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Endangered Species
Connecticut private investigator Brenda Corrino’s sixteen-year-old niece Madison has gone missing in Arizona. Known for bringing the DVD Murderer to justice during her stint as a Fairfield County homicide detective, her unacquainted sister Faith Brenna requests her help from Arizona.
Brenda recently went through a tough time herself, recovering from being raped and almost murdered by the DVD Murderer while working undercover. She broke ties with her boyfriend and wanted nothing to do with him, even though he helped to rescue her. She was labeled as having PTSD. After months of therapy, she has recovered to the point that she was able to resume her relationship with her boyfriend and now business partner, Dr. Darren Crowe.
Brenda arrives in Arizona and quickly befriends the local sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Logan Cartwright, who tells her about a similar case in a nearby town where another girl disappeared five years ago. The girl recently resurfaced unscathed and is unwilling to talk about where she has been for the past five years.
Faith and her husband have a few secrets of their own that Brenda must scrutinize to rule out possible suspects, including the two of them. She promises to not reveal Faith’s secret, as long as it does not get in the way of finding the people responsible for Madison’s disappearance. Brenda summons Darren to join her in Arizona to help find her niece.
Arizona is one of the states that has a large presence and reputation of human trafficking. Brenda becomes concerned that Madison may have become a victim. She realizes she is getting close to the truth when a Hummer purposely runs her car off an Arizona highway, causing her rental car to flip several times. She and Darren get banged-up, but survive. Brenda is now more determined than ever to find Madison and put an end to her sister’s fears.
Brenda and Darren attend a party with her sister to observe and investigate her friends under the pretense of participating in partner swapping activities. As the party winds down, Brenda’s unique investigative style has provided her with enough insight into who might be involved in Madison’s vanishing act. She informs Sheriff Cartwright of her gut feelings and together they devise a plan to uncover the truth.
Brenda recently went through a tough time herself, recovering from being raped and almost murdered by the DVD Murderer while working undercover. She broke ties with her boyfriend and wanted nothing to do with him, even though he helped to rescue her. She was labeled as having PTSD. After months of therapy, she has recovered to the point that she was able to resume her relationship with her boyfriend and now business partner, Dr. Darren Crowe.
Brenda arrives in Arizona and quickly befriends the local sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Logan Cartwright, who tells her about a similar case in a nearby town where another girl disappeared five years ago. The girl recently resurfaced unscathed and is unwilling to talk about where she has been for the past five years.
Faith and her husband have a few secrets of their own that Brenda must scrutinize to rule out possible suspects, including the two of them. She promises to not reveal Faith’s secret, as long as it does not get in the way of finding the people responsible for Madison’s disappearance. Brenda summons Darren to join her in Arizona to help find her niece.
Arizona is one of the states that has a large presence and reputation of human trafficking. Brenda becomes concerned that Madison may have become a victim. She realizes she is getting close to the truth when a Hummer purposely runs her car off an Arizona highway, causing her rental car to flip several times. She and Darren get banged-up, but survive. Brenda is now more determined than ever to find Madison and put an end to her sister’s fears.
Brenda and Darren attend a party with her sister to observe and investigate her friends under the pretense of participating in partner swapping activities. As the party winds down, Brenda’s unique investigative style has provided her with enough insight into who might be involved in Madison’s vanishing act. She informs Sheriff Cartwright of her gut feelings and together they devise a plan to uncover the truth.
- GenresMystery
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2017
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 6, 2023
What do two murders have to do with 16-year-old Madison, who has gone missing? Here's where the story became way too hard to believe. A stranger offers 16-year-old Madison a deal that was too good to be true. Actually, it should have had Madison running for the hills but then she is only 16. Madison agrees to take stranger up on his offer. She'll supposedly will receive an education and five million dollars...all in exchange for five years of her life. She thought this to be the opportunity of a lifetime...too good to be true...a chance to help her family...and all she has to do is disappear for five years and do whatever it is that she is told to do and then return home at the age of 21. Then all she has to do then is not tell anyone where she's been. Now I ask you...what could possibly happen to her? What could possibly be the "catch" to this scheme? In the meanwhile, two men have been found dead with their bodies mutilated. Deputy Sheriff Logan Cartwright is trying to investigate those murders. His attitude as a lawman was also a off the wall. Keep in mind that this girl is 16 years old...she is a child, not considered to be an adult in any state in the union...and this sheriff say that there is "not much he can do to help Madison’s family because it appears that she left on her own accord". Really??? Also, he says that he has no leads in her case. Yeah...because he hasn't looked for any. A private investigator, Brenda Corrino, arrives from Connecticut and enters the investigation because Madison’s mother calls her asking for help. Now you may ask how does a woman in Arizona know a private investigator in Connecticut? It seems that Brenda and Faith are sisters, but the catch is that Brenda was clueless to the fact that she even had a sister. Now we join Brenda; her boyfriend and fellow investigator Darren; and Sheriff Cartwright as they try to locate Madison before it's too late. Now here's another rather "off the wall" adventure...they attend a sex swapping party where Brenda asks Faith’s friends a few questions. This story has twists and turns; romance; quite a bit of sex; and a storyline that kept me reading just to see if these people finally get anywhere near the brains that God gave green apples. I found the actions of the people that should have been the most concerned really hard to believe...but it was entertaining.
April 6, 2023
Former Fairfield County homicide detective Brenda Corrino is known for her work apprehending the DVD Murderer in Connecticut, but has since left homicide to open her own private investigation agency. She receives a very strange phone call from Faith Brenna; seems Faith is the half-sister that Brenda never knew existed. Faith is calling her to come out to Arizona to help locate her sixteen year-old daughter and Brenda’s niece, Madison. Madison has disappeared, leaving behind her cell phone, clothing, and driver’s license, and everything but the clothes she was wearing. Brenda has been having a tough time herself, still recovering from her brutal rape and attempted murder courtesy of the DVD Murderer. She arrives in Arizona, quickly becoming acquainted and friendly with the local sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Logan Cartwright, former Massachusetts State Trooper. He tells her of a similar case in a nearby town where the girl disappeared at age sixteen, and has returned home, unhurt and remaining silent regarding the details of her absence. Faith and her husband have a few secrets of their own, and Brenda must rule out the couple along with their closest friends. After initiating a get-together for Faith, her husband, and their circle of friends, Brenda and her boyfriend Dr. Darren Crowe attend as well, hopefully helping Brenda find some answers. She suspects human trafficking, and some of the guests give her a bit of insight, thanks to her interrogations. Once she shares what she has learned with Sheriff Cartwright, the two of them devise a plan to uncover the truth.
I was disappointed in the whole novel, which surprised me because the last book I read from Michael Altieri I really enjoyed. It spoke a bit about Connecticut, my home state, and places with which I am familiar, and I am always happy to read tales set in or about New England. However, even though the topics might be timely, I was unhappy with the themes, including the fairly graphic details included in the human trafficking of sixteen year-old children, the savage rape and near murder of Brenda Corrino, and the swingers party (I don’t judge ANYONE for whatever their personal sexual preferences are, but it seemed way over the top to mention all of the forced sexual crimes along with partner swapping and sex clubs, especially when the novel is marketed as a “murder thriller”). There were actually two murders related to the disappearance, but not in the way I expected and mentioned briefly. It seemed PI Corrino did very little investigative work before neatly solving her niece’s disappearance. In addition, there were typos and misspelled words which took me out of the story. In conclusion, while I might read another work by the author, I don’t openly recommend this particular one; it’s just two stars out of five for me.
I’d like to thank AuthorsXP, Michael Altieri, and Brighton Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC
I was disappointed in the whole novel, which surprised me because the last book I read from Michael Altieri I really enjoyed. It spoke a bit about Connecticut, my home state, and places with which I am familiar, and I am always happy to read tales set in or about New England. However, even though the topics might be timely, I was unhappy with the themes, including the fairly graphic details included in the human trafficking of sixteen year-old children, the savage rape and near murder of Brenda Corrino, and the swingers party (I don’t judge ANYONE for whatever their personal sexual preferences are, but it seemed way over the top to mention all of the forced sexual crimes along with partner swapping and sex clubs, especially when the novel is marketed as a “murder thriller”). There were actually two murders related to the disappearance, but not in the way I expected and mentioned briefly. It seemed PI Corrino did very little investigative work before neatly solving her niece’s disappearance. In addition, there were typos and misspelled words which took me out of the story. In conclusion, while I might read another work by the author, I don’t openly recommend this particular one; it’s just two stars out of five for me.
I’d like to thank AuthorsXP, Michael Altieri, and Brighton Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC
July 6, 2017
Endangered Species is a mystery novel based on, an all too real problem facing us now in the U.S., human trafficking ring. The story revolves around the disappearance of a young 16 year old girl from Arizona. The girl’s mother is told she has a sister from a previous marriage that is a well known retired homicide detective turned private investigator who she calls to help find her daughter. Brenda is the detective we follow as she investigates the suspects and pieces together the clues leading to a dramatic and jaw dropping ending.
I could not put this book down. I am writing this review after staying up all night reading this book because I could not put it down to go to bed. Human trafficking is an issue near to my heart as I work in a ministry that reaches out to ladies caught up in the sex industry. I applaud the author for realistically portraying how these girls end up in these situations and what happens in these situations. This may be a fictional work but it is the reality for millions of ladies worldwide every day. There’s no shying away from sex in this book but it is handled appropriately; the real thing is far worse than how it is portrayed here. They mystery story plot was excellently developed and executed. I like mysteries that let me follow along logically but still have some plot twists to them and this fulfilled that criteria. This is simply a five star phenomenal read for me!
The only minor criticism I could think to give this book is that I wish the author had used Brenda’s PTSD more in the book…people with PTSD usually struggle at least at times through their lives and I think it could have been used more in the story. The personalities of the characters were developed and memorable and I enjoyed them but I do have to say I didn’t find myself in love with any particular character. I did picture the main character, Brenda the detective, and her boyfriend as similar to the relationship on the TV series Castle in their relationship which brought it more to life for me. It may be perhaps that I was so drawn into the plot I missed the little details that show their character instead of telling it that make us fall in love with characters.
I loved this book though and I’m glad I picked it up. I wasn’t aware it involved human trafficking when I did pick it up as a mystery book. I can’t applaud the author for putting this information into a well written mystery story that can reach people who may not necessarily care to know about the topic or think it is a non-issue because it doesn’t happen here. Even among resources that educate people about human trafficking the particular angle this story takes is a unique one in that most people aren’t aware that girls will recruit other girls into the ring in order to get money and have a higher status than the girls they oversee. It is a page turning midnight oil reading book that you won’t be able to put down!
I could not put this book down. I am writing this review after staying up all night reading this book because I could not put it down to go to bed. Human trafficking is an issue near to my heart as I work in a ministry that reaches out to ladies caught up in the sex industry. I applaud the author for realistically portraying how these girls end up in these situations and what happens in these situations. This may be a fictional work but it is the reality for millions of ladies worldwide every day. There’s no shying away from sex in this book but it is handled appropriately; the real thing is far worse than how it is portrayed here. They mystery story plot was excellently developed and executed. I like mysteries that let me follow along logically but still have some plot twists to them and this fulfilled that criteria. This is simply a five star phenomenal read for me!
The only minor criticism I could think to give this book is that I wish the author had used Brenda’s PTSD more in the book…people with PTSD usually struggle at least at times through their lives and I think it could have been used more in the story. The personalities of the characters were developed and memorable and I enjoyed them but I do have to say I didn’t find myself in love with any particular character. I did picture the main character, Brenda the detective, and her boyfriend as similar to the relationship on the TV series Castle in their relationship which brought it more to life for me. It may be perhaps that I was so drawn into the plot I missed the little details that show their character instead of telling it that make us fall in love with characters.
I loved this book though and I’m glad I picked it up. I wasn’t aware it involved human trafficking when I did pick it up as a mystery book. I can’t applaud the author for putting this information into a well written mystery story that can reach people who may not necessarily care to know about the topic or think it is a non-issue because it doesn’t happen here. Even among resources that educate people about human trafficking the particular angle this story takes is a unique one in that most people aren’t aware that girls will recruit other girls into the ring in order to get money and have a higher status than the girls they oversee. It is a page turning midnight oil reading book that you won’t be able to put down!
June 27, 2018
Endangered Species is a thriller about the world of human trafficking. Connecticut private investigator Brenda Corrino receives a call for help from her half sister Faith Brenna asking for her help because Faiths 16 year old daughter Madison has disappeared. Initially Brenda is shocked because she didn't know she had a sister. She quickly agrees to help and travels to Arizona to meet Faith and help with the investigation.
Brenda quickly realizes everything isn't what it seems with the Brenna family and their group of friends. As time ticks by she gains the confidence of her sister and learns about her hidden secrets. While coordinating with the local sheriff, sharing information with him and combining their talents eventually the horrifying truth of the evil hiding in the small Arizona comes to light.
I really enjoyed this book. The story sucks you in and moves along swiftly. I found myself turning pages quickly to find out what would happen next.
The character development was good. I immediately liked Brenda who is a strong female lead. I suffered and worried for Madison and wanted to see her rescued. The villains were beyond contempt.
The book is an easy read. It took me about six hours to complete the book. The story is well developed and moves along well. I lost track of time at points because I got wrapped up in the story.
I recommend reading this book. It's a good thriller that sheds light on the growing problem of human trafficking.
Brenda quickly realizes everything isn't what it seems with the Brenna family and their group of friends. As time ticks by she gains the confidence of her sister and learns about her hidden secrets. While coordinating with the local sheriff, sharing information with him and combining their talents eventually the horrifying truth of the evil hiding in the small Arizona comes to light.
I really enjoyed this book. The story sucks you in and moves along swiftly. I found myself turning pages quickly to find out what would happen next.
The character development was good. I immediately liked Brenda who is a strong female lead. I suffered and worried for Madison and wanted to see her rescued. The villains were beyond contempt.
The book is an easy read. It took me about six hours to complete the book. The story is well developed and moves along well. I lost track of time at points because I got wrapped up in the story.
I recommend reading this book. It's a good thriller that sheds light on the growing problem of human trafficking.
July 3, 2017
Brenda Corrino is a former cop who started her own private investigation company. Her boyfriend Darren also works cases alongside her. The business is doing well, when out of the blue Brenda gets a call from her sister Faith in Arizona. She was unaware that she had a sister, so it was a shock. Faith needed Brenda’s help in finding her daughter Madison who was missing. When Brenda gets to Arizona, she starts investigating by questioning everything and everyone. Of course that doesn’t make her many friends, and finding out that Faith and husband Al were close friends with a group of swingers certainly puts her investigating skills to the test.
It was enlightening seeing the way that investigations are done. I really liked Brenda’s character, as well as boyfriend Darren. I think the author was spot on in his teen characters, as far as their innocence and their rebellion. It was obvious that this wasn’t the first story involving Brenda Corrino, but I didn’t feel that I needed to read the first book. Nevertheless, it did intrigue me enough to go back and read it. I like the writing style of this author, and will continue reading this series. It made for an interesting and quick detective mystery read.
It was enlightening seeing the way that investigations are done. I really liked Brenda’s character, as well as boyfriend Darren. I think the author was spot on in his teen characters, as far as their innocence and their rebellion. It was obvious that this wasn’t the first story involving Brenda Corrino, but I didn’t feel that I needed to read the first book. Nevertheless, it did intrigue me enough to go back and read it. I like the writing style of this author, and will continue reading this series. It made for an interesting and quick detective mystery read.
June 14, 2018
Brenda Corrino is asked by her sister to find her niece. Wait a minute! What sister? Brenda never knew she had a sister! Be that as it may, Brenda and her boyfriend/business partner Dr.Darren Crowe go to Arizona to help her sister. There Brenda befriends Deputy Sheriff Logan Cartwright. He explains that the same thing happened to a girl in another town five years ago. Can they find Brenda's niece? What did Madison get her young self into? Of course Faith and her husband are not squeeky clean citizens themselves, so Brenda has to consider them until they can be cleared of any wrong doing. A real good story. Nice pace, wonder characters. I would read another book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Authorsxp.
June 14, 2018
A wild trip to the part of Arizona where I live. Familiarity with the places where the action takes place made the story special. The plot involves a search for a missing teenager, but that is secondary to a great amount of sex, depicted in various levels of detail. Strong elements of danger provide suspense as the PI tacks down the perpetrators with the help of a local sheriff. The sheriff was a sympathetic character as he seemed to be the only one not engaging in some form of wild sex.
June 2, 2018
A great, gritty mystery, that touch the very sensitive subject of human trafficking and does it right.
The dual POVs work well and help the reader to get under the skin of the characters. I particularly liked Brenda Corrino: smart and strong, and very, very human.
I found the book truly interesting, and a compelling read. I certainly will keep an eye on others books by this author.
The dual POVs work well and help the reader to get under the skin of the characters. I particularly liked Brenda Corrino: smart and strong, and very, very human.
I found the book truly interesting, and a compelling read. I certainly will keep an eye on others books by this author.
July 18, 2018
I didn't want to stop reading, to find out what would happen next. It moved fast and kept me interested. The story theme was different than any other books I have read which also made it interesting. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
October 28, 2018
PI Brenda’s niece goes missing and her sister asks for help that she can’t refuse. Such action to keep you intrigued.
April 14, 2020
This book by Michael Altieri continues the adventures of now PI Brenda Corrino and her friend Darren who were introduced to readers back in 2004, as they now attempt to solve the mystery of what happened to her missing niece. The story also includes episodes of spousal swinging parties, murder, as well as prostitution and human trafficking, just to keep the reader going from the first page to the last, and to throw multiple suspects out for potential consideration. This is a very late voluntary review of a review copy of this book from Fast & Free Reviews.
August 20, 2022
OH MY GOODNESS! I inhaled this book, and it is AMAZING what some people would do for money!!! Brenda got a call from a step sister that she never knew that she had and her niece is missing in Arizona. She hops on a plane and she is there to next day to discover that her sister and her live a life style that reminded her of when she was undercover. I don't want to say too much about the plot, BUT I WAS RAPIDLY READING AND PRAYING THAT Madison was all right!!
March 18, 2023
It wasn't my kind of book. I felt it was too forced. The writing style just wasn't it for me. I think the author added some details that didn't need to be there at all. The characters were flat. I think it was trying to be a steamy psychological mystery but just didn't hit the mark for me. I almost didn't finish the book at all.
May 31, 2020
Another great entry into the DVD Killer saga. While the first two focused on serial killing, this one had a strong focus on human trafficking. Sex scenes (including more swinging) were abound in this volume, so that part stayed constant. I enjoy this whole series, and they are written in an easy to read and fast manner.
One criticism - the book needs one more pass with an editor for spelling and grammar. There were a few times that the errors were glaring and took me out of the story.
One criticism - the book needs one more pass with an editor for spelling and grammar. There were a few times that the errors were glaring and took me out of the story.
December 28, 2022
A unique angle on the world of human trafficking but with two-dimensional characters and a ludicrous plot this didn't elevate itself above just an interesting read. Overall I enjoyed the story but wouldn't call it a classic
September 23, 2017
Quick and interesting
Endangered Species was a really quick read that kept my attention from beginning to end. I was drawn into the story almost immediately and was trying to identify who was good and bad throughout. I love stories where you're not sure who the criminal or criminals are until the end. I found the characters to be mostly likable. I'd actually like to read more books with these characters. The sheriff was good at his job while also being portrayed as human and likable. I wouldn't mind reading another book with him solving crimes. Also the private investigator, Brenda, and her boyfriend, Darren, also seem to have an interesting backstory. It would be interesting to find out if there is another book that tells the whole story of what happened to them. Lastly, the main victim, Madison, came across as a naive young girl who did the wrong thing for the right reason. I'd like to read more about her life moving forward. All of the characters were well rounded and interesting. I'm going to look into this author and see if he has written anything else!!
Endangered Species was a really quick read that kept my attention from beginning to end. I was drawn into the story almost immediately and was trying to identify who was good and bad throughout. I love stories where you're not sure who the criminal or criminals are until the end. I found the characters to be mostly likable. I'd actually like to read more books with these characters. The sheriff was good at his job while also being portrayed as human and likable. I wouldn't mind reading another book with him solving crimes. Also the private investigator, Brenda, and her boyfriend, Darren, also seem to have an interesting backstory. It would be interesting to find out if there is another book that tells the whole story of what happened to them. Lastly, the main victim, Madison, came across as a naive young girl who did the wrong thing for the right reason. I'd like to read more about her life moving forward. All of the characters were well rounded and interesting. I'm going to look into this author and see if he has written anything else!!
January 11, 2020
The third book in the series. They just get better and better. This was action-packed, adventurous, so believable, amazing, engrossing, riveting and so much more. Of course Brenda was her sexy, cute and tantalizing self. We meet her half sister and it really adds to the storyline. They must inherit their sexy coyness from their father. 😀
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