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Larry Macklin Mysteries #10
August's Heat
Criminal investigator Larry Macklin faces a classic who-done-it when Conrad Higgins, a local antiques dealer with questionable ethics, is found shot in his own home.
Larry soon realizes that half the town had reason to hate the man. Is the murderer the next door neighbor with an ax to grind? The friendly nursing home volunteer who believes Higgins swindled her mother? The rich silent partner with a checkered past? Or even Higgins’s nephew, who’s on the run from his own personal demons.
Larry barely has time to wrap his brain around all the options when one of the suspects is viciously attacked and another disappears. It’s going to take all his skills as an investigator, and a little help from his partners and friends, for Larry to crack this case.
Larry soon realizes that half the town had reason to hate the man. Is the murderer the next door neighbor with an ax to grind? The friendly nursing home volunteer who believes Higgins swindled her mother? The rich silent partner with a checkered past? Or even Higgins’s nephew, who’s on the run from his own personal demons.
Larry barely has time to wrap his brain around all the options when one of the suspects is viciously attacked and another disappears. It’s going to take all his skills as an investigator, and a little help from his partners and friends, for Larry to crack this case.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2018
1739 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Howe
40 books160 followersA. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 1, 2018
4.5 Stars
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of AUGUST'S HEAT. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Criminal Investigator Larry Macklin is back in this 10th installment of the series. even though this one can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting at the very beginning. The regular characters have grown and matured, and each book seems to be better than the last.
When Conrad Higgins is found murdered in his own home, Larry and his partner, Darlene, are called to investigate. There are no clues, no evidence and from questioning his neighbors, Higgins was a much detested man. He was called a conman, a thief, a hustler and everyone had a motive.
When Larry's top suspects are also found murdered, Larry finds this is not going to be an open and shut case.
All the gang are back ... Cara, Larry's girlfriend ... Darlene is back with a new love interest ... and of course, there is Mauser. Larry's dad's 200-pound Great Dane who makes a much welcome appearance.
It's a well written novel, as all the stories in this series are. The suspense is low key, but it's always mysterious how Larry and Darlene navigate through suspects, motives, alibis. This has become one of my favorite series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of AUGUST'S HEAT. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Criminal Investigator Larry Macklin is back in this 10th installment of the series. even though this one can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting at the very beginning. The regular characters have grown and matured, and each book seems to be better than the last.
When Conrad Higgins is found murdered in his own home, Larry and his partner, Darlene, are called to investigate. There are no clues, no evidence and from questioning his neighbors, Higgins was a much detested man. He was called a conman, a thief, a hustler and everyone had a motive.
When Larry's top suspects are also found murdered, Larry finds this is not going to be an open and shut case.
All the gang are back ... Cara, Larry's girlfriend ... Darlene is back with a new love interest ... and of course, there is Mauser. Larry's dad's 200-pound Great Dane who makes a much welcome appearance.
It's a well written novel, as all the stories in this series are. The suspense is low key, but it's always mysterious how Larry and Darlene navigate through suspects, motives, alibis. This has become one of my favorite series.
June 21, 2021
Very good read. Very good series. I read this one in just 3 sittings over about 12 hours. Likeable characters and a good who-done-it make for a very enjoyable read. check this series out !
May 11, 2018
Deputy Larry Macklin is on another case. The victim is Conrad Higgins, an antique dealer. As Larry and his partner, Darlene, begin their investigation, they find very few people actually liked the man. In fact, some of those people were downright happy to see him go, which served to broaden their list of suspects. Conrad's nephew, Donnie, certainly had a motive when he stood to inherit a sizeable amount of money. Then there were those who swore Conrad cheated or swindled them to the point their anger could have caused one of them to snap and then kill the man. When another murder occurs and a neighbor of Conrad's is attacked, her dog stabbed multiple times, Larry has his hands full.
This one has plenty of mystery and kept me guessing to the end. Again, Larry's girlfriend, Cara, plays a major part in the story. Larry's dad and his Great Dane, Mauser, are always good for adding a touch of humor. I always look forward to these books because they're easy to read. I can knock one off in a couple of hours. They also have such a good cast of characters. It's fun to discover where they will take you next.
This one has plenty of mystery and kept me guessing to the end. Again, Larry's girlfriend, Cara, plays a major part in the story. Larry's dad and his Great Dane, Mauser, are always good for adding a touch of humor. I always look forward to these books because they're easy to read. I can knock one off in a couple of hours. They also have such a good cast of characters. It's fun to discover where they will take you next.
August 6, 2018
The book was a page-turner. Right from the start, there's an odd murder, and it was compelling enough to hook my interest. Unlike some of Howe's previous work, this book has a near-maniacal focus on the case. That is one of the things that makes it hard to put this book down. The mystery is a good one—I didn't suspect the real killer was until quite late—and of course smacked my forehead wondering how I could have missed it. That's the sign of a great setup and reveal to me. Unlike some other mystery writers, Howe doesn't (usually) rely on the revealing of a clue that only the main character can see to solve the case—the reader sees everything Larry Macklin sees. The climax of this book is a little over-the-top, but nonetheless enjoyable.
