An excellent introduction to police procedure for crime writers. Lee gives you an insider's view on the various police departments and training procedures. His personal experience is invaluable as it helps any mystery writer add a touch of realism to their work. I found the book well-organized and easy to read. Since the book is organized into chapters covering different elements of police procedure, it is not necessary to read them in chronological order. The book is great for reference because I can come back to it any time and start reading any particular chapter that I require to write my book.

Overall, a well-written guide to police procedure that is great for those looking for an introduction to the American legal system and police procedure.

By:  Mary Burton 

Series:  Morgans of Nashville #3 

ISBN: 9781420132151

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date: 10/27/2015 

Format: Paperback

My Rating:  5 Stars +  

** Featured Weekend Read **

A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

K I L L E R!  5 Stars+  "Top Books of 2015!"

One of my favorite authors, talented storyteller, Mary Burtonreturns following her last cliffhanger, Be Afraid (Morgans of Nashville #2) with another multi-layered, twisted “must read” psycho-crime thriller, I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO (Morgans of Nashville #3). Two women haunted by their past, a mysterious brutal killer, and a family of Morgans prepared to solve the case, and connect the dots--before it is too late.

If you read the previous two books in the series (highly recommend), you learn about Leah Carlson--at the ending of the last book, her psycho-cop husband has found her once again and is determined to kill her.

Philip has a sick, obsessive love for his wife. Young when they met, Leah was charmed by the cop, who eventually wanted to control, stalking, intimidating, playing head games; making Leah think she is crazy.

When she finally escaped him, he hunts her down--stabbing her twenty-three times, leaving her for dead, while he escaped. It was their wedding anniversary. Her wacko husband believes in "death do us part." After all, Phillip, was a smart cop, so no one believed his stalking attempts, until he almost killed her. She had spent years keeping daily journals, to help develop patterns for the cops.

I’ll Never Let You Go picks up four years later. Leah changed her last name, and has returned to Nashville, her home, after years of therapy, plastic surgery, and support groups. She still suffers from PTSD,, nightmares, and paranoia. Even though Phillip was declared dead following an accident in South Carolina, she never saw the body, and has an ongoing suspicion he may still be alive. She still keeps her daily journals, with any events which seem suspicious.

After attending veterinarian school in Knoxville, she now is a successful veterinarian in Nashville—keeps to herself, and does not want anyone to know her past business. Even though it is difficult with her visible scars on her hands and arms. However, the others on her body she keeps hidden with her clothes, applying certain makeup to cover up the ones on her face.

Shortly after the book opens a woman cop, Deidre Jones befriends her which she met at the local gym. She invites her to her running group. Even though Leah still has problems running, she is determined to get back to the world of the living- to have some sense of normal.

In the meantime, of course the famous Morgans are back! A family of cops, from their late father, Buddy Morgan, a legend in the Nashville Police Department homicide Squad.

TBI Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (sexy) cool and collected Alex Morgan is in charge of putting away bad cops (star character). Due to a past traumatic event in his life, he keeps his emotions intact; his family thinks he is cold and removed; with an uncaring demeanor. He is single with the looks and brains; however, not into relationships, or conversations.

All the Morgan kids are in law enforcement (we have met in other books). His older brother, Deke heads up the Nashville Police Department Homicide Squad (dating lawyer, Rachel), Rick also works homicide with Deke, and adopted baby sister, Georgia, a forensic technician and a singer at the local nightclub Ruby, when she is not working. Deke and Rick loved homicide; however, Alex did not see himself in TBI in the next decade, as he has political ambitions.

When they find a body dismembered and burned and a business card with Deidre’s name on it, they begin to investigate her suspicious activity, since she was a cop. Alex notices Leah and Deidre are spending time together, so arranges to go out with Leah to learn more, by getting his brother Rick to leave his dog at the vet to board.

Leah is tormented about being in public, with panic attacks, and uneasy around cops, based on her past experience. She is not ready to date and uncomfortable being in social settings, more comfortable around the animals at work. She is always looking for the nearest exit, or over her shoulder, ensuring all doors at home and car are locked, rechecking numerous times.

