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Scene of the Crime #13
Scene of the Crime: Means and Motive
Two hardheaded investigators chase danger—and each other—in New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy’s newest Scene of the Crime case
Gabriel Walters didn’t need some know-it-all FBI agent charging in on his territory. But Jordon James wasn’t about to let some local police chief derail her, not with three unsolved murders over at the Diamond Cove B&B. If she just immersed herself in the investigation, she could avoid the troubles she’d left back home…and run head-on into some new ones with Gabriel. He didn’t want to discover a fourth victim, which, if the note slid under Jordon’s bedroom door was to be believed, would be her. Now it will take their full cooperation to catch a killer–before they strike again.
Gabriel Walters didn’t need some know-it-all FBI agent charging in on his territory. But Jordon James wasn’t about to let some local police chief derail her, not with three unsolved murders over at the Diamond Cove B&B. If she just immersed herself in the investigation, she could avoid the troubles she’d left back home…and run head-on into some new ones with Gabriel. He didn’t want to discover a fourth victim, which, if the note slid under Jordon’s bedroom door was to be believed, would be her. Now it will take their full cooperation to catch a killer–before they strike again.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 18, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 14, 2021
I have liked the few stories I have read by Carla Cassidy, but this time I was somewhat disappointed. Police chief Gabriel Walters? Cool, calm exterior and yummy. FBI agent Jordan James? Not so. She was written with too many inconsistencies. Lone wolf, susceptible to panic attacks and fickle. Happy, joking and wanting a good time.
Oh, and she wanted to solve the case in less than a week if at all possible.
I thought the suspenseful ending had a nice twist, but I never felt a connection between the MCs. And towards the end, heading toward the plane? What was that?
Oh, and she wanted to solve the case in less than a week if at all possible.
I thought the suspenseful ending had a nice twist, but I never felt a connection between the MCs. And towards the end, heading toward the plane? What was that?
February 21, 2017
Good book. There have been three murders at the Diamond Cove B&B and police chief Gabriel Walters is at a dead end in his investigation. Enter Jordon James, an FBI agent with an excellent track record. He isn't thrilled about have the Feds involved, but he wants the murderer caught. Jordon is used to getting attitude from local law enforcement, but she won't let it stop her from doing her job. Neither one expects the sparks that flare up between them.
I really liked both Gabriel and Jordon. She is a kick butt agent, very good at what she does. She also tends to be a loner, preferring to work by herself rather than with a partner. This got her into trouble a year earlier when she nearly became the next victim of a serial killer. She's sure that her boss has sent her on this job just because she'll have to work with the police chief. Her first impression of him is that he's intense and uptight, but also very sexy.
Gabriel had come to Branson from Chicago, looking for a job that wasn't quite so intense. He's frustrated by the lack of progress in this case. He'll do whatever necessary, even work with the FBI agent the mayor has foisted on him. He quickly notices her beauty and sexiness, but is determined to resist the unprofessional attraction.
I loved their first encounter. They reminded me a little of two dogs circling each other, trying to decide if they'll be friends or not. Both of them were guilty of a bit of prejudging, seeing what they expected to see. I loved seeing Jordon confront him right away about his attitude, and also that Gabriel admitted his fault right away. Air cleared, it made it much easier for them to move forward as a team. I also liked that Jordon was fully aware of her own faults. It was pretty sweet to see how protective Gabriel was of Jordon, even though he knew that she was a trained agent. His frustration at her insistence on staying at the B&B was obvious.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Constantly in each other's company, they quickly got to know each other. I loved seeing how tuned in to each other's feelings they were. It was especially obvious during their investigation of the house of mirrors, when Gabriel could sense Jordon's unease. I loved how he got her to tell him about what had happened to her. Their conversations were frequently filled with unexpected humor, as that was Jordon's way of dealing with the stress. It didn't take Gabriel long to realize that Jordon was exactly the kind of woman he had been looking for. She understands the life of a law enforcement officer, and he respects her abilities, too. But Jordon isn't so quick to reciprocate. She had been married before and her husband had done a number on her ability to believe that a man would ever love her. Added to the constant disapproval from her parents, she doesn't think that there is hope for a long term relationship, so she pushes him away. I ached for him as he laid his heart on the line for her and she was too afraid to accept it. I wasn't sure how long it would take her to realize the truth. The ending was great, and I loved the epilogue.
