What do you think?
Rate this book
Rocky Bluff P.D. #5
No Sanctuary
Two churches, two ministers, two wives, one murder. While on patrol in the central California foothills near Rocky Bluff, Officer Stacey Wilbur spots a car crashed into a giant oak tree. A woman is slumped against the steering wheel, blood pooling on the floor mats. Stacey calls the incident in to her colleague and special friend, Detective Doug Milligan, then secures the scene and waits for emergency crews. The rescue squad confirms Wilbur s judgment. The woman is dead, but it s soon apparent the crash had little to do with her death. There is a bullet hole behind her ear. The car belongs to the minister of a local church with an upscale congregation, and the dead woman on the front seat is his wife. When Wilbur gives the minister the bad news, it is met with aloofness bordering on unconcern. The typical suspect the spouse first theory ratchets up a few ticks in Stacey Wilbur s analytical mind. Before that jells, however, Wilbur learns there is a potential other woman in the mix. As she sorts through the elements of the case, Stacey tries to find enough time to explore her feelings for Doug Milligan.
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2009
About the author
F.M. Meredith
20 books17 followersA.K.A. Marilyn Meredith is the author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries and the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, under the name, F.M. Meredith
Series:
* Rocky Bluff Police Department
Series:
* Rocky Bluff Police Department
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 14, 2022
A captivating story
There are dueling ministers in this story. A minister's wife is murdered and there are plenty of suspects from which to choose. The P.D. has its hands full trying to sort out the clues.
There are dueling ministers in this story. A minister's wife is murdered and there are plenty of suspects from which to choose. The P.D. has its hands full trying to sort out the clues.
March 14, 2009
No Sanctuary by F.M. Meredith--Book Review
Riveting, fast-paced, and filled with twists and turns, "No Sanctuary" by F.M. Meredith is a crime fiction reader's dream.
Officer Stacey Wilbur is the first on the scene of a one-car accident. A green Toyota has smashed into an oak tree and the female driver is dead. But it soon becomes obvious that the accident is a cover up for murder.
The victim is the wife of a popular local minister, and her preacher husband soon becomes the most likely suspect. Gossip in town tells of trouble in their marriage, but as Stacey and Doug start putting pieces together, they find several other likely suspects who could have wanted Mallory Cookmeyer dead.
Called away from the case to work on a special assignment, Stacey is faced with decisions that will impact her career and her budding romance with Doug Milligan, and most likely, put her in harms way.
When we last heard from Stacey Wilbur in "Smell of Death", she had broken her long-standing rule of never dating anyone she works with and entered into a relationship with Doug. This gives an already strong character even more depth. A widow, she has been caring for her son Davey with the help of her parents, while trying to juggle a challenging and dangerous career. Having lost her husband in the line of duty, a relationship with Doug offers similiar dangers, but it's really their difficult work schedules that make nurturing their relationship tough on Doug and Stacey.
One of the things that Meredith does best with the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is show not only the official side to her characters, but also how working in law enforcement impacts these people's lives--not just the members of the police force, but also their families. I could easily see these books being turned into a television crime series.
Meredith is also wise in making each one truly a stand alone book. These books focus on different members of the Rocky Bluff P.D. These aren't just Stacey's stories; they are Doug's, Gordon Butler's, Abel Navarro's, Rick Strickland's, and others who are or were part of the Rocky Bluff P.D.
There are many twists and turns in "No Sanctuary", as the reader is led to believe it might be the husband, but then it might be someone on his staff or someone from the church. And this mystery propels the story forward to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
As with "Smell of Death", Meredith breaks up all the seriousness with a bit of humor. This time it is mostly brought on by Officer Gordon Butler who rents a room from Doug and who happens to walk in on Doug and Stacey at the worst times. In addition, the banter between Doug and Stacey about the outfit she chooses for her special assignment lightens things up and makes the reader want to see more of these two together in the future.
A fast and suspense-filled read for crime fiction lovers.
Riveting, fast-paced, and filled with twists and turns, "No Sanctuary" by F.M. Meredith is a crime fiction reader's dream.
Officer Stacey Wilbur is the first on the scene of a one-car accident. A green Toyota has smashed into an oak tree and the female driver is dead. But it soon becomes obvious that the accident is a cover up for murder.
The victim is the wife of a popular local minister, and her preacher husband soon becomes the most likely suspect. Gossip in town tells of trouble in their marriage, but as Stacey and Doug start putting pieces together, they find several other likely suspects who could have wanted Mallory Cookmeyer dead.
Called away from the case to work on a special assignment, Stacey is faced with decisions that will impact her career and her budding romance with Doug Milligan, and most likely, put her in harms way.
When we last heard from Stacey Wilbur in "Smell of Death", she had broken her long-standing rule of never dating anyone she works with and entered into a relationship with Doug. This gives an already strong character even more depth. A widow, she has been caring for her son Davey with the help of her parents, while trying to juggle a challenging and dangerous career. Having lost her husband in the line of duty, a relationship with Doug offers similiar dangers, but it's really their difficult work schedules that make nurturing their relationship tough on Doug and Stacey.
One of the things that Meredith does best with the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is show not only the official side to her characters, but also how working in law enforcement impacts these people's lives--not just the members of the police force, but also their families. I could easily see these books being turned into a television crime series.
Meredith is also wise in making each one truly a stand alone book. These books focus on different members of the Rocky Bluff P.D. These aren't just Stacey's stories; they are Doug's, Gordon Butler's, Abel Navarro's, Rick Strickland's, and others who are or were part of the Rocky Bluff P.D.
There are many twists and turns in "No Sanctuary", as the reader is led to believe it might be the husband, but then it might be someone on his staff or someone from the church. And this mystery propels the story forward to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
As with "Smell of Death", Meredith breaks up all the seriousness with a bit of humor. This time it is mostly brought on by Officer Gordon Butler who rents a room from Doug and who happens to walk in on Doug and Stacey at the worst times. In addition, the banter between Doug and Stacey about the outfit she chooses for her special assignment lightens things up and makes the reader want to see more of these two together in the future.
A fast and suspense-filled read for crime fiction lovers.
February 14, 2009
Officer Stacey Wilbur is called onto the scene of horrible car crash. The car is wrapped around a tree. There is onle one person in the car...a woman. At first it seems like a pretty cut and dry case. Upon futher digging, Stacey learns that the woman was shot to death, neatly behind the ear. The woman was Mallory Cookmeyer. She is the wife of a prominant pastor's wife.
Stacey calls for help on this case. Detective Doug Milligan, Stacey's friend and somewhat boyfriend agrees to lend a hand to Stacey. Instantly as with any murder case, the spouse is the lead suspect. It seems that Stacey may not need to look any father then the husband. He sure never acted with any remorse when he was notifed of his wife's death. Stacey learns though that everything is not what it seems in this town. The pastor was not the only one who's hands are covered in blood. As Stacey gets more involved in the case, the list of suspects grows. Just who wants Mallory dead and for what reason? You can learn the answers by reading No Sanctuary.
No Sanctuary is a good read. It is also part of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series written by F.M. Meredith. The best part is that you don't have to read the books in any order. I like this fact because if I am just discovering a new author, which is the case, I want to be able to pick up any book and start reading it. I liked Office Stacey Wilbur. She was tough without being over the top mean. She knew just what to do to solve the case and get her suspect. The romance between Stacey and Doug was just right. I say this because, I enjoy my romances but when it comes to mysteries, I like when the romances don't over power the storyline. Luckily this was not the case. For anyone looking for a quick weekend story with plenty of twists to satisfy any mystery fan, then you should give this book a try.
Stacey calls for help on this case. Detective Doug Milligan, Stacey's friend and somewhat boyfriend agrees to lend a hand to Stacey. Instantly as with any murder case, the spouse is the lead suspect. It seems that Stacey may not need to look any father then the husband. He sure never acted with any remorse when he was notifed of his wife's death. Stacey learns though that everything is not what it seems in this town. The pastor was not the only one who's hands are covered in blood. As Stacey gets more involved in the case, the list of suspects grows. Just who wants Mallory dead and for what reason? You can learn the answers by reading No Sanctuary.
No Sanctuary is a good read. It is also part of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series written by F.M. Meredith. The best part is that you don't have to read the books in any order. I like this fact because if I am just discovering a new author, which is the case, I want to be able to pick up any book and start reading it. I liked Office Stacey Wilbur. She was tough without being over the top mean. She knew just what to do to solve the case and get her suspect. The romance between Stacey and Doug was just right. I say this because, I enjoy my romances but when it comes to mysteries, I like when the romances don't over power the storyline. Luckily this was not the case. For anyone looking for a quick weekend story with plenty of twists to satisfy any mystery fan, then you should give this book a try.
February 22, 2009
A car accident or a murder? That is the question Officer Stacey Wilbur faces when she find a car smashed into a tree while working the night shift for the Rocky Bluffs Police Department. Stacey immediately phones Detective Doug Milligan who responds to the scene. It doesn’t take long to figure out that the victim had been shot in the head.
The victim is identified as Mallory Cookmeyer, wife of a prominent local minister. Rev. Paul Cookmeyer is shocked to hear of his wife’s death but can offer no suggestions as to who might want her dead. As Doug and Stacey and the other detectives work the case they find that there are a number of suspects including Paul Cookmeyer, his secretary, Ms Danfelt, the choir director, a minister of another church as well as that minister’s wife. When it is revealed that Mallory was pregnant, the case becomes even more complicated.
Stacey and Doug work together but are also romantically involved. Their relationship has not progressed rapidly since Stacey has a young son to rush home too and since they both work different shifts, their hours make dating difficult.
No Sanctuary is a good mystery with a bit of a surprise ending. Peeks into the lives of some of the other officers in the department make for interesting reading. Stacey leaves the investigation for a brief stint as an undercover officer, which adds another dimension to the story.
The victim is identified as Mallory Cookmeyer, wife of a prominent local minister. Rev. Paul Cookmeyer is shocked to hear of his wife’s death but can offer no suggestions as to who might want her dead. As Doug and Stacey and the other detectives work the case they find that there are a number of suspects including Paul Cookmeyer, his secretary, Ms Danfelt, the choir director, a minister of another church as well as that minister’s wife. When it is revealed that Mallory was pregnant, the case becomes even more complicated.
Stacey and Doug work together but are also romantically involved. Their relationship has not progressed rapidly since Stacey has a young son to rush home too and since they both work different shifts, their hours make dating difficult.
No Sanctuary is a good mystery with a bit of a surprise ending. Peeks into the lives of some of the other officers in the department make for interesting reading. Stacey leaves the investigation for a brief stint as an undercover officer, which adds another dimension to the story.
March 11, 2009
When you see a car crashed into a tree, there’s usually no need to wonder what killed them. But when there’s a bullet hole behind the driver’s ear, that opens up a whole mess of new questions.
When Officer Stacey Wilbur of the Rocky Bluff Police comes across the accident, she’s surprised to recognize the victim as the wife of a prominent pastor in town. What surprises her even further is the husband’s cold reaction to the news that his wife has been killed. How could anyone hate a pastor’s wife enough to kill her? And why doesn’t her husband seem more upset?
Meanwhile, Stacey’s boss presents her with a problem. They need someone to pose as a prostitute to catch a man who has been soliciting young girls. Stacey is the most qualified person on the force to help, but will she be in danger if she takes the assignment?