Howe is a solid writer and the Larry Macklin mysteries are satisfying reads. August's Heat has a lot less of many of the characters we have become familiar with in the first nine books. Not very much Cara, almost no Sheriff Ted, very little Pete. Although I kind of miss them, keeping them in the background is one of the things that makes this book feel fresh—we focus on new and different supporting characters.
Howe is a solid writer and the Larry Macklin mysteries are satisfying reads. August's Heat has a lot less of many of the characters we have become familiar with in the first nine books. Not very much Cara, almost no Sheriff Ted, very little Pete. Although I kind of miss them, keeping them in the background is one of the things that makes this book feel fresh—we focus on new and different supporting characters.
June 8, 2021
One body after another
As usual, bodies just keep showing up. Are they somehow connected? Is it the same killer for all of them? One thing that really bothered me in this one was THE GUN in the first murder. Macklin walks in and sees the victim, on his back "with a dime sized bullet hole in his forehead". That's the scene. Nothing about seeing a gun, where it is, but the deputy on scene asks about it, still nothing about where it is. I'd think where they found it might be of some value to the investigation. Nothing in the whole book describes just where it was found. Near his hand? On the floor by the door? On a table? And the several mentions about whether it was a single- or double-action; wouldn't Pete know? Wouldn't they at least check it out if they thought it might make a difference? Howe seems to do that in his books, either sparse info about something that may matter, or throwing in a mention of something or someone from an earlier book that makes no sense whatsoever.
As usual, bodies just keep showing up. Are they somehow connected? Is it the same killer for all of them? One thing that really bothered me in this one was THE GUN in the first murder. Macklin walks in and sees the victim, on his back "with a dime sized bullet hole in his forehead". That's the scene. Nothing about seeing a gun, where it is, but the deputy on scene asks about it, still nothing about where it is. I'd think where they found it might be of some value to the investigation. Nothing in the whole book describes just where it was found. Near his hand? On the floor by the door? On a table? And the several mentions about whether it was a single- or double-action; wouldn't Pete know? Wouldn't they at least check it out if they thought it might make a difference? Howe seems to do that in his books, either sparse info about something that may matter, or throwing in a mention of something or someone from an earlier book that makes no sense whatsoever.
May 1, 2020
I liked it a lot!
I liked that the lead detectives has good honest faithful relationships with partners of the opposite sex outside of work, with other family members and with colleagues at work, that was a nice touch. Because the main story and plot with its twists and turns and consequences with brutality, drug addicts, swindlers, cheats and the darker sides of bad choices, murder and the interesting look at the complex ways crimes are solved showcasing all the necessary people and all the man hours it takes was intriguing, fascinating and addictive in itself. This is a clean book, no open bedroom door, no swearing, blasphemy etc. just goes to show a good book that is well constructed, has believable characters, storyline and plot, is interesting etc...doesn’t need have ‘that stuff’ in it to make it seem more real! Very well written.
I liked that the lead detectives has good honest faithful relationships with partners of the opposite sex outside of work, with other family members and with colleagues at work, that was a nice touch. Because the main story and plot with its twists and turns and consequences with brutality, drug addicts, swindlers, cheats and the darker sides of bad choices, murder and the interesting look at the complex ways crimes are solved showcasing all the necessary people and all the man hours it takes was intriguing, fascinating and addictive in itself. This is a clean book, no open bedroom door, no swearing, blasphemy etc. just goes to show a good book that is well constructed, has believable characters, storyline and plot, is interesting etc...doesn’t need have ‘that stuff’ in it to make it seem more real! Very well written.
May 4, 2020
Such an involved and entertaining read. How does this author manage to keep so many characters going, with a plot that runs rings around everyone. I would have normally given this a 4* but as the humour was brilliant, it deserved an extra star in my book. Humour helps a grizzly tale along nicely.
This was the first book I have read by this author, and when I went to order another found it already on my Kindle waiting for me to pick it out, so here I am reading March's Luck. I expect I will be going through the whole series, but the next one will be from No. 1, as I realise that although these are stand alone novels, the characters do build and I like to grow with them.
This was the first book I have read by this author, and when I went to order another found it already on my Kindle waiting for me to pick it out, so here I am reading March's Luck. I expect I will be going through the whole series, but the next one will be from No. 1, as I realise that although these are stand alone novels, the characters do build and I like to grow with them.
May 7, 2020
This is the first book in the series that I have read by this author.
I enjoyed the local description and many of the characters.
I must admit the the two lead detectives come across as real a holes when questioning witnesses. Nasty and rude . Is this true to form of Floridian police officers.
Also the lead detectives cavalier attitude towards his CI before and after the middle of the plot was incredibly insensitive. He showed more compassion for dogs and the actual killer then innocent people.