The suspense of the story was really good. The lack of clues was frustrating to both as they worked to develop a list of suspects. There were multiple possibilities and all of them seemed to have reasons to do it. There were several times I really wanted to smack Jordon for the things she did. She was way too determined to put herself in danger, and she took a lot of risky chances. Each time an attempt took place, I thought for sure they'd figure out who was responsible. When the final confrontation came, Jordon showed that she still hadn't learned her lesson. Back in the house of mirrors, with a killer whose identity I did not see coming, the encounter was scary and intense. Jordon was very lucky that Gabriel had discovered she was missing.
I really liked both Gabriel and Jordon. She is a kick butt agent, very good at what she does. She also tends to be a loner, preferring to work by herself rather than with a partner. This got her into trouble a year earlier when she nearly became the next victim of a serial killer. She's sure that her boss has sent her on this job just because she'll have to work with the police chief. Her first impression of him is that he's intense and uptight, but also very sexy.
Gabriel had come to Branson from Chicago, looking for a job that wasn't quite so intense. He's frustrated by the lack of progress in this case. He'll do whatever necessary, even work with the FBI agent the mayor has foisted on him. He quickly notices her beauty and sexiness, but is determined to resist the unprofessional attraction.
I loved their first encounter. They reminded me a little of two dogs circling each other, trying to decide if they'll be friends or not. Both of them were guilty of a bit of prejudging, seeing what they expected to see. I loved seeing Jordon confront him right away about his attitude, and also that Gabriel admitted his fault right away. Air cleared, it made it much easier for them to move forward as a team. I also liked that Jordon was fully aware of her own faults. It was pretty sweet to see how protective Gabriel was of Jordon, even though he knew that she was a trained agent. His frustration at her insistence on staying at the B&B was obvious.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Constantly in each other's company, they quickly got to know each other. I loved seeing how tuned in to each other's feelings they were. It was especially obvious during their investigation of the house of mirrors, when Gabriel could sense Jordon's unease. I loved how he got her to tell him about what had happened to her. Their conversations were frequently filled with unexpected humor, as that was Jordon's way of dealing with the stress. It didn't take Gabriel long to realize that Jordon was exactly the kind of woman he had been looking for. She understands the life of a law enforcement officer, and he respects her abilities, too. But Jordon isn't so quick to reciprocate. She had been married before and her husband had done a number on her ability to believe that a man would ever love her. Added to the constant disapproval from her parents, she doesn't think that there is hope for a long term relationship, so she pushes him away. I ached for him as he laid his heart on the line for her and she was too afraid to accept it. I wasn't sure how long it would take her to realize the truth. The ending was great, and I loved the epilogue.
The suspense of the story was really good. The lack of clues was frustrating to both as they worked to develop a list of suspects. There were multiple possibilities and all of them seemed to have reasons to do it. There were several times I really wanted to smack Jordon for the things she did. She was way too determined to put herself in danger, and she took a lot of risky chances. Each time an attempt took place, I thought for sure they'd figure out who was responsible. When the final confrontation came, Jordon showed that she still hadn't learned her lesson. Back in the house of mirrors, with a killer whose identity I did not see coming, the encounter was scary and intense. Jordon was very lucky that Gabriel had discovered she was missing.
January 4, 2018
Jordon James is an FBI agent sent to assist Chief Gabriel Walters with a case in which three guests at the Diamond Cove B&B have been murdered. Jordon decides to stay at the B&B in order to be close to the killer, and possibly draw them out. Sure enough, Jordon soon gets a note indicating that she has been picked as the next victim!
Fairly standard romantic suspense tale, but enjoyable. This is thankfully a standalone story, so no strands are left dangling once you get to the end, and it's a satisfying read. I didn't pick out who the killer was! However, Jordon seems like a terrible FBI agent! I'm pretty sure a government agency with some of the best behavioural analysts in the world are not going to go along with the "they're doing it because they're crazy" motive, as Jordon does here. Um, pretty much every crime TV show out there has shown us it doesn't work that way! Has Carla Cassidy not watched Criminal Minds? Jordon also gets lost in a snowstorm, goes to locations to meet killers without backup, and puts the moves on somebody she's working with in a professional capacity (though Gabriel is guilty of the latter too). She could do with a couple of extra training courses at Quantico, I think!
Fairly standard romantic suspense tale, but enjoyable. This is thankfully a standalone story, so no strands are left dangling once you get to the end, and it's a satisfying read. I didn't pick out who the killer was! However, Jordon seems like a terrible FBI agent! I'm pretty sure a government agency with some of the best behavioural analysts in the world are not going to go along with the "they're doing it because they're crazy" motive, as Jordon does here. Um, pretty much every crime TV show out there has shown us it doesn't work that way! Has Carla Cassidy not watched Criminal Minds? Jordon also gets lost in a snowstorm, goes to locations to meet killers without backup, and puts the moves on somebody she's working with in a professional capacity (though Gabriel is guilty of the latter too). She could do with a couple of extra training courses at Quantico, I think!
May 11, 2018
This is the 3rd book I read by Carla Cassidy. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story at chapter 2 because it didn't grab my interest.
April 6, 2021
All I can say about this book is Wow. Joan and Ted wanted to buy and run a bed and breakfast so they bought one that the former owner was about to lose it. They moved their family so they could start their new life running the Bed and Breakfast. However, with three murders there already, they may lose their new business.
Chief of Police Gabriel has run into a dead end on the case and had to bring in the FBI For help so they sent Jordan to help him. Between the two of them they are trying to keep Ted and Joan from losing their business and get rid of the serial killer that's targeting the Inn.
Check out the story
Chief of Police Gabriel has run into a dead end on the case and had to bring in the FBI For help so they sent Jordan to help him. Between the two of them they are trying to keep Ted and Joan from losing their business and get rid of the serial killer that's targeting the Inn.
Check out the story
January 30, 2018
half star
September 7, 2017
I’m a firm believer in equal rights for women. However, I don’t think it means that women should ape the nastiness or callousness of men. I’m sure Emily Pankhurst and others who threw rocks and fought with policemen to get women the vote didn’t do it so that women could cuss like sailors, create manspread in the subway trains or throw fistfights in bars. Leave that to testosterone-laden lunkheads.
So when FBI Special Agent Jordan James calls Chief of Police Gabriel Waters “cupcake”, my hackles start rising. She’s there to help him find a triple-murderer/serial killer not attend a blind date. The gender switch in flirtation and sexual boldness doesn’t excuse her attitude, even if it makes for a slightly unusual social dynamic.
In this story, Jordan is the bold one, flaunting her body and claiming that an inappropriate kiss initiated by Gabriel is not going to be a one-time venture, no matter what he says. As I’ve stated, that’s not the norm for most Harlequin romances I’ve read. Whether the woman is a shy miss or foxy lady, most of them eschew on-the-job sexual advances. (At least, in the beginning they do).
Jordan isn’t as relentless or aggressive in her pursuit as a lot of romantic male leads I’ve read. But that doesn’t make her behavior right. She’s not going to be there for long, she’s strictly in an advisory capacity and she’s declared herself not the marrying kind. So what’s she doing inviting Gabriel into a tub with her?
The mystery itself is a real nail-biter, much better than some others I’ve read. The killer is a surprising twist, especially since it was someone you really wouldn’t expect. However, even here, Ms. James’s behavior falls down. Like a heroine in a previous novel, she makes silly rookie mistakes; it seems like she survives out of sheer luck rather than any competence.
If you like the notion of bolder women who have no trouble taking the lead in sexual negotiations, then this novel is definitely a step in the right direction. However, what’s sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose. When you’re working together, keep it in your pants, lady.
So when FBI Special Agent Jordan James calls Chief of Police Gabriel Waters “cupcake”, my hackles start rising. She’s there to help him find a triple-murderer/serial killer not attend a blind date. The gender switch in flirtation and sexual boldness doesn’t excuse her attitude, even if it makes for a slightly unusual social dynamic.
In this story, Jordan is the bold one, flaunting her body and claiming that an inappropriate kiss initiated by Gabriel is not going to be a one-time venture, no matter what he says. As I’ve stated, that’s not the norm for most Harlequin romances I’ve read. Whether the woman is a shy miss or foxy lady, most of them eschew on-the-job sexual advances. (At least, in the beginning they do).
Jordan isn’t as relentless or aggressive in her pursuit as a lot of romantic male leads I’ve read. But that doesn’t make her behavior right. She’s not going to be there for long, she’s strictly in an advisory capacity and she’s declared herself not the marrying kind. So what’s she doing inviting Gabriel into a tub with her?
The mystery itself is a real nail-biter, much better than some others I’ve read. The killer is a surprising twist, especially since it was someone you really wouldn’t expect. However, even here, Ms. James’s behavior falls down. Like a heroine in a previous novel, she makes silly rookie mistakes; it seems like she survives out of sheer luck rather than any competence.
If you like the notion of bolder women who have no trouble taking the lead in sexual negotiations, then this novel is definitely a step in the right direction. However, what’s sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose. When you’re working together, keep it in your pants, lady.
October 1, 2017
FBI Special Agent Jordon James is sent to Branson, MO, to aid Police Chief Gabriel Walters in investigating 3 murders at a local B&B. Each had occurred about a month apart and were brutal stabbings. Jordon arrives a day after the last one and helps in all the interviews. Several people seem suspicious but seem to have alibis. Jordon stays at the B&B and becomes the next target, but the case is frustrating. Meanwhile Gabriel is falling for Jordon and Jordon is pulling away. A good story with a killer I didn't peg.
December 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Gabriel, and FBI agent Jordon work well together to solve three unsolved murders. I loved Jordon’s sense of humor throughout the story. She was a good agent, but she was a likable heroine. Gabriel fell hard for Jordon. It didn’t take him long before he started thinking about happily ever after’s, and marriage. They first have to solve the murder mystery because Jordon is now a target. There were a lot of suspects, but the murderer blew me away. I never saw it coming. Excellent book with suspense, action and a good bit of romance.
June 5, 2017
Romantic Suspense Intrigue is the genre of this scary story. FBI agent Jordan [female] is working with Gabriel the chief of police to investigate three murders in one bed and breakfast recently taken over by a family with two teenagers who wanted a more rural way of life.
When Jordan herself is attacked it all becomes personal and with Gabriel as her romantic interest and fellow investigator things soon hot up.
As for the murderer, I didn't see that coming!
When Jordan herself is attacked it all becomes personal and with Gabriel as her romantic interest and fellow investigator things soon hot up.
As for the murderer, I didn't see that coming!
June 20, 2017
3 murders in diamond cove will agent James be the next? will love come at a deadly time?
August 19, 2017
Interesting - enjoying the series and will read more from this author & series.
September 14, 2023
Love story OK but detective story could be better.
July 1, 2024
Gripping suspense - never saw the twist coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2016
This was a great story.
February 22, 2017
4.75 OVERALL
4.5 STORYLINE
REVIEW TO COME
4.5 STORYLINE
REVIEW TO COME
November 1, 2016
She is hard headed FBI Agent Jordan and he is a cop in Branson Miss. where she is sent to help him find out who is killing the people staying at Diamond Cove B&B. There have been 3 murders but there are no leads..Jordan decides to stay there to maybe catch the killer..she is attacked several times...Her and Gabriel are working close together and getting close to each other, though Jordan does not want to be close to anyone as she feels she disappoints everyone....They are falling in love..she is fighting it..After a fight with Gabriel Jordan gets another not to meet the killer to finish it all for once at a Mirror place...Than it gets good..I have to say I did NOT see that one coming at all for who the killer turns out to be..I had figured everyone out but the killer...A great page turner
October 17, 2016
Shades of the 1940's film noir, Lady of Shanghai! Heroine Jordan James has a phobia for a house of mirrors that goes back to a tragic memory in her past but it's just the sort of thing that raises the protective instincts of the hero, Gabe Walter. The story is steamy but sedate and there are enough suspects to keep us guessing until the end. I will look for Carla Cassidy's books again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews