Absolutely awesome! This story is absolutely full of thrilling events, twists and turns throughout the story. The characters are very interesting and inspiring. I love a good mystery and this one kept me well engaged throughout from beginning to the end. For a prequel, it sure leaves the reader to reading the next book. I can hardly wait! Excellent writing and definitely recommend reading this amazing journey of adventure, thrilling events and mystery. Congratulations!!
Absolutely awesome! This story is absolutely full of thrilling events, twists and turns throughout the story. The characters are very interesting and inspiring. I love a good mystery and this one kept me well engaged throughout from beginning to the end. For a prequel, it sure leaves the reader to reading the next book. I can hardly wait! Excellent writing and definitely recommend reading this amazing journey of adventure, thrilling events and mystery. Congratulations!!
February 12, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
March 4, 2023
Wow!
Leon has always wanted to work for the FBI. He is excited to prove himself on his first assignment with his team. Getting to know everyone will take some time, but solving a case should bring them closer. As the investigation continues, Leon begins to question wether or not he is prepared to be an FBI agent.
Very fast paced story that digs into the thought process of the killer and the people that hunt the killers. Great book!
Leon has always wanted to work for the FBI. He is excited to prove himself on his first assignment with his team. Getting to know everyone will take some time, but solving a case should bring them closer. As the investigation continues, Leon begins to question wether or not he is prepared to be an FBI agent.
Very fast paced story that digs into the thought process of the killer and the people that hunt the killers. Great book!
April 10, 2023
Leon Graves is a new member of the FBI. He is looking for Dr. Ahmed Naderi, but has an out dated map of this building. Strike one. He finally finds the right room and the meeting is already started. Strike two. They have a new case in New York. Can the team find out why residents at the Honeywell Retirement Center being murdered? Who and why are these residents being targeted? A short story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 17, 2023
The perfect crime?
Leon is a new FBI agent who wants to prove himself. His boss, Dr Naderi has a pretty scary way about him. He seems to have taken Leon under his wing which makes Leon nervous. Someone has been killer residents of an old folks home. Leon thinks they have the right guy but the evidence doesn’t add up. Dr Naderi is about to declare it a cold case we another body shows up. What happens next? We are left guessing!
Leon is a new FBI agent who wants to prove himself. His boss, Dr Naderi has a pretty scary way about him. He seems to have taken Leon under his wing which makes Leon nervous. Someone has been killer residents of an old folks home. Leon thinks they have the right guy but the evidence doesn’t add up. Dr Naderi is about to declare it a cold case we another body shows up. What happens next? We are left guessing!
February 26, 2023
Over the Window by Clara Lewis is the Prequel to a six book series.
The Prequel introduces us to a former Police officer, now working for the FBI
Leon Graves. The story was well written and easy to read, with lots of interesting twists and turns. Then it ends in a cliffhanger, and we get to enjoy reading six more stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review
The Prequel introduces us to a former Police officer, now working for the FBI
Leon Graves. The story was well written and easy to read, with lots of interesting twists and turns. Then it ends in a cliffhanger, and we get to enjoy reading six more stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review
March 15, 2023
This prequel did not disappoint. Leon is a new FBI agent and most of all wants to prove to his co-workers, his boss, and himself that he is worthy of the job and belongs. When his first case hits him hard, he'll do anything to solve it.
Great fast read, can't wait to read the next book. Love a good mystery and crime solving?
Great fast read, can't wait to read the next book. Love a good mystery and crime solving?
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Perfect Crime series. I can’t wait to check out the next book. I liked how this book started out from the killer’s perspective and then moved to the FBI’s view. I’m looking forward to see Leon Graves’s development as a FBI agent and character in this series.
I received this book free through BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received this book free through BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 15, 2023
Over the Window is the prequel to The Perfect Crime series. It is a short story that covers extreme violence and the new FBI agent assigned to his first case. There’s little character development but, it’s enough to make for a very interesting introduction. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to book 1.
Purchased from Amazon
Purchased from Amazon
February 20, 2025
I just finished this too short prequel and I thought it was fantastic. I was disappointed there wasn’t more. Other than a couple minor edits and the names of two agents being similar (Leon and Lee) it was a story that immediately grabs you. Congratulations Clare Lewis! This is sure to be a great series.
February 13, 2023
You will love this story, it grips you.
Well what can I say? It grips you and you just can't stop reading you just want to know will they catch the killer? You know what you need to do!! Read the Book, it is a damn good read!! I just cannot wait for the next book.
Well what can I say? It grips you and you just can't stop reading you just want to know will they catch the killer? You know what you need to do!! Read the Book, it is a damn good read!! I just cannot wait for the next book.
February 18, 2023
in the mind of a killer
The story grabs you right from the start with the reality that what you’re reading is from the killers point of view, I don’t recall reading a story that started off that way, but it pulled me in right away. Well thought out characters.
The story grabs you right from the start with the reality that what you’re reading is from the killers point of view, I don’t recall reading a story that started off that way, but it pulled me in right away. Well thought out characters.
February 25, 2023
Over the Window is an easy-to-read story, with relatable characters who are looking for the killer of elder people with certain specific characteristics. As a prequel, it delineates the main characters and sets the start of the series, which promises mysteries, twists and turns, and even though a crime series, it provides some laughs. The ending is a cliffhanger.
I thank the author for the book.
I thank the author for the book.
April 1, 2023
The prequel to a serial "Perfect Crime" is a great introduction to the characters and FBI team as they investigate a string of murders. Full of twists and intrigue, I enjoyed following the team as they tried to find the killer.
April 19, 2023
How do you catch a horrific serial killer who is smarter than you? New FBI agent feels huge loss that on his first case he feels like he failed. Where will he go now? This novella grabbed me immediately.
July 31, 2023
3 1/2
This book was a really fast paced book, but in all honesty, I feel like there could have been a little more to it, I felt like there was a lot of details missing. But still a good quick read that sucked me in.
This book was a really fast paced book, but in all honesty, I feel like there could have been a little more to it, I felt like there was a lot of details missing. But still a good quick read that sucked me in.
September 14, 2023
This story is very scary! Someone is killing off the old people in a nursing home! Some of them are not cognitive enough to realize they are in danger! Yet the killer is doing horrible things to these older people! FBI finally show up! Can they catch the killer before he kills again?
October 17, 2023
Interesting
The story is good. I was left unsatisfied by the ending though. For a crime novel I didn't feel there was enough of the investigation explained. The ending seemed to come way too soon.
The story is good. I was left unsatisfied by the ending though. For a crime novel I didn't feel there was enough of the investigation explained. The ending seemed to come way too soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews