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"Off the Books" Mystery #1
Henry Hartman's Holiday Crisis
Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B00AJVDDSQ
FBI Agent Henry Hartman is a big, fat liar -- a master of deception, who weaves wild tales and creates illusions to fool the bad guys. No one knows this better than Sydney Stansfield, the poor woman he roped into working on highly classified "off-the-books" operations when she was at her most vulnerable. Dumped by the ex-husband she put through dental school, Syd vows to never get married again. That's a challenge Henry can't leave alone. Raised by a family of women, Henry is a sentimental rogue, even more so at the holidays. But he's not about to leave his job as an FBI agent behind, even if it means fooling the Hartman ladies. Taking Syd along for the wild ride, they're in serious trouble when the Christmas celebration collides head on with a killer determined to take out his target. The federal agent crosses the wrong guy and ends up being used for batting practice -- it's up to Syd to get the injured man to Bethlehem, New Hampshire in time for the family reunion. Henry and Syd struggle to keep the ladies out of the loop while getting the job done, but those secrets just keep popping up at the most inconvenient times. Roped into a Christmas wedding at the Inverness Lodge by the willful women, Syd can't figure out if Henry really intends to marry her or if he's just trying to fool his dying grandmother. Will Henry ever tell the truth?
FBI Agent Henry Hartman is a big, fat liar -- a master of deception, who weaves wild tales and creates illusions to fool the bad guys. No one knows this better than Sydney Stansfield, the poor woman he roped into working on highly classified "off-the-books" operations when she was at her most vulnerable. Dumped by the ex-husband she put through dental school, Syd vows to never get married again. That's a challenge Henry can't leave alone. Raised by a family of women, Henry is a sentimental rogue, even more so at the holidays. But he's not about to leave his job as an FBI agent behind, even if it means fooling the Hartman ladies. Taking Syd along for the wild ride, they're in serious trouble when the Christmas celebration collides head on with a killer determined to take out his target. The federal agent crosses the wrong guy and ends up being used for batting practice -- it's up to Syd to get the injured man to Bethlehem, New Hampshire in time for the family reunion. Henry and Syd struggle to keep the ladies out of the loop while getting the job done, but those secrets just keep popping up at the most inconvenient times. Roped into a Christmas wedding at the Inverness Lodge by the willful women, Syd can't figure out if Henry really intends to marry her or if he's just trying to fool his dying grandmother. Will Henry ever tell the truth?
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2012
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Sara M. Barton
78 books78 followersSara M. Barton is the author of several fast-paced cozy mysteries featuring lively characters: The Scarlet Wilson Mysteries, The Off the Books Mysteries, The International Killer Chefs Competition Mysteries (The first book in the new series is entitled "Frosted!")
She has also written hybrid "cozy thriller" series, offering likeable characters and wild twists: The Gabby Grimm Fairy Tale Mysteries, The Cornwall & Company Mysteries
She also has written dark and dangerous spy thrillers based on historical events dating back to the Cold War. Some of these touch on now-unclassified government-funded research programs examining the feasibility of psychic abilities: The Project Stargazer Thrillers, The Arden Woods Thrillers
Sara M. Barton offers helpful tips, information, and education for families providing care to a loved one on The Practical Caregiver Guides website and her blog. As a passionate advocate for improving the lives of cancer patients and others managing serious health challenges, she has written "The Practical Caregiver's Essential Guide: How to Help Someone You Love" and a short, free guide for caregivers providing end-of-life care called "The Practical Caregiver's Guide to Home Hospice".
She is also a classically trained artist who loves to paint landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.
She has also written hybrid "cozy thriller" series, offering likeable characters and wild twists: The Gabby Grimm Fairy Tale Mysteries, The Cornwall & Company Mysteries
She also has written dark and dangerous spy thrillers based on historical events dating back to the Cold War. Some of these touch on now-unclassified government-funded research programs examining the feasibility of psychic abilities: The Project Stargazer Thrillers, The Arden Woods Thrillers
Sara M. Barton offers helpful tips, information, and education for families providing care to a loved one on The Practical Caregiver Guides website and her blog. As a passionate advocate for improving the lives of cancer patients and others managing serious health challenges, she has written "The Practical Caregiver's Essential Guide: How to Help Someone You Love" and a short, free guide for caregivers providing end-of-life care called "The Practical Caregiver's Guide to Home Hospice".
She is also a classically trained artist who loves to paint landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 18, 2013
4 STARS
I have had this book for awhile on my kindle and I kept putting it off because I did not want to read about a liar. I should have just read it sooner. It was good.
The one reason he lies is because he is working undercover. He is always trying to out think the bad guys. They are everywhere. Plus he does not want to worry his family over his job.
Sydney has helped agent Henry Hartman with his cases for years now. She can play different parts very well. Henry also helped her with her ex-husband who was hiding assets from her. Sydney is basically alone now. She has enjoyed going to family events with Henry.
Henry's family is good at lying too. He has been raised by four older women after his mom was killed. Hope, Faith, Prudence and Charity.
The setting was a hotel in the middle of snow storm at Christmas.
The pacing was good. You were never sure what was really going on. Does Henry really want to marry Sydney. What does Sydney really want. The story unfolds and let us know what is really going on. At least what Sydney finds out.
This is a clean read. Lots of Drama unfolding, little action (especially compared to other mysteries that Sara has written. Lots of dialogs as the two talk about the past and what is happening now.
I am going to put the next book about Henry Hartman on my kindle so I can read it soon.
I believe I got the book free on smashwords while I had won other books by Sara M. Barton so I had downloaded it awhile back.
Published: Dec. 06, 2012 Words: 35,780 (approximate)Language: English ISBN: 9781301555956
November 14, 2013
When Henry met Sydney while she was painting at the beach, she had no idea how drastically her life was about to change. How often does a total stranger plop down beside you, flash a badge at you and ask that you pretend to be his wife?She went from being a divorced interior decorator and painter to helping with FBI stings. After five years he asks her help with the biggest deception of all. Will she pretend to his family that they are engaged? And by the way, he doesn't want them to know he is an FBI agent. His family is made up of older women who helped raise him. They want to see the wedding and nothing is going to get in their way! Or is it?
This book is funny and full of surprises. There are places I laughed out loud! If you are looking for entertainment and just plain fun this is the book for you.
I received the second book in the series to review and I enjoyed it so much I had to know more so I purchased a copy of this, the first one.
This book is funny and full of surprises. There are places I laughed out loud! If you are looking for entertainment and just plain fun this is the book for you.
I received the second book in the series to review and I enjoyed it so much I had to know more so I purchased a copy of this, the first one.
September 7, 2016
Really enjoyed it. Accidentally bought it right after reading it as part of an anthology by this author that I had already purchased. Anyway, good enough to buy twice! Will look for the 2nd book in the series now as it was good, fun read with enjoyable characters. I love the relationship between Henry and Syd. I was hoping they would get together.
December 3, 2013
This was a good book to read. I had this book in my library for a little while, once I started reading it I did not put it down until I finished it. Syd and Henry are fun people.
November 30, 2014
Too short and the second half seemed a bit rushed. Overall, the book is a good introduction to a series but does not stand alone as a cozy mystery
January 20, 2020
First in a set of 3 called Merry Murder and Mayhem. Didn't expect much when all 3 books cost me $1.99. Kind of a fun, quirky read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews