"Under the Radar" By Annette Dashofy: Review/Giveaway

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review and links to purchase it.

Until the emergency call from Horace Pavelka, the biggest threat facing Monongahela County EMS paramedic Zoe Chambers was the campaign race for county coroner. The incumbent rival Charles Davis is running on a platform that would eliminate Zoe’s part-time position as deputy coroner, making her collateral damage and a pawn in the political battle. Engaged to Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, Zoe not only knows Horace from high school but was planning on having the Brunswick Bakery chef bake her wedding cake. To the surprise of all who have tasted his delicate pastries, the meek baker is confessing the self-defense shooting of Dennis Culp, one of the group of locals who routinely bullied and made Horace’s life miserable.


➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for more articles ⬅


Image Source Henery Press
Alternating chapters follow Zoe’s attempts to learn more about Horace’s out-of-character violence and Pete’s procedural investigation in a related death. Evidence quickly mounts indicating that there is much more to the initial shooting than Horace claims, but Pete and his officers are distracted as the victim’s friends point fingers and are less-than-innocent themselves. It’s an off-the-job mystery that will test Zoe’s resilience, though, one that was last revealed to be a tragic deception. Only recently has Zoe learned of the existence of a half-brother, and her desire to find him places her in opposition of her greatest and most imposing foe…her mother. Imperious Kimberly Chambers Jackson is inconveniently in town determined to plan for the wedding that she insists on being held back in Florida, and the matriarch is not about to let Zoe’s wishes divert her from the mission.

This ninth in the series combines a methodical police procedural with Zoe’s personal quest to solve the mystery of her own family. That Zoe somehow finds herself, her best friend, a reporter, and her own mother on a road trip to track down her father’s illegitimate son is inexplicable to Zoe but endlessly entertaining for readers. While scenes of Kimberly sabotaging their interviews are frustrating and the attempts to distract her hilarious, moments of her vulnerability will have readers empathizing with her sense of betrayal. Zoe herself is shocked to find herself growing closer to her mother, and while never wanting to become like her, Zoe can at least sympathize with her.

Narratives that switch between Zoe and Pete keep the pace moving along swiftly, as both storylines are so equally compelling that it’s impossible not to turn the next page. Multiple twists keep readers guessing until the last, with a final moment that promises so much for Zoe and fans of this unique mystery series. The challenges of her complicated personal life are as intriguing as those she faces as a paramedic and deputy coroner, making this an impressive blend of family drama and forensic investigation.

Check out other Henery Press mysteries on their website.

To enter to win a copy of Under the Radar, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "radar,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen March 28, 2020. U.S. residents only. If entering via comment please include your email address. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win, we will not use your address for any other reason. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast featuring mystery short stories and first chapters read by actors.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:





Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.



Comments

  1. I've had this book on my list since the first time I saw it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Under the Radar. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds like a great series. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. New author and series for me, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment