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Harry Starke #4
Checkmate
hey found Angela Hartwell lying in the shallow waters beside the golf course. There was not a mark on her, yet she was dead, strangled. How could that be?
Once again, it's up to Harry Starke to find out. The investigation takes him into a world he's very familiar with, a world of affluence, privilege, and corruption.
To solve the mystery, he must deal with three murders, a beautiful used car dealer, her lovely twin sisters, and a crooked banker. Not to mention Burke and Hare, two crazy repo men who will stop at nothing to protect their employer's interests. There's also the matter of an ingenious, sadistic killer. But nothing is ever quite what it seems.
Once again, it's up to Harry Starke to find out. The investigation takes him into a world he's very familiar with, a world of affluence, privilege, and corruption.
To solve the mystery, he must deal with three murders, a beautiful used car dealer, her lovely twin sisters, and a crooked banker. Not to mention Burke and Hare, two crazy repo men who will stop at nothing to protect their employer's interests. There's also the matter of an ingenious, sadistic killer. But nothing is ever quite what it seems.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2016
244 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
280 books337 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 25, 2016
Love it.
The Harry Starke series all stand alone books, you don't have to read the next book to find out what happened. He is again working with homicide detective Kate to find out who the killer was and why. Many suspects, but this time my guess was right. Highly recommend this series.
The Harry Starke series all stand alone books, you don't have to read the next book to find out what happened. He is again working with homicide detective Kate to find out who the killer was and why. Many suspects, but this time my guess was right. Highly recommend this series.
Want to read
June 15, 2020Author gift 99
March 12, 2016
Harry Starke is an ex-policeman and a private investigator. Whilst playing golf with his father Harry is called to the dead body of a woman from the club. When an ex-colleague is in need of help Harry finds himself investigating a murder. Will he be able to find out who’s responsible and will it be one murder or two he needs to solve?
I would like to say that this is the first in the series I have read and also the first book by this author. I will defiantly be reading more I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are well developed and believable. The relationships Harry has with people throughout are well defined and I liked Amanda with Harry. The plot is fantastic, full of twists and turns that kept me reading until the end.
Overall it is a superb murder mystery with a great plot that kept me guessing until the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a murder mystery with a twist.
Independent Review for Romance Author’s that rock on
I would like to say that this is the first in the series I have read and also the first book by this author. I will defiantly be reading more I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are well developed and believable. The relationships Harry has with people throughout are well defined and I liked Amanda with Harry. The plot is fantastic, full of twists and turns that kept me reading until the end.
Overall it is a superb murder mystery with a great plot that kept me guessing until the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a murder mystery with a twist.
Independent Review for Romance Author’s that rock on
May 19, 2016
Check mate is another installment in one of my favorite thriller/suspense series featuring the enigmatic, wealthy, seemingly irresistible and self-award P.I. Harry Starke. This time, his golf game is interrupted by the discovery of a dead body--that of a young widow of a man recently dead from a "mysterious" heart attack.
What follows is another entertaining chapter in Harry's (and Amanda's and Kate's) lives wherein we learn about how white collar bank crime is committed and Mr. Howard gets to show us how much he loves golf via his vivid descriptions of a couple of games between Harry and his dad, and Harry and another tall, sexy lady who can't wait to get her hands on him.
This series is full of easy-read plots with well-developed characters I've gotten totally hooked on! If you love police procedurals, or crime mystery/ thrillers you should check out my man Harry Starke today.
What follows is another entertaining chapter in Harry's (and Amanda's and Kate's) lives wherein we learn about how white collar bank crime is committed and Mr. Howard gets to show us how much he loves golf via his vivid descriptions of a couple of games between Harry and his dad, and Harry and another tall, sexy lady who can't wait to get her hands on him.
This series is full of easy-read plots with well-developed characters I've gotten totally hooked on! If you love police procedurals, or crime mystery/ thrillers you should check out my man Harry Starke today.
February 18, 2016
Harry Starke is ingenious! I love him!
Mr. Howard, I really don't know how he does it every single time. He just blows my mind! His books just get better and better each time. You don't want to miss this one. It is so different from any other mystery! I read the entire book in one sitting. I had to find out!
In this one, Harry is playing golf at the club with his dad and others. Some guy yells out about a dead body in the river. It is up to Harry to find out what he can from the club members. Just when he thinks he has reached an impasse, a new clue jump starts the investigation, again!
Thank you to Mr. Blair Howard for giving me a free copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
Mr. Howard, I really don't know how he does it every single time. He just blows my mind! His books just get better and better each time. You don't want to miss this one. It is so different from any other mystery! I read the entire book in one sitting. I had to find out!
In this one, Harry is playing golf at the club with his dad and others. Some guy yells out about a dead body in the river. It is up to Harry to find out what he can from the club members. Just when he thinks he has reached an impasse, a new clue jump starts the investigation, again!
Thank you to Mr. Blair Howard for giving me a free copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
March 7, 2016
This is the best Harry Starke book yet. The characters are better developed than in the previous books. In this book it feels like Harry Starke has matured and become a character worthy of many more books. His interaction with his love interest Amanda has greater depth than in the past. The relationship between her and Kate is more interesting than in the past. The plot held my interest and I was guessing until the end who the bad guy was. Over all a good read and I recommend it.
March 24, 2016
The body of Angela Hartwell is found in the waters on a golf course, a year after the death of her husband.
With an overworked police department Harry Starke is asked solve the case. But with more murders, a possibly corrupt car dealership and bank officials who is the murderer or is their more than one.
At the beginning I did wonder if there was going to be too much description of golf playing, thankfully not.
A NetGalley Book
With an overworked police department Harry Starke is asked solve the case. But with more murders, a possibly corrupt car dealership and bank officials who is the murderer or is their more than one.
At the beginning I did wonder if there was going to be too much description of golf playing, thankfully not.
A NetGalley Book
March 9, 2016
Exciting Read
This is a clever and well detailed murder mystery full of twists and turns. Characters are believable and easily imagined. All 4 books have me hoping for more.
This is a clever and well detailed murder mystery full of twists and turns. Characters are believable and easily imagined. All 4 books have me hoping for more.
July 7, 2018
Checkmate - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Harry Starke's 4th adventure starts with the investigation into the murder of widow Angela Hart, whose strangled corpse has been dumped in a water trap at the golf course where Harry's father plays, in this excellent latest episode of the Harry Starke Series, by the new Clive Cussler, Blair Howard.
Harry's working [with his 'ex' Lieutenant Kate Gazzara and new love, Channel 7's Amanda Cole], as a special police consultant once more, quizzing those closest to the widow and her (she insisted murdered), dead husband, wealthy banker Regis Hart. Eventually it turns out her suspicions were correct, but the killer wasn't her envious brother-in-law, Ralph Hart, nor his mistress, Ruth Archer or even her nympho twin sisters Rachel and Rebecca. The actual killer and sniper-attacker of Harry and Amanda is soon unmasked but you'll have to read this exceptional all-action thriller to find out who he or she is. Get your copy today and join the Harry Starke fan club with all your friends, who'll thanks you for the heads-up...guaranteed!
Harry Starke's 4th adventure starts with the investigation into the murder of widow Angela Hart, whose strangled corpse has been dumped in a water trap at the golf course where Harry's father plays, in this excellent latest episode of the Harry Starke Series, by the new Clive Cussler, Blair Howard.
Harry's working [with his 'ex' Lieutenant Kate Gazzara and new love, Channel 7's Amanda Cole], as a special police consultant once more, quizzing those closest to the widow and her (she insisted murdered), dead husband, wealthy banker Regis Hart. Eventually it turns out her suspicions were correct, but the killer wasn't her envious brother-in-law, Ralph Hart, nor his mistress, Ruth Archer or even her nympho twin sisters Rachel and Rebecca. The actual killer and sniper-attacker of Harry and Amanda is soon unmasked but you'll have to read this exceptional all-action thriller to find out who he or she is. Get your copy today and join the Harry Starke fan club with all your friends, who'll thanks you for the heads-up...guaranteed!
July 13, 2020
Greedy people
Another good book featuring Harry Starke. This time a widow is found on the golf course, murdered of course.
Her husband had died a year previously, she believed he had been murdered and wasn't shy voicing this opinion to anyone who would listen.
Her husband had inherited a chain of banks from his father, his brother got a trust and was not a happy bunny. Did he kill him.?
Or was it just an unfortunate heart attack, despite his being superfit & a marathon runner.
Lots of questions about him & now his wife was also dead. With no family her brother in law gets everything which makes him prime suspect - or is he?
What would happen if he was next to die?
Read it & find out. You won't be disappointed, Amanda is still with Harry & Kate is still his colleague in the PD. Other females cross Harry's path, but for once he haves himself.
Another good book featuring Harry Starke. This time a widow is found on the golf course, murdered of course.
Her husband had died a year previously, she believed he had been murdered and wasn't shy voicing this opinion to anyone who would listen.
Her husband had inherited a chain of banks from his father, his brother got a trust and was not a happy bunny. Did he kill him.?
Or was it just an unfortunate heart attack, despite his being superfit & a marathon runner.
Lots of questions about him & now his wife was also dead. With no family her brother in law gets everything which makes him prime suspect - or is he?
What would happen if he was next to die?
Read it & find out. You won't be disappointed, Amanda is still with Harry & Kate is still his colleague in the PD. Other females cross Harry's path, but for once he haves himself.
August 28, 2020
Harry is in over his head with the women in this story. Most of them are far more dangerous than he is and it doesn’t take much to lose the upper hand. Looks like Harry and Amanda are getting serious, but will she tolerate his dangerous line of work for much longer? I love it when Kate and Harry work together, they have great chemistry and can read each other‘s minds. Both are so dedicated to solving the crime.
Mr. Howard has done it again, this is a great book; well written with enough twists and turns in it to make it very interesting!! I love this series and can’t wait to read the next book!!
Mr. Howard has done it again, this is a great book; well written with enough twists and turns in it to make it very interesting!! I love this series and can’t wait to read the next book!!
December 28, 2020
This is the first book I actually read in this series. The going was slow, but as the story progressed I really started to like the characters. Harry actually took me some time to like, but his harsh manner softens when he is with Amanda. I didn't understand the Kate/Harry dynamic at first, but it became very clear after reading books 1 & 3. Angela Hartwell is found dead by Harry while golfing with his father. Kate turns the case over to Harry, because he belongs to the Country Club and people will be more likely to talk to him. Actually, he ends up making everyone either wary or angry with him. There is a definite twist at the end, one I actually didn't see coming.
April 3, 2021
Checkmate is an entertaining murder mystery with bank fraud added into the mix. This is part of the Harry Starke series of mysteries, but each book works just fine independently.
The narrator does a good job with the books, although his voice strikes me as sounding a bit old for the character. He is the same narrator for the whole series (or at least all the ones I’ve listened to so far), so if you like him in the other books, you’ll like him in this one.
Recommended for mature readers due to violence and sexual content. There are no explicit sex scenes however.
I received a complementary copy of this audiobook as part of a box set. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator does a good job with the books, although his voice strikes me as sounding a bit old for the character. He is the same narrator for the whole series (or at least all the ones I’ve listened to so far), so if you like him in the other books, you’ll like him in this one.
Recommended for mature readers due to violence and sexual content. There are no explicit sex scenes however.
I received a complementary copy of this audiobook as part of a box set. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 29, 2022
Another dead body, another person Harry knows. This time it's a young woman found dead right by the golf course. Another life senselessly lost. Angela was a fairly recent widow, a widow who could not and would not believe her young husband died of a heart attack. Although there is little evidence, can Harry figure out what happened to Angela? Will his conclusions lead to the proof Angela sought, the proof that her husband was actually murdered, as was she? Harry will be delving into people of wealth, influence, greed, and corruption (again) - can he figure out what happened to Angela without getting himself or his new love Amanda killed?
July 23, 2018
Harry Starke the private investigator everyone turns to when in trouble. The problem begins with a woman found in a golf course. She is not a hole in one, but a woman in the water. Harry crossed trails with a beautiful woman used car dealer and if you have a crooked car dealer you must have a crooked banker. As he looks for the killer he deals with two repo men and then a sadistic killer. Harry is at his best and knows Chattanooga better than the animals. This is an excellent read for the gente.....DEHS
June 25, 2020
Harry is commendered into helping an over worked Detective Kate, with a woman who was found dead, just off the golf course.
Harry, finding that the woman's husband had died from a heart attack 12 months earlier, went on the alert.
All friends and acquaintances felt the guy had been super fit, and was surprised that his heart had failed.
Harry wasn't surprised to find his wife was stating, to anyone that would listen that he had been killed.
So the saga had begun, but it became a very complicated and complex list of suspects.
Yes, another engaging tale of murder and misdirection.
Harry, finding that the woman's husband had died from a heart attack 12 months earlier, went on the alert.
All friends and acquaintances felt the guy had been super fit, and was surprised that his heart had failed.
Harry wasn't surprised to find his wife was stating, to anyone that would listen that he had been killed.
So the saga had begun, but it became a very complicated and complex list of suspects.
Yes, another engaging tale of murder and misdirection.
March 17, 2022
I have read the Harry Starke books several times now. You know how, sometimes, you just like the character's voice in your head? Harry is like that. He tells the story, with many asides for catchups and sidebars, just the way you would hear from a friend or valued colleague. He seems to be a genuinely nice person, despite his gory and unpleasant line ofwork. He doesn't hesitate to tell you how he has screwed up things in his life, but he also cares about the people he respects and mentors. He would make a very nice TV show.
April 3, 2018
"Another Great Story"
Beside a golf club, Angela Hartwell is laying in shallow water ... dead. Harry Starke takes on the case which takes him into the wealthy, affluent, privileged world where corruption is rampant. There soon are three murders done by a crafty, sadistic killer. This is a challenge for Harry, and the story is intense but a fast page turner. It's well written and one you'll enjoy reading. Highly recommend.
Beside a golf club, Angela Hartwell is laying in shallow water ... dead. Harry Starke takes on the case which takes him into the wealthy, affluent, privileged world where corruption is rampant. There soon are three murders done by a crafty, sadistic killer. This is a challenge for Harry, and the story is intense but a fast page turner. It's well written and one you'll enjoy reading. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2021
It's Good To Be King!
This was one terrific thriller ,from the start all the players are introduced to you in all their glory. I just loved the women in this story, they were not only some smart crazy,and beautiful women but some bad a$$ to think they were going to out smart Harry Or as he's found of saying when you have nothing go back to the basic and start from the beginning. This was good writing and one really good mystery.
This was one terrific thriller ,from the start all the players are introduced to you in all their glory. I just loved the women in this story, they were not only some smart crazy,and beautiful women but some bad a$$ to think they were going to out smart Harry Or as he's found of saying when you have nothing go back to the basic and start from the beginning. This was good writing and one really good mystery.
October 26, 2021
Murder by the golf course
Harry was playing golf with his father and two friends when another golfer came running up to him. The golfer found a dead girl in the water near the golf course. There was no rhyme or reason for her death, or was there? Several theories and multiple scenarios came to mind. Was their suspect guilty of the murder? Could it be that easy? Did Murphy's Law rear its ugly head? Read the book to find out. It's a good one.
Harry was playing golf with his father and two friends when another golfer came running up to him. The golfer found a dead girl in the water near the golf course. There was no rhyme or reason for her death, or was there? Several theories and multiple scenarios came to mind. Was their suspect guilty of the murder? Could it be that easy? Did Murphy's Law rear its ugly head? Read the book to find out. It's a good one.
August 24, 2022
Blair Howard gives his readers another engrossing mystery for his cop turned PI to unravel. This is a fast paced read with some great twists and turns along the way as Harry digs for the truth. We also get some interesting character development over the course of the story too. This is another great addition to this series that has left me wanting more and thankfully there are plenty more tales for me to enjoy. Great for mystery fans.
January 29, 2018
While out at the country club golfing with his dad, Harry finds the body of a woman on the bank of the river. Another member of the country club, Angela Hartwell was preceded in death by her 38 year old husband just one year earlier of a sudden heart-attack. Harry sees a tie between the murders and starts his investigation which calls many of the elite into suspicion.
June 5, 2019
ANOTHER AWESOME, AWESOME READ!!
A MUST READ!!
Harry gets caught up, in multiple murders. Unfortunately, the people murdered, most of them, are not the kind that Harry really care about. The first, a dead woman, found by the water at their Country Club's golf course. Even Harry's life is at risk!!
A fast paced, can't put down read!
A MUST READ!!
Harry gets caught up, in multiple murders. Unfortunately, the people murdered, most of them, are not the kind that Harry really care about. The first, a dead woman, found by the water at their Country Club's golf course. Even Harry's life is at risk!!
A fast paced, can't put down read!
October 4, 2020
Harry Starke does it again!
Yet another great Harry Starke Novel. Every one has a different edge to it and I just live them. Blair Howard is a superb author always lots of suspense, twists and turns. Nothing is ever as it seems but in a good way. Standalone stories but better if you read as a series.
Yet another great Harry Starke Novel. Every one has a different edge to it and I just live them. Blair Howard is a superb author always lots of suspense, twists and turns. Nothing is ever as it seems but in a good way. Standalone stories but better if you read as a series.
Read
March 12, 2022Good story
Who dunnits all follow a similar story line . So far four stories, four plots. Ìt is the writing that I like . Some phrases get old. Harry has a knack for what he does and passion for it. Wouldn't we all love to be wealthy, love our work ? Anyway on to book 5.
Who dunnits all follow a similar story line . So far four stories, four plots. Ìt is the writing that I like . Some phrases get old. Harry has a knack for what he does and passion for it. Wouldn't we all love to be wealthy, love our work ? Anyway on to book 5.
November 19, 2016
Very interesting
This was a pretty good book. The characters have grown and although it was a bit wordy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a quick and entertaining read and keeps you guessing.
This was a pretty good book. The characters have grown and although it was a bit wordy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a quick and entertaining read and keeps you guessing.
September 26, 2017
Outstanding
These Harry Starks novels are exciting and packed with adventure. I also like how it's hard to figure out "who done it" until near the end. Don't like the New girlfriend too much but the mystery is good.
These Harry Starks novels are exciting and packed with adventure. I also like how it's hard to figure out "who done it" until near the end. Don't like the New girlfriend too much but the mystery is good.
August 12, 2019
The characters in this book are varied and entertaining and I enjoy their interactions and development. I love the writing style of Blair Howard. This book has suspense and excitement and is really enjoyable!
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July 14, 2020I can not put my finger on why I have fallen for all these books but I have
I consider them light reading and there is nothing wrong with that
a lot of tongue in cheek
but delightful to fill an afternoon with
I consider them light reading and there is nothing wrong with that
a lot of tongue in cheek
but delightful to fill an afternoon with
August 5, 2020
Another great book in this series. A lady is found dead on the golf course. Blair and Kate enter into the world of affluence, privilege and… corruption to solve this one. I never guessed the killer into they were uncovered at the end of the book. Highly recommend this book and series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews