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Detective Sarah Burke #1
Cool in Tucson
Ambitious Tucson police detective Sarah Burke, still smarting from a painful divorce, tries to concentrate on a body found in a parking lot. The case takes a bizarre turn when Sarah's young niece, neglected by her substance-abusing mother, disappears. The search is complicated by interference from the drug ring the suspected murderers been working for, and Sarah's romantic interest in a troubled colleague rebuilding his life after injury . . .
218 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2008
528 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Gunn
32 books54 followersA one-time innkeeper with a taste for adventure, Elizabeth has been a private pilot, sky diver, SCUBA diver, and liveaboard sailor. Extensive travel in the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe led to a second career as a free-lance travel writer, during which she began writing a series of police procedural mysteries set in southeast Minnesota, where she grew up. Her books contrast the sometimes gritty routine of police work with the idyllic rural scenes around a mid-size city in the upper Midwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 30, 2023
In Tucson, Arizona, Detective Sarah Burke was six months in to her new position, feeling that her boss was pushing her out. She decided to continue on as she was, doing her best. When a john doe was found murdered, Sarah was in charge of the case. But there were anomalies, so Sarah dug further into the killing. Yes, there were drugs involved, but when the identity of the victim was discovered, the three years in jail plus the prison tats, pointed to him being a dealer.
In the meantime Sarah's sister Janine was once more in trouble. She'd just come out of rehab and her ten year old daughter Denny was back with her. But Sarah was worried, as was their mother. And when Denny went missing, seemingly kidnapped, the panic was frantic. Would they find Denny before it was too late? And would they get the killer?
Close to Her is the 1st in the Detective Sarah Burke series and my first by Elizabeth Gunn. I quite enjoyed it, apart from the story being told from different perspectives, and each person had to tell their story, even though it'd been told through another's eyes before. So it was repetitive. I found Sarah's character to be strong and determined, but the best character of all was Denny! She's a little star! Recommended.
In the meantime Sarah's sister Janine was once more in trouble. She'd just come out of rehab and her ten year old daughter Denny was back with her. But Sarah was worried, as was their mother. And when Denny went missing, seemingly kidnapped, the panic was frantic. Would they find Denny before it was too late? And would they get the killer?
Close to Her is the 1st in the Detective Sarah Burke series and my first by Elizabeth Gunn. I quite enjoyed it, apart from the story being told from different perspectives, and each person had to tell their story, even though it'd been told through another's eyes before. So it was repetitive. I found Sarah's character to be strong and determined, but the best character of all was Denny! She's a little star! Recommended.
September 26, 2009
Always interested in books about my hometown. What garbage. Stilted typical boring predictable formulaic cheap paperback writing; I swear half the book was author showing off she knew some of the local roads and intersections - whoopee, she could have learned that from Google maps.
What was offensive to me was the dialogue. Maybe that's how people in Minnesota think people in Southern Arizona talk? Elizabeth - none of the narcos I've ever had the dubious pleasure of knowing think, act or talk that way. I think you need to get beyond "Spanglish for Tourists" and watch some episodes of First 48.
What was offensive to me was the dialogue. Maybe that's how people in Minnesota think people in Southern Arizona talk? Elizabeth - none of the narcos I've ever had the dubious pleasure of knowing think, act or talk that way. I think you need to get beyond "Spanglish for Tourists" and watch some episodes of First 48.
June 7, 2015
A fun read and a promising start for a new (to me) mystery series. I was impressed by how even the minor characters are fairly well developed. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
April 16, 2022
great book
A must read if you love law enforcement and mysteries. A great written book about murder, and moles in law enforcement.
A must read if you love law enforcement and mysteries. A great written book about murder, and moles in law enforcement.
August 11, 2019
Elizabeth Gunn is one of my go to read authors in the late 1980/70/90 I read most of her books at that time. Her books are excellent police procedures. Sarah Burk is an homicide detective in Tucson, Arizona. She is recently divorce. and living in a small apartment as the divorce hurt her financially. Her sister is a substance-abuse user who has one daughter, Denny. She is a relationship with a police officer, Will Dietz. Sarah and her Mother work to help Denny's life. The crime scenes are described in detail. Elizabeth Gunn has another police procedural, Jake Hines set in Minnesota.