With these two cases fighting for her attention, it seems she won’t have time to concentrate on her love life, but Doug makes sure she spends a little time with him anyway as they take their relationship to the next level.
F. M. Meredith’s mysteries are light without being fluffy, suspenseful without being terrifying, and tense without being overpowering. Quick reads, you’ll be able to polish them off in an evening and walk away feeling satisfied. “No Sanctuary” did contain a little bit of language, but nothing that made my mouth drop open. I look forward to the next installment in the Dark Oak Mysteries series.
When Officer Stacey Wilbur of the Rocky Bluff Police comes across the accident, she’s surprised to recognize the victim as the wife of a prominent pastor in town. What surprises her even further is the husband’s cold reaction to the news that his wife has been killed. How could anyone hate a pastor’s wife enough to kill her? And why doesn’t her husband seem more upset?
Meanwhile, Stacey’s boss presents her with a problem. They need someone to pose as a prostitute to catch a man who has been soliciting young girls. Stacey is the most qualified person on the force to help, but will she be in danger if she takes the assignment?
With these two cases fighting for her attention, it seems she won’t have time to concentrate on her love life, but Doug makes sure she spends a little time with him anyway as they take their relationship to the next level.
F. M. Meredith’s mysteries are light without being fluffy, suspenseful without being terrifying, and tense without being overpowering. Quick reads, you’ll be able to polish them off in an evening and walk away feeling satisfied. “No Sanctuary” did contain a little bit of language, but nothing that made my mouth drop open. I look forward to the next installment in the Dark Oak Mysteries series.
May 23, 2013
In "No Sanctuary," the fifth novel in her Rocky Bluff PD series, F.M. Meredith has once again kept me turning the pages. When Stacey Wilbur, the only female police officer on the small town's force, happens upon the scene of an accident, the suspense begins. The victim is the wife of a minister at a local church and detectives soon discover that the accident wasn't the cause of her death. She was murdered. But who would've wanted the minister's wife dead? And, why would they have gone to the trouble of staging it to look like an accident?
July 30, 2014
I received this book through the goodreads firstreads program. A short book starting with the murder of a Pastor's wife and following a few officers along the way as they investigate. I really couldn't get into the characters, they weren't well developed. The writing was rather choppy with forced dialogue. In at least one instance, there was a paragraph practically restated twice, like the writer was trying to decide how to write it and forgot to take out the unneeded lines. I actually thought this was just not yet edited, but I guess this was published years ago.
May 11, 2012
Just finished this fast paced mystery. Author is master of mystery writing who really knows how to pull you in and keep action moving. This is not just one mystery but several skillfully entwined. Think you know killer? Well you know Meredith has a surprise ending. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a mystery worth reading. This is not a fluff book as based on authors extensive knowledge of criminal procedure.
March 16, 2014
This is the first book I've read in this series and I quite enjoyed it overall. I didn't feel like I was missing much from the previous books in terms of backstory - although the relationship between Stacey and Dave was odd not knowing anything previously.
The actual murder and subsequent search for the killer was well done as well. Several suspects to start and then narrowed down to the actual killer. Overall, a quick read but very well done. If you're into mystery novels, this one nails it.
The actual murder and subsequent search for the killer was well done as well. Several suspects to start and then narrowed down to the actual killer. Overall, a quick read but very well done. If you're into mystery novels, this one nails it.
July 19, 2015
Life for women, especially those in the workforce, was difficult in the late nineteenth century. This particular story was especially interesting to me since I had already read a bit about Clara Driscoll. My interest was further piqued when I had the pleasure of hearing the author speak about it. An interesting mix of fact and speculation, the book paints a picture of life for an ambitious woman of her time who did not receive the credit due her.
March 2, 2014
Meredith is well known for her Rocky Bluff series and this story only adds to her reputation. Details are handled with clever creativity. Character development was more than sufficient to present believable personages. Will be reading more in series as know books will be well crafted. Received as winner from Goodreads which does not influence my review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews