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Kate Conway Mysteries #1
Missing Persons
The debut of an exciting new mystery series featuring a cynical, crafty television producer turned amateur sleuth.
The cause of death is "undetermined," but the cops peg Chicago television producer Kate Conway as the main suspect when her soon-to-be ex-husband, Frank, is found dead. To make matters worse-and weirder- Frank's new girlfriend suddenly wants to be friends.
Happy for the distraction, Kate throws herself into a new work assignment for the television program Missing Persons: the story of Theresa Moretti, a seemingly angelic young woman who disappeared a year earlier. All Kate wants is a cliché story and twenty-two minutes of footage, but when the two cases appear to overlap, Kate needs to work fast before another body turns up-her own.
The cause of death is "undetermined," but the cops peg Chicago television producer Kate Conway as the main suspect when her soon-to-be ex-husband, Frank, is found dead. To make matters worse-and weirder- Frank's new girlfriend suddenly wants to be friends.
Happy for the distraction, Kate throws herself into a new work assignment for the television program Missing Persons: the story of Theresa Moretti, a seemingly angelic young woman who disappeared a year earlier. All Kate wants is a cliché story and twenty-two minutes of footage, but when the two cases appear to overlap, Kate needs to work fast before another body turns up-her own.
280 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
10 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Clare O'Donohue
16 books131 followersClare O'Donohue was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children. Her parents, John and Sabina O'Donohue, were both born in Ireland. They met in London and moved to the US and settled on Chicago's South Side where she was raised.
She always knew she wanted to be a writer and in fact wrote her first novel when she was 15. It was a mystery. After college she worked as a newspaper reporter and writing teacher before moving to LA and getting her first job in television. That was on the HGTV show, Simply Quilts. she had already been quilting for about five years, which was why the producer hired her, but she really got an education in quilting from that show.
http://clareodonohue.com/feed/
She always knew she wanted to be a writer and in fact wrote her first novel when she was 15. It was a mystery. After college she worked as a newspaper reporter and writing teacher before moving to LA and getting her first job in television. That was on the HGTV show, Simply Quilts. she had already been quilting for about five years, which was why the producer hired her, but she really got an education in quilting from that show.
http://clareodonohue.com/feed/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 4, 2011
This is a most unusual novel, two parallel mysteries interwoven with some clues and conversations not only providing enlightening material for one but also the other mystery being followed!
Kate Conway is a TV producer who's job is to gain the trust of her interviewees and present them to a jury in a pleasant but factual way. She has produced one show called "Caught" and is now beginning to work on one called "Missing Persons." But this job becomes complex when her own ex-husband is found dead, his new girlfriend attempts to befriend Kate, and investigators are questioning everyone who knew him, with the suggestion that his natural death was not so innocent!
Theresa Moretti is the missing young woman whose case reveals Kate Conway's very skilled performance not only as a producer but a crime solver. It seems Kate had two boyfriends who may know of her whereabouts, but a control-freak mother, suspicious best friend, and suavely repulsive local politician all claim to know more than they do. Kate's cameramen also contribute to the theories behind this disappearance, but these change every few minutes, increasing the tension the reader is experiencing as he or she attempts to figure it all out even before Kate might do so!
Missing Persons is an excellent mystery that is totally unpredictable regarding both stories. There's also an additional tender and endearing quality, a deeply caring spark, that threads throughout the whole story without diminishing the crime or mystery aspects of what should be a well-deserved best seller!!! Superbly done, ClareO'Donohue!
Kate Conway is a TV producer who's job is to gain the trust of her interviewees and present them to a jury in a pleasant but factual way. She has produced one show called "Caught" and is now beginning to work on one called "Missing Persons." But this job becomes complex when her own ex-husband is found dead, his new girlfriend attempts to befriend Kate, and investigators are questioning everyone who knew him, with the suggestion that his natural death was not so innocent!
Theresa Moretti is the missing young woman whose case reveals Kate Conway's very skilled performance not only as a producer but a crime solver. It seems Kate had two boyfriends who may know of her whereabouts, but a control-freak mother, suspicious best friend, and suavely repulsive local politician all claim to know more than they do. Kate's cameramen also contribute to the theories behind this disappearance, but these change every few minutes, increasing the tension the reader is experiencing as he or she attempts to figure it all out even before Kate might do so!
Missing Persons is an excellent mystery that is totally unpredictable regarding both stories. There's also an additional tender and endearing quality, a deeply caring spark, that threads throughout the whole story without diminishing the crime or mystery aspects of what should be a well-deserved best seller!!! Superbly done, ClareO'Donohue!
July 2, 2011
Kate is a free lance producer on a variety of "true crime" shows. She is also a woman who was going through a messy divorce when her husband turns up dead. Kate is ,of course, a suspect in her husband's murder. She also becomes more interested in the disappearance of a young woman than her job calls for. What I liked about the book - I really enjoyed the inside look of how a reality television show is produced. The authors inside knowledge definitely adds to the story. I also appreciated how Kate began to become a more interesting person as she truly began to think about her marriage and her husband.
I found the clues and suspects to be less well developed as the two mysteries played out. I felt the author tried too hard to make us suspect certain individuals while not really fleshing out why the actual killer of the young missing girl did away with her or why he ended up stalking Kate.
I found the clues and suspects to be less well developed as the two mysteries played out. I felt the author tried too hard to make us suspect certain individuals while not really fleshing out why the actual killer of the young missing girl did away with her or why he ended up stalking Kate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2014
I don't know when I have enjoyed a mystery more. Actually, there are two mysteries presented here. When true crime tv producer Kate Conway's almost ex-husband Frank dies, she becomes a suspect, plus she is hard at work filming a show about a missing young woman. The author skillfully weaves these two whodunit stories together.
I enjoyed trying to guess the outcome of both these cases, rooting for Kate. Her sleuthing is believable;, there are many suspects and the characters are well developed, most of all Kate herself. One interesting twist involves Frank's girlfriend, Vera, who he was living with when he died. Vera is, perhaps unfortunately, a very nice person, so both Kate and I as the reader were loathe to suspect her of Frank's murder. Their unlikely relationship grows as the book continues.
I look forward to reading more Kate Conway mysteries! Most mysteries are too procedural for me. Often I give up halfway through and skip to the end and toss the book aside. Missing Persons kept me engaged, a little on the edge of my seat (pleasantly so), and I wanted to savor every page.
I enjoyed trying to guess the outcome of both these cases, rooting for Kate. Her sleuthing is believable;, there are many suspects and the characters are well developed, most of all Kate herself. One interesting twist involves Frank's girlfriend, Vera, who he was living with when he died. Vera is, perhaps unfortunately, a very nice person, so both Kate and I as the reader were loathe to suspect her of Frank's murder. Their unlikely relationship grows as the book continues.
I look forward to reading more Kate Conway mysteries! Most mysteries are too procedural for me. Often I give up halfway through and skip to the end and toss the book aside. Missing Persons kept me engaged, a little on the edge of my seat (pleasantly so), and I wanted to savor every page.
June 24, 2015
(3.5 stars) This is the first book in the Kate Conway series. Kate is a freelance television producer, with a skill to get the quote and the shot she needs. She does a lot of true crime docudramas and is currently starting on a new series dealing with missing persons. Kate works in a tight team with her sound man and her videographer. She is in the midst of a divorce from her husband, Frank, who has been seeing another woman. When Frank turns up dead from a suspicious heart attack, Kate is initially a suspect, but then forms an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend, Vera, to find the truth about his death. She also becomes deeply curious about the missing woman at the center of her docudrama, who may not have been as innocent as she initially appears. Kate begins looking at those close to Theresa, including her obsessive mother, sullen brother, two very different boyfriends and a helpful politician whose ties to Theresa make her wonder about his involvement. Two mysteries for the price of one make this an interesting start to the series.
December 16, 2020
Straight up 5 stars for me!!
I finally found it! I found a cozy mystery that I loved. It was not too cutesy or cartoonish. It was quick and easy reading with just the right balance of drama, humor and a few believable quirky moments. It felt like a nice break between heavier reads. It was still in a genre I love but not heavy and depressing. I cannot wait to read the next mystery. I only wish there were more than 2 books in this series.
5*/3.76*
I finally found it! I found a cozy mystery that I loved. It was not too cutesy or cartoonish. It was quick and easy reading with just the right balance of drama, humor and a few believable quirky moments. It felt like a nice break between heavier reads. It was still in a genre I love but not heavy and depressing. I cannot wait to read the next mystery. I only wish there were more than 2 books in this series.
5*/3.76*
November 23, 2015
Average mystery series. I like the premise Kate being the producer of a crime tv show and having it lead to solving crimes. Cast of characters is promising and we will see where it leads. Positive is that it takes place in Chicago and I know all the scenes for the most part. Curious to see how series evolves.
June 13, 2011
An excellent start to a new series. The protagonist has a great voice, and I especially liked the two parallel storylines, one an echo of the other. Brisk, concise prose and terrific characters. I can't wait for the next one!
February 27, 2012
Nothing missing in this cozy mystery.
July 9, 2021
I loved this one!!!!
TV producer (think. True Crime shows like Dateline) Kate Conway's soon to be ex husband dies suddenly. Heart attack is the first thought. But soon police think foul play, and are looking at Kate. Also, the 'other woman' suddenly wants to be Kate's best friend. But what if SHE killed him?
Kate has a new project to help take her mind off of her troubles. Missing Persons. The first show is about Theresa, A young woman who disappeared a year earlier. As Kate interviews family and friends for the show, she begins to unravel the mystery.
A great story with a touch of humour.
The behind the scenes look at TV is entertaining as well.
I was sad to see this one end.
TV producer (think. True Crime shows like Dateline) Kate Conway's soon to be ex husband dies suddenly. Heart attack is the first thought. But soon police think foul play, and are looking at Kate. Also, the 'other woman' suddenly wants to be Kate's best friend. But what if SHE killed him?
Kate has a new project to help take her mind off of her troubles. Missing Persons. The first show is about Theresa, A young woman who disappeared a year earlier. As Kate interviews family and friends for the show, she begins to unravel the mystery.
A great story with a touch of humour.
The behind the scenes look at TV is entertaining as well.
I was sad to see this one end.
February 22, 2024
A mysterious death hits home when Chicago television producer Kate Conway is the main suspect in her husband's murder. They were in the middle of a divorce, and now his new girlfriend wants to be friends. Kate is working on a new TV series called 'Missing Persons' about a young woman who disappeared a year earlier. It was a good story about Kate doing her TV series and trying to solve her
husband's murder . Also she is doing a lot of investigating of the missing girl. Can she solve both of these cases ?? I enjoyed this book.
husband's murder . Also she is doing a lot of investigating of the missing girl. Can she solve both of these cases ?? I enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2019
It took me until more than half way through to realize why I was enjoying this book so much, then it hit me that Kate's voice sounds like Ellie Stone's (James Ziskin)! I love Ellie Stone, and now her doppelganger, Kate Conway. I'm convinced they would be friends. Anyway, I thought this was a great little introduction to the mess and awesomeness that is Kate Conway and her life, and I'm looking forward to getting to know her and her sidekicks better as the series continues. I'm a fan.
March 7, 2022
This mystery inside of a mystery was a very fun read. Kate Conway, a true-crime show producer, becomes a suspect in her estranged husband's murder while she's busy filming a show about a missing young woman. I learned a few things about the production of those true-crime shows I love so much (A-roll, B-roll, interview secrets). Thoroughly enjoyed this, and I'll be looking for the second book in the series.
October 26, 2023
A fabulous first novel by the author of the Someday Quilt stories. Kate's a producer for Caught, a show revealing how murders reach solution. Just as she starts on Missing, a series about people who have disappeared, her estranged husband dies. Is she a suspect? Is Theresa dead or missing? An extraordinary series of twists and turns with issues revolving around her husband's mistress/fiance makes this a valuable first novel.
January 20, 2024
3.5 stars . The buildup was pretty good, going back and forth between the two mysteries in this books. And finding out different information, and it was also predictable. I liked it for the most part. It is only a 3 1/2 though, because of the ending. It was pretty underwhelming and i was disappointed. I was also disappointed in the fact that the two mysteries did not connect in the way I thought they would.
October 26, 2025
Suspenseful mystery with lots of twists and turns, as well as a parallel mystery. The novel is filled with broken characters who make likely suspects. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author presented an outcome that made me want to hit myself in the head with the heel of my palm and say, "Of course!"
Looking forward to reading more by this author, including her Someday Quilts Mystery series.
Looking forward to reading more by this author, including her Someday Quilts Mystery series.
December 9, 2018
A fairly straightforward mystery but with an unusual setup and some very good twists. I enjoyed the main character's wry take and appreciated the evidence of growth as the story came to its conclusion. Now I'm going to track down other books by Kate Conway.
May 31, 2020
Kate Conway is used to crime and tragedy, just not in her life. Kate produces true crime television shows so she is in contact with victims' families and killers. When her soon to be ex-husband dies from what appears to be a heart attack she is on the other side, as the person most likely to kill.
March 18, 2021
I never warmed to the protagonist or any of the other characters, but the story was compelling enough to keep me going. I found the end anticlimactic. The passive-aggressive pencil notes in my library copy also kept things interesting (who does that??).
March 7, 2025
I discovered a writer, new to me, that I thoroughly enjoy. Well written. clear details that make me want to continue reading. For me, this was a page turner book that was exactly what I think fiction should do - keep me focused.
July 13, 2017
Great storyline and kept me engage. struggled a bit with the writing (and typographical errors) but over all a good book.
February 27, 2019
Liked the interesting mix of two mysteries and the wry, self-deprecating humor of the protagonist. Set in Chicago.
November 19, 2020
Great, quick easy to read mystery.
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed this mystery and the fact that it did not read like the first of a series. So I will be looking forward to reading the next in the series!
October 22, 2022
A most excellent read!
December 4, 2022
Nothing groundbreaking, but an excellent, satisfying read - proof that there is beauty in simplicity.
July 26, 2023
i didn’t like the ending
March 24, 2025
Surprisingly good- enjoyed the protagonist and the storyline.
January 16, 2016
Plume
Published by The Penguin Group
A Kate Conway Mystery
First In A Brand New Series
ISBN-10: 0452297060
ISBN-13: 978-0452297067
Kate Conway's soon to be ex-husband Frank is dead and the cops always think the spouse did it so Kate becomes the number one suspect. Strange too is that his new girlfriend wants to be her new best friend.
She decides to bury herself in work to get her mind off his death and give the police time to find the real killer. She is offered a new assignment for a brand new series, Missing Persons.
Kate starts researching the story of Theresa Moretti, a young woman who has been missing for a year. Her family is still holding out hope Theresa is alive and believes Kate will find her. Kate just wants to get enough footage to tell the missing girl's story and move on but Theresa's family has really touched her which causes her to dig a little deeper and the more she digs she finds the death of her ex may be related to this Missing Person story. She also finds the deeper she digs she may be putting her own life in danger.
I LOVED IT!!!!!
This is an edgy story that not only draws you in but educates on how these True Crime shows are made and with an author that has a background in television all the jargon rings true, especially how long it takes, how much film is needed, and how much is cut to tell a story in about 22 minutes.
The unexpected is that as each clue is uncovered you feel you are actually right on the scene. This can happen with a lot of stories but this one actually played in my mind's eye like a television program. It made you almost forget this is a work of fiction and that you were actually reading a book. It really is hard to believe the same author who wrote the Someday Quilts series in the same person who wrote this book. Clare you have a wonderful imagination and I LOVE IT!!!
I am sure readers of the previous series will love this book but I see it bringing in a whole new group of readers, those who love true crime. This story fits the description of a cozy mystery in the way that the crime solver in an intelligent female amateur sleuth, but this series seems to go further just because of Kate's job and takes place in the big city of Chicago.
This series has a wealth of information available as people go missing and crimes are committed everyday. I look forward to being on the scene of the next Kate Conway Mystery.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Plume, A Division of Penguin Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Published by The Penguin Group
A Kate Conway Mystery
First In A Brand New Series
ISBN-10: 0452297060
ISBN-13: 978-0452297067
Kate Conway's soon to be ex-husband Frank is dead and the cops always think the spouse did it so Kate becomes the number one suspect. Strange too is that his new girlfriend wants to be her new best friend.
She decides to bury herself in work to get her mind off his death and give the police time to find the real killer. She is offered a new assignment for a brand new series, Missing Persons.
Kate starts researching the story of Theresa Moretti, a young woman who has been missing for a year. Her family is still holding out hope Theresa is alive and believes Kate will find her. Kate just wants to get enough footage to tell the missing girl's story and move on but Theresa's family has really touched her which causes her to dig a little deeper and the more she digs she finds the death of her ex may be related to this Missing Person story. She also finds the deeper she digs she may be putting her own life in danger.
I LOVED IT!!!!!
This is an edgy story that not only draws you in but educates on how these True Crime shows are made and with an author that has a background in television all the jargon rings true, especially how long it takes, how much film is needed, and how much is cut to tell a story in about 22 minutes.
The unexpected is that as each clue is uncovered you feel you are actually right on the scene. This can happen with a lot of stories but this one actually played in my mind's eye like a television program. It made you almost forget this is a work of fiction and that you were actually reading a book. It really is hard to believe the same author who wrote the Someday Quilts series in the same person who wrote this book. Clare you have a wonderful imagination and I LOVE IT!!!
I am sure readers of the previous series will love this book but I see it bringing in a whole new group of readers, those who love true crime. This story fits the description of a cozy mystery in the way that the crime solver in an intelligent female amateur sleuth, but this series seems to go further just because of Kate's job and takes place in the big city of Chicago.
This series has a wealth of information available as people go missing and crimes are committed everyday. I look forward to being on the scene of the next Kate Conway Mystery.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Plume, A Division of Penguin Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 25, 2023
This is the first book in a new to me series where the 'detective' is a true crime reality TV producer. Kate Conway is producing a TV show for her 'Missing Persons' series when her almost ex-husband, Frank Conway is found dead. Kate is an immediate suspect as Frank had recently left her for another woman. So while she is trying to prove her innocence in Frank's death, she falls into investigating what happened to Theresa Moretti, the subject of her TV show. Kate finds an unlikely ally in Vera, Frank's live in girlfriend - and the woman he left her for. She starts receiving threats which makes her wonder whether the two cases could be linked somehow. I enjoyed learning about the TV industry, and how crime documentaries are made as well as getting to know Kate as a character. I will definitely read more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews