“TenBrink’s writing is masterful; she weaves a mystery that will ensnare the most discerning fan of the genre from murder to resolution. The story itself is engrossing, thick with layers and false leads, hints and clues, and a school full of red herrings. Highly recommended!” —Jason Parent, author of Seeing Evil When the battered body of a teenage girl is found in a dumpster, Lieutenant Jo … Lieutenant Jo Riskin is called to take the case. Investigating with her partner, Detective Lynae Parker, Jo uncovers secrets, loyalties, and ambitions that give motives to a surprising number of suspects , including a boyfriend from the wrong side of the tracks.
While immersed in her current case, Jo is battling her own personal demons. After two years, she is still grieving over the loss of her husband, who was killed in the line of duty. New information that could help solve his murder, and let her move on with her life, is within her grasp.
Barricading her heart, Jo is determined to solve both cases and bring the killers to justice.
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Book source ~ NetGalley
Grand Rapids Lieutenant Jo Riskin and Detective Lynae Parker get a case involving a dead 15-yr-old girl in a dumpster. While in the middle of investigating the death of Megan Tillman, Jo gets word that a criminal being charged for a third time has information about the case involving her police officer husband’s death and wants to make a deal. So, while she and her team are working the Tillman case, Jo and Lynae are also chasing down this new lead. Jo doesn’t just want it, she needs it. It’s been 2 years since her husband was killed on the job and all leads to his killer have dead ended. Will this be the one to finally put Mike to rest?
Wow. Just, wow. This book grabs and doesn’t let go. I cottoned onto the killer before Jo and her team settled on the who, but they got there with excellent detective work. The investigative journey is believable and exciting, the writing is fantastic, the characters awesome, the mystery twisty, and the dialogue flows. Mystery/suspense lovers must not pass this one by. Seriously. Don’t skip it.
A great followup to an excellent start!
Debbie Tenbrink writes a bang-up police procedural mystery with an eye for detail that really impressed me. The story, set in my home state of Michigan, took unexpected turns had me turning pages late into the night! I grew to care about Jo and the other characters in the book, and the subtle layering of her current case with the murder of her husband two years prior was interesting and added texture to the plot. I’m definitely ‘IN’ for the next Jo Riskin mystery!
Phenomenal book from a FANTASTIC Author!!!!
This first book in Jo Riskin Mystery series by Debbie TenBrink was a delightful and entertaining read, even though it was about a dark and grisly subject, murder. It was good to see the characters were not perfect as they struggled with their individual demons as they sought justice for the victim by finding the killer. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and continued on through the end, even though I knew who the killer was before the final pages, I still was anxious to see how it played out, and I was not disappointed. I would certainly enjoy reading more of this series should the author continue it. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
Jo Riskin is a woman torn. She never has gotten over the fact that her husband was killed in the line of duty, even though she too is a police officer. There is some new information that could help bring his killer to light, maybe. Then there is the case she is working on. A young girl’s body found, beaten and left in a dumpster. As she and her partner, Detective Lynae Parker look into the life of this young girl, there are things that are coming to light. Things some people prefer that they keep in the dark. A very good story. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it highly. I would like to thank Hidden Gems for the free copy of this book that I voluntarily reviewed.
I had not read anything by Debbie S. TenBrink, but after reading “Warped Ambition” and thoroughly enjoying everything about the story and characters, I plan on checking out more of her work. A teenage girl is found in a dumpster, beaten and murdered. Lieutenant Jo Riskin and her partner Detective Lynae Parker catch the case and are determined to find justice for the girl. Jo is still dealing with the unsolved on-duty murder of her husband from two years ago. She lives alone with her dog, Mojo, and is unable to move on…she is determined to find his killer. Lynae has issues from her past that will arise when they are working a possible domestic violence case. Jo is a tough female cop who has worked her way up the ranks. I love the sarcastic humor, by Jo and the members of her team, that shows a closeness in their relationships as they investigate every clue. I liked the extra touch of “human” that Ms. TenBrink added to Jo’s need to decompress for one hour, in her office, every day by watching “Ellen”. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Kept me reading and interested through-out. The characters and storyline are well-written and detailed.
I loved this book! There was excitement on after page. I couldn’t put it down. I’m counting down the days until the next book comes out!!
Sadly a young woman (teen) was brutally murdered and found in a dumpster; Lieutenant Jo Riskin was tasked with finding her murderer. Together she and her partner narrowed down the suspect list which was no easy task. At the same time, Jo had been trying to find her husband’s killer. She had been obsessed with finding his murderer ever since he was killed on the job two years ago.
I loved Jo Riskin’s investigative style. She kept digging until she found the answers. She and her partner worked well together with her partner helping to keep her in line sometimes. I liked getting to know Jo on a personal level as well as professional. I felt I knew her and worried about her at times. I absolutely lost myself in this story. Every time I thought I knew who did it, another suspect would come out. In the end, I was surprised to find out who the murderer was.
I want to thank Debbie TenBrink for gifting me Warped Ambition in exchange for my honest review which I am happy to give. If you like police procedurals with kick-a$$ female leads, don’t miss this book.
Detective Jo and her partner Lynae are investigating the murder of a 15 year old girl. The book deals with unplanned pregnancy, the workings of a police investigation, and the stress of solving a case.
You can figure out the who did it easily once you have the information the police have…..and faster…..but then we can go with our gut and the police need more evidence.
It’s an okay read, the character of Jo was developed but I just couldnt get into her. Her relationship with her co-worker Lynae is funny and sarcastic and feels real as does the humor about her Aunt Trudy…but that is not often. After reading some dynamite mysteries, this one did not excite me.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and believable.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while. Very good writing and editing along with an edge of your seat double murder mystery. Jo trying to solve the 2 year old mystery of her husbands’ murder along with the current murder of a 15 year old girl kept me glued to the story. Her Detective partner Lynae is a wonderful influence on Jo when her continued grief gets her down and her whole team is great. Hopefully book #2 comes out soon. This new author is on her way as far as I’m concerned as well as all the reviewers on Amazon.