It was late Friday evening when they discovered the body. The girl had been in the concrete pipe for more than a week. The daytime temperatures were hitting 120 degrees. Who was she? Who put her there? Who… killed her? It’s Kate Gazzara’s first case, a mind-bending riddle, and as if that wasn’t enough, she has a new partner to cope with. Check out this gripping, fast-paced thriller. The first in … in the new Harry Starke spin-off series featuring street-smart Lieutenant Kate Gazzara and a cast of fascinating characters, including the man himself, Harry Starke, and several other old friends.
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A detective series spin-off with a strong female lead…
Lt. Kate Gazzara, formerly Harry Starke’s partner in solving crime and part-time lover, is now working her own case and refusing to rely on Harry’s expertise. While dealing with a less than cooperative and experienced new partner, she is determined to get justice for the death of a young girl. With accusations and her own suspicions but no hard evidence she follows her gut and uncovers the clues she was missing that lead her in the right direction. I like Kate’s character and can see this series developing and enabling her to solve more crimes with confidence but can she endure her bosses’ arrogance? We’ll have to see where her story takes her but meanwhile this is another good addition to Blair Howard’s extensive repertoire of mystery novels.
In looking over some of the previous reviews, I’ve concluded that it may not be a bad thing that I started with this book instead of the Harry Starke novels. I didn’t have any preconceived notions of Kate and therefore didn’t have the issues with her character that other readers seem to have. I enjoyed this story as an introduction to Kate Gazzara; learning her personality, watching her getting her feet wet as a new lead detective. I could have done without the character of Detective Tracy though. He didn’t seem to have a single redeeming characteristic. And I did have a problem with the way Kate “handled” him the first time. That just seemed a little out there to me. But who knows; maybe a police department functions that way. I look forward to reading more books in this series and then moving on to the Harry Starke series.
Jasmine – a review by Rosemary Kenny
Introducing Lieutenant Kate Gazzara (previously as a love interest, in the other great Blair Howard Harry Starke series), now as a main character in her own, having moved up the Chattanooga PD Homicide (following Harry’s ‘retirement’), she’s the go-to officer to attend the discovery of young Jasmine’s body, (found in a construction site pipe, although murdered elsewhere), along with her new partner, Detective Tracey, (aka ‘Dick’), appointed by Kate’s Nemesis, Chief Henry Finkle.
It’s Kate’s first outing as lead investigator, though she’s aided somewhat by Harry, whom she’s kept in touch with, but she pulls through in the end by believing enough in herself to catch the killer.
Can you work out who he is, ahead of Kate and Detective Tracey’s grande denouement?
Get your copy of Blair Howard’s Jasmine, to check if you got it right first time!
Jasmine is missing–she left to meet her friends and never made it! Kate Gazzara who is now the lead on the case is hoping that she can solve the case without her partner who just retired. They are still dating but she does not want to ask for help. Her new partner is not exactly on the ball-he is brand new to homicide having worked narcotics for many years.
There are many twists and turns which will have you guessing. When Jasmine’s body is found it is in terrible shape–who could have done this. You may or may not be surprised–but the ending will have you gasping!
Another great story from Blair Howard ! I think I found my next binge…..
Jasmine had the potential to be a really good book. But, the main character Kate is not a very likable character. The case that was being investigated was very interesting. Listening to the audio version Angel Clark didn’t do a good job with many of the characters voices. I will definitely read another book by Blair Howard. But, it probably won’t be the audio version or the same main character.
After her partner quits to go into a private detective practice, Detective Kate Gazzara is handed her first case when the body of a young woman is found in a cement pipe.
This one’s a good police procedures novel – a bit graphic for some tastes as it provides details about the state of the several days old body and autopsy procedures but the painstaking procedures needed to conduct interviews and collect evidence is well documented and it is only in the last chapters that the reader begins to suspect the identity of the killer.
Well written.
Jasmine (Lt. Kate Gazzara #1), my sixth read from author Blair Howard and the first in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Previously I’d only read the author’s Civil War & Civil War/Western Series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction. I was been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Angel Clark’s narration adds to the book’s enjoyment. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
Loved the story and characters. Great read; fast-paced. Well worth it.
I enjoyed the book. The plot flowed smoothly and the characters were believable