Then crazy things start occurring—from flowers delivered with an anniversary note, suspicious activity on her credit card, flat tires, crazy texts, and a lab left at the vet to board, like the one she had as a child, and a mover showing up at her house to move her stuff.

All the things Phillip would do. Then she starts seeing someone following her. Could Phillip be alive? To further send her over the edge, it is drawing near their anniversary date. Has he come back to finish her off? She is terrified. What wait four years?

In the meantime, her new friend does not show up for running one morning; Leah finds her stabbed to death in her home. Twenty-three times, same as her. She is distraught. Could any of this be connected to her? Her friend also had an ex-husband, a local sheriff, who was making problems and stalking Deidre.

Since Alex is involved in the case, Leah and Alex are thrown together. Both are very standoffish and not very forthcoming about their suspicions. More things start happening, and Alex digs into Leah’s background and learns of her past. He has to figure out the connection between Leah’s ex-husband, Phillip, what Deidre was involved in, her ex-husband, and her current boyfriend. Is there possibly a connection to Deidre and Phillip? Leah had sworn she would never date a cop again. However, Alex is controlled, always assessing. Can she trust him?

As it draws closer to the anniversary date, Alex wants to protect Leah; however, he is attacked, they find a bug, and more complications. While a budding romance is in the background, the first order of business is the lurking constant danger---is Phillip really alive? Who are the other bodies? Who murdered Deidre and why? Who is behind all the suspicious activity?

Now, this is a thriller! I love Mary’s smooth sharp writing style - Riveting . . She grabs you from page one to the end, hooking you immediately. She never lets you know the identity of the evil twisted killer. There could be one, two, three, or more suspects--multi-layered and complex. When they are speaking, you have no clue who is talking; further building the suspense.

Read in one sitting-- could not put it down! She adds just the right amount of romantic suspense; however, keeping the main theme of the book a strong crime mystery psycho-thriller and cop procedural. One of my favorite genres, Burton delivers mystery and intrigue, and keeps you guessing, with smooth writing, excellent plot planning, and well-developed characters.

Loved Leah and Alex together! This is one not to miss. Even though I loved the last two installments, I think this is my favorite thus far.

Upcoming:
So excited about her upcoming Vulnerable coming March 29, 2016. (Yes, you receive a tantalizing preview).

In addition, look for the Killer Nashville Noir: Cold-Blooded, coming Oct 27 with a collection of authors, including Mary with some of her characters from past books.

JDCMustReadBooks

By: Clare Donoghue

Narrator: Imogen Church

Series: Mike Lockyer, #2

ASIN:  B00U1SQDW0

Publisher: Audible Studios

Publication Date: 6/9/2015  

Format: Audio

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

NO PLACE TO DIE (Mike Lockyer #2) by Clare Donoghue, a complex, spine-tingling crime thriller, with a dynamic duo delving into chilling phobias and fears, for an intense cop procedural leaving you glued to this gripping suspense page-turner. 4.5 Stars - Nice cover.

Following Never Look Back (Mike Lockyer #1) where we met South East London Detective Mike Lockyer and his partner Detective Sergeant Jane Bennett, leaving Mike still shaken by the loss of a victim in their last murder case, while working on cold cases and attending mandatory counseling. With this installment, Jane takes the limelight.

Jane is heavily immersed in trying to juggle a number of cases, without her partner’s assistance in the beginning. A dead girl, Maggie from the university has been found in a tomb, under a London Greenway.

Then there is a retired ex-cop, and friend, Mark Leech who goes missing and a wife which is frantic and he may be injured. Could the two cases be related?

The parallel investigation into Mark’s disappearance uncovers details about his last unsolved murder case. Before retiring, he was obsessed with solving the murder of Amelia Reynolds, daughter of a close family friend. A connection is discovered to the same professor who is prime suspect in their current case.

An addictive read, with excellent character development, filled with emotion, graphic and vivid settings, and descriptions. The relationship between the Jane and Mike is fun, and tension-filled, as she does not need any distractions from her work and son, Peter. The thought of approaching forty is alarming and she feels guilt having less time to spend with her son. What really adds icing to the cake is Jane’s personal life, making her relatable, as a single mom balancing work and personal lives. Jane has an autistic son, and Mike has an autistic brother which bonds the two.

The audiobook was well done delivered by Imogen Church for a pleasant listening experience. Was so intrigued with the crime thriller, had to go back and purchase the first audiobook, Never Look Back (Mike Lockyer #1) currently reading; narrated by Karl Prekopp and Imogen Church. Recommend reading both.

A detective thriller with interesting forensics, and a twisted mysterious killer, with a psychological twist; keeping you in suspense with twists and turns, to the end. A must read series, for mystery, crime, cop and detective thriller fans. A new strong female crime writer- one to follow!.

Mike Lockyer, #1

By David Baldacci
Series: Amos Decker #1

ISBN: 1455589489

Publisher:  Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date:  4/21/2015

Format:  Other

My Rating:  5 Stars

A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

David Baldacci is at the “top of this game”, with his 30th novel, delivering a riveting and absorbing new series. MEMORY MAN a flawed offbeat hero-Amos Decker, drawing you into his world of tragedy, loss, and complexity for hours of mind-blowing intensity. With a mix of crime, cop procedural, medical, psychological, and a multi-layered mystery thriller page-turner, you cannot put down--until you reach the words, “for just a little while.”

Amos Decker would forever remember all of their violent deaths in the most paralyzing shade of blue. He would never be free from it. The night when his life changed. Former Detective Amos Decker had been on a stakeout, driving home and walks in to his worst nightmare. Red. Blood. He discovers first a knife, second a gun; his brother-in-law, Johnny, throat split from ear to ear; his wife, Cassie, a single-entry gunshot in her forehead; and lastly, his precious daughter, Molly-not quite ten years old, death by strangulation. With nothing left. He cannot stay. His family is gone. He stares at his muzzle, ready to end his life, as he was not there to protect his family. As he stares at his muzzle ready to end his life, to die, and join his family; however, for some reason unknown even to him, Amos Decker does not pull the trigger and calls 911.

In the months to come, he loses the house to foreclosure, as they were barely making the payments with his and Cassie’s salary. On his paycheck alone it was impossible. He tried to sell it; however, no one would buy a house covered in blood. He lived in an apartment for several months, then a motel, a friend’s couch to a homeless shelter, to a cardboard box in a Walmart parking lot, when he reaches rock bottom. Cassie and Molly would be ashamed. So he cleans himself up with some odd jobs and moved into the Residence Inn and hangs out his PI shingle.

Amos has not had a simple life. A four-year-college football player, a professional for short stint, keeping fit as a cop and later a detective. A big, towering athlete, he was the only person from his hometown of Burlington ever to go pro. But his career ended before it had a chance to begin. On his very first play, a violent helmet-to-helmet collision knocked him off the field for good, and left him with an improbable side effect—he can never forget anything. Amos Decker’s life changed forever—twice.

From that moment, Decker's brain shifted and he lost the ability to forget. The entire world became a myriad of colors and memories that he could easily access. With his new abilities, he's the perfect candidate to become a police detective. He can visit a crime scene once and walk through it over and over again in his mind, and he can remember verbatim testimony by a witness or suspect. Decker has hyperthymesia, an extremely rare condition that makes him unable to forget anything. Two decades after suffering the hit, the blow-- Decker's life is once again unraveling, with the murder of his wife, young daughter and brother-in-law.

Months later, no suspects, and no one had been arrested for the murders of his family. A trail grown cold, and the odds of solving the case and catching the killer had dropped to near zero. He had left the police force, as he could no longer push paper, when he cared about nothing, except for “one thing”. Their deaths had to be connected with what he did; after all, he had put hundreds of people away over the years and some were out of prison now and they could have found him for revenge. But there was no scrap of evidence. No trial, No execution. His fault, His guilt.