The first book of the series Sara is called a crime scene where the victim was stabbed to death. Sarah is given the lead detective part in the investigation. The twists and turns that story takes will kept you turning pages. As Sarah doesn't have enough to do. Her sister takes her daughter with her and heads to the grocery store. Finding parking places difficult she leaves the car in a handicap parking. Denny goes to sleep waiting for her Mother and a crook needs a car and sees the car running with keys in it. He take the car and doesn't realize Denny is in the car. The two themes are skillfully brought together. The ending will surprise. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
The first book of the series Sara is called a crime scene where the victim was stabbed to death. Sarah is given the lead detective part in the investigation. The twists and turns that story takes will kept you turning pages. As Sarah doesn't have enough to do. Her sister takes her daughter with her and heads to the grocery store. Finding parking places difficult she leaves the car in a handicap parking. Denny goes to sleep waiting for her Mother and a crook needs a car and sees the car running with keys in it. He take the car and doesn't realize Denny is in the car. The two themes are skillfully brought together. The ending will surprise. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
July 17, 2017
Voice, setting, plot, characters, Liz Gunn has it all. From the accidental kidnapping of the main character's niece to the unexpected plot twist at the end, Gunn delivers the goods.
June 28, 2022
An enjoyable book which leaves you wanting more at the end as it leaves you thinking there is more to come
May 17, 2014
Sarah Burke is a homicide detective in Tucson. She is the only woman in the squad and she has a tough row to hoe in a man's world. But, she is so good at her job that she succeeds in spite of all the hurdles in her way.
This particular case is a dead guy who is healthy and nice looking and very well dressed. He looks good except for the fact he has been stabbed to death. As the story progresses, we find that he was a dealer, a police informant, an ex-con and all in all a very complicated man.
As well as dealing with her job, Sarah also must face problems within her family.
Her characters are real people. There are no super heroes here. Each character is a well rounded human being. We see that even people we love can disappoint. Not everyone is always who we would like them to be. In the real world, there are people who disappoint but the love continues. Sarah's family is a challenge, but she continues to love them.
If you like a mystery that is well written and filled with all types of people, this is a book for you. But be prepared. You will want to read fast to find out what happens next.
Ms Gunn is a talented writer. This plot does not go in a straight line and it keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next.
A good mystery and a terrific heroine.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in expectations I would give a fair and honest review. All the opinions are my own.
This particular case is a dead guy who is healthy and nice looking and very well dressed. He looks good except for the fact he has been stabbed to death. As the story progresses, we find that he was a dealer, a police informant, an ex-con and all in all a very complicated man.
As well as dealing with her job, Sarah also must face problems within her family.
Her characters are real people. There are no super heroes here. Each character is a well rounded human being. We see that even people we love can disappoint. Not everyone is always who we would like them to be. In the real world, there are people who disappoint but the love continues. Sarah's family is a challenge, but she continues to love them.
If you like a mystery that is well written and filled with all types of people, this is a book for you. But be prepared. You will want to read fast to find out what happens next.
Ms Gunn is a talented writer. This plot does not go in a straight line and it keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next.
A good mystery and a terrific heroine.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in expectations I would give a fair and honest review. All the opinions are my own.
February 8, 2010
Apparently Elizabeth Gunn has another series based in Minnesota, but I really enjoyed this, her first book in this series with Sarah Burke, a Tucson police detective. Living in Phoenix, it made it especially relevant as I have spent time in Tucson as well. Plus the plot and characters were well presented.
September 1, 2017
This is the first in a series by Elizabeth Gunn featuring policewoman Sarah Burke. We are introduced to her family and colleagues on the police force. Sarah is on the hunt for a murderer who is involved in the drug trade. Coincidentally, the perp steals a car with her young niece inside. Luckily, all ends well. This looks to be a series you may want to keep an eye on.
May 31, 2023
Interesting to read books set just as cell phones were just beginning to gain popularity but public phones were still available. drugs, however have been a problem for much long period of time.
April 22, 2022
I feel like I've had a bad run this month 😂 This just didn't grab me but I persevered because it wasn't a long read. I really didn't enjoy this one - it gave too much back story to the characters, parts of the plot were just not believable, the characters weren't very likeable and the story wrapped up far too quickly in the end.
March 29, 2014
first in a new series by the author of the Jake Hines mysteries.
Sarah Burke is newly promoted to homicide, the first woman in that division. When a man is found dead in a parking lot with no I.D., Sarah is part of the investigating team. A local drug ring is involved. Her niece is missing when the car she's asleep in is stolen.
A fast read. good mystery series debut.
Sarah Burke is newly promoted to homicide, the first woman in that division. When a man is found dead in a parking lot with no I.D., Sarah is part of the investigating team. A local drug ring is involved. Her niece is missing when the car she's asleep in is stolen.
A fast read. good mystery series debut.
July 15, 2010
For people who want a good murder mystery book, which is told from different perspectives, I really suggest this book. It was enjoyable, and she does a good job of putting the personal front and job/mystery front together.
February 11, 2012
I enjoyed this detective story, perhaps more so because it is set in the town where I currently live. Gunn creates interesting, believable characters and an engaging, plausible story line. I look forward to seeing where she goes with this series--I already have the next two lined up to read.
June 19, 2013
I've read the rest of this series but not the first book which I think is the best especially as you get the reasons for the relationships among the Tucson cops. Also if you know Tucson you will enjoy following the action around town
July 3, 2009
I figured most of the book out half-way through it. I will try to read her Jake Hines series. A local author and I always try to support them.
February 15, 2022
Tucson troubles
Interesting setting. I know Tucson well and I felt like I was riding along! Denny was my kind of kid. Resourceful and smart. Good story line.
Interesting setting. I know Tucson well and I felt like I was riding along! Denny was my kind of kid. Resourceful and smart. Good story line.
April 15, 2024
Detective Sarah Burke #1 This book was previously published as Cool in Tuscan.
Tuscan, Arizona. Eighty miles from the Mexican Border, The last week of September. It's sizzling by noon. Detective Sarah Burke is a homicide cop with a lot on her plate. Her boss has a grudge against her, her sister is just out of rehab, her husband is taking her for all she's worth in the divorce, and her new man is keeping secrets from her. One sweltering Arizona morning, Sarah is called out to a body in a parking lot. The dead man has the hands of a street fighter, but he's wearing expensive clothes and looks too clean cut. What did he do to get himself stabbed to death? Sarah gets home to see her ten-year-old niece on the news. Denny was left in the car while her mum went into the grocery store for beer. The carjacker didn't see the little girl in the back. Detective Sarah Burke must race against time to stop a killer - and a kidnapper.
Detective Sarah Burke was only six months into her new position when she felt her boss was wanting to get rid of her. So when a John Doe was found murdered, Sarah found this an opportunity to prove herself. Sarah's sister, Janie, had just come out of rehab. Janie and her ten-year-old daughter Denny are out in the car. When Janie stops at a local grocery store, a thief accidentally kidnaps Denny when he steals Janie's car.
The crime scenes were described in detail. The characters are well-rounded. Sarah is on the hunt for a murderer who has dealings with the drug trade. I have read better police procedurals, but it wasn't all bad either.
#KindleBook
Tuscan, Arizona. Eighty miles from the Mexican Border, The last week of September. It's sizzling by noon. Detective Sarah Burke is a homicide cop with a lot on her plate. Her boss has a grudge against her, her sister is just out of rehab, her husband is taking her for all she's worth in the divorce, and her new man is keeping secrets from her. One sweltering Arizona morning, Sarah is called out to a body in a parking lot. The dead man has the hands of a street fighter, but he's wearing expensive clothes and looks too clean cut. What did he do to get himself stabbed to death? Sarah gets home to see her ten-year-old niece on the news. Denny was left in the car while her mum went into the grocery store for beer. The carjacker didn't see the little girl in the back. Detective Sarah Burke must race against time to stop a killer - and a kidnapper.
Detective Sarah Burke was only six months into her new position when she felt her boss was wanting to get rid of her. So when a John Doe was found murdered, Sarah found this an opportunity to prove herself. Sarah's sister, Janie, had just come out of rehab. Janie and her ten-year-old daughter Denny are out in the car. When Janie stops at a local grocery store, a thief accidentally kidnaps Denny when he steals Janie's car.
The crime scenes were described in detail. The characters are well-rounded. Sarah is on the hunt for a murderer who has dealings with the drug trade. I have read better police procedurals, but it wasn't all bad either.
#KindleBook
January 25, 2022
Really tired of this
I am weary of "thriller" being attached to books that are the opposite - plodding, repetitive, mundane, BORING! Why would I or any reader care to know every detail about how a drug pusher becomes a drug pusher, how his uncle or cousin, etc. is involved or isn't? What is thrilling - or addictive, for Pete's sakes- about the minutiae of their rotten lives? Not a twist or turn yet and why would I believe there will be since the rest of the description is bogus?
I held on a bit longer with the hope that the secondary plot line about the young girl might be more interesting, but entirely too much has been wasted on unnecessary details on that part as well.
This writer has no concept of pacing, editing for impact, or cohesion. I literally have no interest in whatever else she comes up with - she has thoroughly blown it!
I am weary of "thriller" being attached to books that are the opposite - plodding, repetitive, mundane, BORING! Why would I or any reader care to know every detail about how a drug pusher becomes a drug pusher, how his uncle or cousin, etc. is involved or isn't? What is thrilling - or addictive, for Pete's sakes- about the minutiae of their rotten lives? Not a twist or turn yet and why would I believe there will be since the rest of the description is bogus?
I held on a bit longer with the hope that the secondary plot line about the young girl might be more interesting, but entirely too much has been wasted on unnecessary details on that part as well.
This writer has no concept of pacing, editing for impact, or cohesion. I literally have no interest in whatever else she comes up with - she has thoroughly blown it!
August 7, 2022
Not the best book I've read, but certainly not the worst either. I thought the kidnapping of Sarah's niece didn't really fit into the story arc as well as it should have; it seemed like a bit of an afterthought that was added to provide some emotional angst for the main character. Still, the overal story was interesting enough that I stayed engaged until I finished the book. I seldom stop at the first book in a serious unless it just absolutely does not hold my interest at all, so I will continue with book #2 in the series to see if the writing improves and if the characters develop in any significant ways.
April 13, 2022
This story has everything, drugs, murder, kidnapping (accidental),undercover operations and bent cops. Sara gets through it while trying to sort out her alcoholic sister and precocious niece Denny and finally finding out her partner Ibarra is on the take after she catches Hector the accidental kidnapper and double murderer who is trying to get away to Mexico but cocks everything up continuously, some people are just not cut out for a life of crime. Imaginative story well put together and good cast of characters.
March 7, 2024
Hooked from the start
Really enjoyed this book. The standard police thriller format but great characters and lots of twists.
Doing her job and feeling alienated from her boss. Detective Sarah Burke has the usual baggage - a cheating ex, a dysfunctional sister, helpful mother and a streetwise niece. The lead investigator on a murder case, she follows the smallest clue and finds the case gets closer and closer to her family.
Lots of tension and frustration, the twists keep rolling. The end was unexpected and I will definitely look for the rest of the series.
Really enjoyed this book. The standard police thriller format but great characters and lots of twists.
Doing her job and feeling alienated from her boss. Detective Sarah Burke has the usual baggage - a cheating ex, a dysfunctional sister, helpful mother and a streetwise niece. The lead investigator on a murder case, she follows the smallest clue and finds the case gets closer and closer to her family.
Lots of tension and frustration, the twists keep rolling. The end was unexpected and I will definitely look for the rest of the series.
December 4, 2022
Easy to read and visualize characters
I may have been able to visualize this story better then some readers as my family moved to Tucson in 1946 when I was young. They started the 1st ? Catering business in Tucson. One of their best customers was Joe Bonnano! They didn't know what his business was for a long time. His home was in a nice neighborhood but nothing special. He was just another Italian man who paid well to them. 😊
I may have been able to visualize this story better then some readers as my family moved to Tucson in 1946 when I was young. They started the 1st ? Catering business in Tucson. One of their best customers was Joe Bonnano! They didn't know what his business was for a long time. His home was in a nice neighborhood but nothing special. He was just another Italian man who paid well to them. 😊
July 15, 2025
Good book, loved the characters. Especially Detective Sarah Burke and her niece. Her niece Denny will be living with her now and that will be good for the story.
Fast paced, in Tucsan. Drug dealer getting killed by his driver who is a screw up and is just trying to leave town does everything but leave town.
Funny phrases keeps it lively.
Fast paced, in Tucsan. Drug dealer getting killed by his driver who is a screw up and is just trying to leave town does everything but leave town.
Funny phrases keeps it lively.
December 27, 2021
Engaging and enjoyable read.
Love the characters and how the author developed the detectives as well as the criminals. Good police procedural with solid a investigation. Surprising ending that was a nice finish. Will definitely read the next book.
Love the characters and how the author developed the detectives as well as the criminals. Good police procedural with solid a investigation. Surprising ending that was a nice finish. Will definitely read the next book.
December 28, 2021
Kept my attention
Really enjoyed this detective story - couldn't put down. I ended up even
liking some of the bad guys because of the detail the author gave of all the
characters. Most detailed book l have read about the street drug business.
Really enjoyed this detective story - couldn't put down. I ended up even
liking some of the bad guys because of the detail the author gave of all the
characters. Most detailed book l have read about the street drug business.
December 30, 2021
Smooth thriller
Finally a good cop thriller. Do check it out. I enjoyed all the character.s May I mention I dislike writing reviews? Just go ahead and breeze through this tidy story.
Finally a good cop thriller. Do check it out. I enjoyed all the character.s May I mention I dislike writing reviews? Just go ahead and breeze through this tidy story.
January 15, 2022
Tucson
This is a great story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. All of the characters were woven together so well. I felt like a knew each character. This author is new to me and I look forward to reading more.
This is a great story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. All of the characters were woven together so well. I felt like a knew each character. This author is new to me and I look forward to reading more.
May 7, 2022
Razor sharp
I felt like this might drag on, until about a third of the way through. I found it hard to put down after that ( my fault I wasn't connecting the dots). Great characters and immersive story.
I felt like this might drag on, until about a third of the way through. I found it hard to put down after that ( my fault I wasn't connecting the dots). Great characters and immersive story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews