From USA TODAY bestselling author Annette Dashofy, comes the latest in her multi-award-nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series. And this one’s definitely another page-turner.On the way to the emergency room, an elderly woman regains consciousness long enough to inform paramedic Zoe Chambers that her fall down the basement steps was no accident. Before she can say more, she succumbs to her injuries, … her injuries, launching Zoe and Police Chief Pete Adams into the investigation of a burglary ring targeting the area’s vulnerable senior citizens.
Zoe—in spite of Pete’s objections—takes it upon herself to act as protection detail after the con men, disguised as water company employees, set their sights on Zoe’s beloved former landlady. It’s a decision that eventually puts Zoe in harm’s way.
With Zoe already recovering from one close call, Pete must race against time to stop the crime ring—and a dangerous killer—before they strike again.
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UNEASY PREY by Annette Dashofy | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.
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UNEASY PREY by Annette Dashofy
“Didn’t fall, I was pushed.” — and so begins a painful and frustrating search for those who take advantage of elders, “easy prey . . . or uneasy prey might be more accurate.” Lessons learned from this book include horse terms like “flake of hay” and “lunge her first to wear her down” — and important life lessons, don’t open doors to strangers, don’t judge hastily by appearances, and look out for each other.
I love that Zoe cares about everyone, even those who don’t seem to deserve it, and that everyone in her circle, especially Pete, looks out for everyone else. I did not like that the pushy reporter delayed calling 911; I would not want her to “have my six.” People I love, a most intriguing plot, and writing that flows to a gripping ending made this a most satisfying book. Here’s a favorite bit of description, “Without wind to swirl the stuff, the snowfall created a translucent screen.”
I’m sad that it’s over, though parts are still replaying in my mind, and I can hardly wait for the next one. All main points are resolved (important to me; I hate cliffhanger endings), but there are threads that will lead on.
Will Zoe and her mom learn to be nice to each other? Will the farm get fixed up enough to work for horses and for Zoe? Has Pete’s dad (like son, like father, “you dog, you”) found a happy new home and lady friend? I hope so. I LIKE these people and wish them well.
A part of me wants to move to Pennsylvania and keep horses. Thanks to this book, I can do so vicariously.
Very intriguing! Zoe and Earl are called to a house where an elderly lady fell and is unconscious. As they transport her to the hospital, the woman comes to and tells Zoe that she was pushed. The woman dies at the hospital and her death is then investigated as a murder. Two men have been going around to homes of senior citizens and pretending to be with the water company. They later go back when the residents aren’t home and rob them. Zoe and Pete are out to catch the thieves. Also, Pete and his sister move their father into an assisted living facility and the Krolls are selling the farm, thus making Zoe and the other boarders have to find a new place to board their horses. Zoe’s mother, Kimberly, gives her the old family house and barn, which require a lot of work. Intriguing as the reader tries to figure out who is behind the home invasions and the murder. Love this series and I highly recommend it!!
Cleverly crafted mystery.
Good characters and an interesting mystery with amusing as well as tense moments.
Well worth reading.
Uneasy Prey
Zoe Chambers Mysteries, Book #6
Annette Dashofy
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
On the way to the emergency room, an elderly woman regains consciousness long enough to inform paramedic Zoe Chambers that her fall down the basement steps was no accident. Before she can say more, she succumbs to her injuries, launching Zoe and Police Chief Pete Adams into the investigation of a burglary ring targeting the area’s vulnerable senior citizens.
Zoe—in spite of Pete’s objections—takes it upon herself to act as protection detail after the con men, disguised as water company employees, set their sights on Zoe’s beloved former landlady. It’s a decision that eventually puts Zoe in harm’s way.
With Zoe already recovering from one close call, Pete must race against time to stop the crime ring—and a dangerous killer—before they strike again. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I think that Zoe and Pete are some of my all time favorite characters. Individually they are both loyal, tough, caring and hard working. As a couple they are loving, unsure and totally devoted to each other. But they also have problems like everyone else. They have family problems that they try to tackle together and they can be stubborn to a fault. I just love Pete’s father, Harry. He reminds me so much of my own father and it was bittersweet reading about him and his problems.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I felt the style of writing allowed my to get a very clear picture of the characters from their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there, watching the snow swirl around and watching all of the action taking place.
The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the whole book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. The mystery was not an easy one to solve and I was surprised who the culprit was.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With fantastic characters, a realistic setting and a top notch mystery, there is not one thing I would change about this book. The whole series is not-to-be-missed.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
I loved everything about Uneasy Prey. This novel deserves an award on its literary merit and for the issues that the book addresses; there are so many special outstanding elements throughout the novel. While I am especially drawn to characters, the plots in Uneasy Prey shine as unique and captivating and draw me as much at the amazing characters. With the ups and downs, joys and sorrows they experience, Zoe and her extended family feel true to life. The caring that they show draws me to their happiness and their pains and of course to this amazing series.
I am so glad that Ms. Dashofy had the courage to once again include Pete’s father who has Alzheimer’s. Continuing with this story line has to be so hard for her but she manages to give us moments of happiness for him as well as sadness since so many of us know what is present is like and what his future holds. His move to assisted living, that is assisted living, not a nursing home, is one more reality that makes the books stand out. That repeated reminder, “not a nursing home” brings home our experience with a bit of a smile. I also appreciate that she took the time to help people understand that while the future is beyond grim, the living options do not have to be. This story line is built smoothly into the book and only gets such emphasis here because it matters so much to me.
Zoe and Pete’s romance has to take a back seat to her caring heart and his is so evident in his handling of the first death and the scam against the elderly. The Kroll’s continued probably create new issues for Zoe to address and a visit from her mother once again fails to make her day.
I was absolutely thrilled when I received notice that I was approved for an ARC of Uneasy Prey from and I was just as thrilled with the book! I will be sharing my love for this book every chance I get just as I have the earlier books in the series.
The books in this series just keep getting better. I love the character development that has happened over the course of the series so far and can’t wait to see what will happen next. The only problem is that I get so involved in them that I finish them too quickly and wish for more. Luckily I have a few more books before I will be caught up with the series so far, and was happy to hear that the author has signed a contract for more books in this series. These books can be read as stand alones, but they are so good that I recommend that you read the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Uneasy Prey is an incredible and interesting book. I love this series. The characters are fantastic and relatable. The mystery is suspenseful and complex with many twists and surprises. I could not put the book down. This book is exciting and interesting to read. I highly recommend this book!
Another amazing thrill ride. Excellent story and very entertaining. This series is so worth reading.
Uneasy Prey by Annette Dashofy ~There were very tactfully handled issues of crimes against the elderly. This was my intro to this cozy series. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
I’ve been reading my way through this series. I’ve loved each book. Very well written, lots of action, and shows the human side of the investigative process. Absolutely love the continuing characters in the book. After completing each book, I can’t wait to begin the next one in the series to see what happens next! I’ve found each book to be as enjoyable as the previous. Looking forward to reading everything Annette Dashofy writes. Excellent!
Uneasy Prey (Zoe Chambers Mysteries #6) by author Annette Dashofy is another easy to read mystery. I enjoy the Zoe Chambers mysteries and in Uneasy Prey she has more than one mystery to solve. Senior citizens who live in the rural communities of Monongahela County are being victimized by an organized team of burglars. They first receive an unexpected visit from ’employees’ of the water company needing to make an in-home inspection. Then when the residents are away from home, they return to find their homes ransacked and all their valuables have been stolen. The crimes escalate when the paramedics are called to the home of Oriole Andrews and she regains consciousness long enough to tell Zoe she didn’t fall but was pushed down the basement stairs. Zoe wants to find the truth of this matter and soon there are more characters in town with secrets.
I won’t post spoilers, but poor Zoe trudges through the snow more than once as she tries to help her friends and neighbors. Oh-No…another serious injury for Zoe!
The mysteries are not the only theme of this story. Pete’s father is having more problems with his memory. Pete’s sister Nadine is exhausted with the full-time caregiver responsibilities of their father. Pete is resistant to placing their father in an assisted-living facility. This part of the story upset me because I know the exhaustion and emotional stress of being a full-time caregiver to a parent with memory issues. This is a very real problem for families across the country. What will Pete do about his father?
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
SUSPENSEFUL FROM START TO FINISH!
Uneasy Prey (A Zoe Chambers Mystery Book 6) is a thrill-ride from start to finish! Dashofy has brilliantly woven a mystery full of danger, deception, depravity, destruction and death. There is also the thread of long term friendships, the hope of new friendships being formed and the all encompassing peace that comes from knowing that you are loved unconditionally. Dashofy’s characters are realistic and complex. Her descriptive word pictures will have you feeling as though you are a “participant” and not just an “observer.” A truly great book! I was provided an ARC by Henery Press and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Someone is preying on senior citizens and Zoe isn’t going to stand for it, especially after one woman dies and her friend Sylvia Bassi may be their next target. Then she learns Mrs. Kroll has had a visit from the burglars too. Her boyfriend, Police Chief Pete Adams, wants Zoe to stay out of it but she moves out of his house and back in with Mrs. Kroll to keep her safe. Pete also has his hands full with his father who has Alzheimer’s. His sister, Nadine has decided it is time to move their dad into an assisted living facility. There is also a new newspaper reporter in town and she is not warmly welcomed by Zoe or Pete, but she keeps showing up everywhere they are.
I love this series and these characters. The character development that has taken place over the six books is phenomenal. Zoe has just a warm heart and always tries to the right thing, even when the right thing puts her in danger. Pete loves her so much, but he has reason to worry about her. She has racked up quite a few injuries herself. He appreciates her intellect and the way she doesn’t give up. He loves her for her independence but has a hard time with some of her decisions. Like any real-life couple, they have their up and downs. They are surrounded by a strong supporting cast that makes these stories even more real.
This time Ms. Dashofy has taken on some hot topics. Criminals do prey on the elderly. What happens in this story could happen in any town, anywhere. She also shines the light on a hard decision families must make when their parents and grandparents can no longer live a home. When Nadine faces the truth that she can no longer care for their father, Harry, and informs Pete about an appointment to visit an assisted living center, Pete is not happy. He doesn’t want to put his dad in a nursing home. When he visits the center he sees the difference between a nursing home and the type of center his sister has chosen for their dad he starts to see his dad’s future home in a new light. It does take a bit of time for Harry to get comfortable but he does make a friend right away. The two topics come together nicely.
There is also a surprise visit from Zoe’s mother that made things very interesting and at times pretty funny. She arrives just in time to help Zoe handle a horsey situation.
Uneasy Prey was a wonderful read. Well-written with a strong plot and supreme characters that kept me totally entertained start to finish.
I can’t believe the author has written a book that is even better than the last. I love the series and Zoe has to be hands down one of the best characters I have read. She is stubborn, smart and very protective of her family and friends. I’m not sure how I feel about her mom though. She seems to be so unfeeling at times and selfish. She does add a bit of tension to the story which I found to be good. It is always interesting to read about family dynamics. Zoe, thankfully is nothing like her mother at all.
This story in the series involves the elderly and I thought the story line was very realistic. We read in the paper or hear on the news about break ins where the victims are elderly people with no way to defend themselves. Zoe is very concerned because the people who are getting robbed are her friends. One of the robberies ends in a tragedy that sets off a series of almost hysteria in the small town. Is anyone safe from the burglars? Why would someone target the elderly? The author gives readers a story that goes from burglary to murder and reaches a heightened sense of danger. I love reading books by the author because she writes with accuracy and true to life stories. I love that she can make a story jump off the pages and keep you guessing to the end.
I was so sure I had figured out what was going on, but I was way off base. That’s the beauty of a well written story with twists that convince you that a certain person is guilty. I was quite intrigued by the news reporter in the story. She is one sneaky and crafty woman. I didn’t trust her at all. She had this way of always knowing what was going on before others did. Where was she getting her information? Could she somehow be involved in the crimes going on? The tension between her and Zoe is very evident and I felt chills every time they came in contact.
Once again Pete has his hands full trying to keep Zoe from investigating what is going on. He is such a good man and I love the patience he has with Zoe. Will Zoe find herself in danger as she stubbornly continue to help investigate the rash of burglaries? Can Pete and his officers solve the crime before more elderly people are robbed or hurt? It’s a race against the clock as the story reaches an unexpected turn of events. This one is a real page turner and unexpected surprises that ends with a bang.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tours. The review is my own opinion.