Now, fifty pounds overweight, a bum knee, and a soft gut. However, he has never been normal since the “hit” the only thing he had never remembered. Ironically, since it was the catalyst for his “never forgetting” anything else. And even the national news felt the need to document the violence done to him, on YouTube. All he had done to deserve the folderol of attention was to die on a football field, not once, but twice. He could have been written up in scholarly journals and there could have been media and money, but he had not seen himself as a prodigy. He had seen himself as a freak and no longer able to watch sports. He was just a machine and some prick was taunting him, the monster who killed his family and and now could they be turning their rage on Mansfield High School?

Three years later, Decker discovers a man has turned himself in to the police and confesses to the murders, and he comes up with a brilliant plan. (Loved this part). He pretends to be an attorney to get into the cell. He has talents and gifts and he will use them to uncover the truth. He has learn the truth - Is this the monster who killed his family? Too many holes in his story. This cannot be the man, but why is he confessing? In addition, at the same time another tragedy occurs in the same town of Burlington. A high school shooting.

What comes next is an intense fast-paced action mystery suspense of connecting the past, a football career, the time when he was recovering from the hit, a police career, a new school shooting, an army base - all of which may be connected to his family’s murders, and a decade-old plan of evil, murder, and revenge. Some awesome characters contribute with some added human dynamics with Decker’s former partner, FBI agent, a reporter, and a fellow cop.

Wow, I have read every Baldacci series: John Puller, Will Robie, King & Maxwell, The Camel Club, The Shaw Series, and his many standalones, each being unique; however, MEMORY MAN is captivating, from page one. (my favorite). The author brilliantly sets up his character; he is humble, troubled, flawed, worn down, homeless and sharp. He can assist the authorities in ways no one else can. He had it all, and lost it all. Amos' tenacity, his gift, and his drive to find the killers, a humble hero on his journey to redemption – cleverly plotted.

Amos Decker is a stand-out character leaving fans anxiously awaiting a second book, (let’s hope), as this one is just too damn good to be a standalone. I literally dropped my other ARCs, planning to start reading for a few hours; did not stop until I reached the end.

Having already pre-ordered the audiobook, before receiving an advanced reading copy, had the double pleasure of enjoying both fascinating versions. As always, Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy delivers an outstanding performance!

If for some reason (cannot imagine), if you have never read David Baldacci, MEMORY MAN is a perfect place to start--your journey to being an avid fan, like the rest of us!

By: Candice Fox
ISBN: 9781617734410
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: 1/27/2015
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 5 Stars

A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

HADES, a spine-chilling debut, by award-winning Australian author, Candice Fox is a dark, twisted, violent, gruesome psychological, crime, cop procedural, suspense thriller all rolled into ONE "Bloody-Good" mystery. Like NO other - Good versus evil mostly, evil.

It all began one night, a kidnapping gone wrong, five evil men, murdered millionaire parents, half- dead brother and sister-ages three and five, two privileged children, the junkyard; Hades, the junkyard king in Sydney, “The Lord of the Underworld,” intelligent, artistic man, a sculptor, known for disposing of bodies, for a mere price of twenty grand.

HADES: “His first thought would be to bury the children there together and dig the stranger in somewhere, anywhere, with the dozens of rapists, killers and thieves who littered the grounds of the dump. He closed his eyes. Too many strangers were coming to his dump these nights with their bundles of lost lives. He would have to put the word, NO new clients were welcome. The ones he knew his regular clients brought him bodies of evil ones. But these strangers. He shook his head. These strangers kept bringing innocents.”

Until he realizes, they are NOT dead. He WILL allow the two children to live; raise them as his own. Their new names will be Eden and Eric.

There was nothing in Hades’ past that he could use as a model for a healthy childhood. He had learned about respect by beating it into people and fairness was something he’d rarely witnessed. Some part of him feared that one day they would be gone from his life as abruptly as they had come. Though villains of every nature still arrived at his door seeking help, the little ones gave him a reason to believe that not all of his life was dedicated to evil.

He fell in love with them, with a complete and undeniable love of a father. He wanted the best for these two brilliant students.

The first time the children killed they were eight and ten. The best he could do was try to turn their killer instincts on those other monsters out there in the night who deserved it, and in a twisted and sickening way, maybe they would be making the world safer from the same darkness they each carried.

Flashing back from past to present, some twenty years later, homicide detective Frank Bennett meets his new partner, the dark and beautiful Eden Archer. Her brother, Eric, is also in the homicide squad and immediately makes it clear that he has real problems with anyone chosen to be Eden's partner. While they are experienced detectives, it is soon clear to Frank that there is something very unusual about Eden and Eric. Made even more difficult when their first case together turns into a bizarre serial killer scenario- a killer who seems to be harvesting of organs. A lot of organs.

“No matter how much Hades fantasized about the two of them being children, moldable, and teachable and eager for love, they had stopped being children the night they were given to him, the night their parents were killed. Hades had fallen in love with two chimeras, two monsters in disguise, incapable of feeling the way he felt, of loving the way he loved. The horror they had experienced had cut a hole in them and they would be driven in vain to fill that hole for as long as they lived. Dogs with a taste for blood, enslaved to the need. “

Hades is unsure the children know "right from wrong", but he is hoping they can learn. The junkyard is a place for the evil ones, and never for the innocents.

Then, Eden: Age five, when the murder of her family occurred. She as a child then, and never was again.

Present, Eden: “A monster removed from the earth. The world was a little if safer for sons and daughters, mothers and fathers sleeping and laughing and holding each other in millions of houses and streets all over the world. One fiend at a time over and over, Eden and her brother had made the world a little bit safer. The job made it easy to find them, to pick them out and examine them like the lice they were, to choose them and crush them before they were safely bottled. Child molester, wife beaters, pimps, and psychotics and thrill killers. Snip, snip, snip. She was cutting away the ragged edges of a net and wholesome world. Tonight would be the last. To end a story. To kill for justice, and not for vengeance. However, she cannot stop the voices.”

What a debut! I could not go to bed until I finished the novel, as scary as it was to read, you are pulled in with Hades, who loves the brother and sister, and at the same time your heart goes out to damaged and troubled children experiencing great psychological trauma and pain. All they know is violence and revenge.

I was blown away by the author’s inspiration for the book, and her vast background. I listened to a hang out session with the author, discussing the book, and was fascinated, as why this novel was so enthralling! Fox seamlessly balances the horrific past with the present investigations, perfectly paced, and what an imagination, keeping you glued to the pages. This could be a TV series...

Not for the faint-hearted; however, if you love a compelling crime psychological thriller with a wicked evil twist….HADES is for you. Cannot wait to read EDEN, (have to wait until Aug 25, 2015 for release in Kindle format US), the next in the series, as we continue the saga with Eden and her partner Frank. Well done, an author to follow!

Fans of Jennifer Hillier, Paul Cleave, and Karin Slaughter will enjoy this one.

Candice Fox is the middle child of a large, eccentric family from Sydney's western suburbs composed of half-, adopted and pseudo siblings. The daughter of a parole officer and an enthusiastic foster-carer, Candice spent her childhood listening around corners to tales of violence, madness and evil as her father relayed his work stories to her mother and older brothers

Coming August 25, 2015 US

Most homicide detective teams run on trust, loyalty, and the shared desire to put killers behind bars. Frank Bennett's partner, Eden Archer, thrives on darkness and danger. She has a rare talent for catching killers - but her idea of justice has little to do with courtrooms.

Now three girls are missing, and Eden is going undercover to a remote farm where the troubled go to hide and blood falls more often than rain. Frank’s job is to keep an eye on his partner while she's there - but is it for Eden's protection, or to protect others from her? Walking a tightrope between duty and desperation, Frank confronts a threat from Eden’s past—the sadistic crime lord Hades, who raised her. Suddenly, the hunter is the hunted. And a killer’s vicious desires are about to be unleashed . . .