The plot was interesting and kept you thinking . Took me till 60% of the book to figure out who the killer was.
While I liked the book and it’s pace the officers treatment and silly nasty dialogue will probably keep me from buying the first 9 books in the series.
I enjoyed the local description and many of the characters.
I must admit the the two lead detectives come across as real a holes when questioning witnesses. Nasty and rude . Is this true to form of Floridian police officers.
Also the lead detectives cavalier attitude towards his CI before and after the middle of the plot was incredibly insensitive. He showed more compassion for dogs and the actual killer then innocent people.
The plot was interesting and kept you thinking . Took me till 60% of the book to figure out who the killer was.
While I liked the book and it’s pace the officers treatment and silly nasty dialogue will probably keep me from buying the first 9 books in the series.
August 5, 2021
Think I've actually managed to read the next in the series based on the one I read last year, so bonus. This story finds Larry investigating the murder of a not so loved member of the community with a nice long suspect list, many of whom had opportunity as well as motive. Not only that but there's not only one but two adorable Great Danes to entertain us with their presence and their bravery (no dogs die so worry not on that front). There are plenty of twists and turns as ever with Howe's story telling and it isn't until the very end that things become completely clear and you actually believe some of the hints that are scattered through the story.
February 15, 2019
An AEH. Mystery Novel (LMBB - 10)/A Antique Dealer is Murderefd
AEH. has. penned the tenth novel in the LMBB. series. LM. Is assigned to determine which one of the many people who did not like the man for his business tactics. As LM. Develops clues he finds that more than just neighbors has him on their hit list. LM. Is unable to determine if it is antiques, money, or drugs that he was killed over. The clues are there he just has to find the right person. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
AEH. has. penned the tenth novel in the LMBB. series. LM. Is assigned to determine which one of the many people who did not like the man for his business tactics. As LM. Develops clues he finds that more than just neighbors has him on their hit list. LM. Is unable to determine if it is antiques, money, or drugs that he was killed over. The clues are there he just has to find the right person. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
July 28, 2020
Hard to put down!
This is the only book I have read by this author so maybe he fleshed out the main characters in an earlier book. The characters and story were great. I didn't guess who the murderer was which I loved. I would have given this book 5 stars but the author didn't give an past info on the main characters you were just supposed to KNOW that Cara was the deputies girlfriend and that they lived together. There is no past info on how long they have been together, how any of the main characters met I would have liked more information.
This is the only book I have read by this author so maybe he fleshed out the main characters in an earlier book. The characters and story were great. I didn't guess who the murderer was which I loved. I would have given this book 5 stars but the author didn't give an past info on the main characters you were just supposed to KNOW that Cara was the deputies girlfriend and that they lived together. There is no past info on how long they have been together, how any of the main characters met I would have liked more information.
May 5, 2020
Conrad was a nasty man and although shocked, most people aren't sorry he was murdered. A person is seen walking away. The neighbor is attacked & nearly killed the following night. Then 2 more are dead and they are related to Conrad. Larry & Darlene, the investigators, have a lot of police work to do to solve the murders. Good story line, well written, and good mystery - it kept my interest.
May 6, 2020
The eighth month of the year finds Larry Macklin embroiled in more mayhem. This series is a joy to read, and let's not forget Mauser, who brings many chuckles whenever he's around. These books are stand alone. The characters blend well, one into the other, and come together to bring us a wonderfully written story. I have not been disappointed in any of them.
Highly Recommended.
I received this book from a free website. The review is my honest opinion.
Highly Recommended.
I received this book from a free website. The review is my honest opinion.
April 27, 2020
Rivetting
A truly wonderful page Turner. Similar in some aspects to a good Agatha Christie plot. Everyone is there but the true villains are the least suspected. Only revealed at the climax, like Christie, the the guilty party is the one nobody would suspect. A truly great story and I look forward to reading others in the series.
A truly wonderful page Turner. Similar in some aspects to a good Agatha Christie plot. Everyone is there but the true villains are the least suspected. Only revealed at the climax, like Christie, the the guilty party is the one nobody would suspect. A truly great story and I look forward to reading others in the series.
April 29, 2020
Great entertainment
This was a new author to me, and I really enjoyed his writing! The plot was well done, the characters were interesting - especially the dogs - and the culprit was nicely hidden. My one criticism is that I wish the book had been longer! I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a new author to me, and I really enjoyed his writing! The plot was well done, the characters were interesting - especially the dogs - and the culprit was nicely hidden. My one criticism is that I wish the book had been longer! I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 4, 2020
I really enjoy this series. The author knows how to keep your interest. There are alot of suspects to 3 murders, finding out who, breaking down the clues is just part of the challenge. There are many interesting characters including Cleo and Mauser. Cara and Macklin work well together. Well written.
May 20, 2020
Conrad Higgins, antique dealer has been discovered dead, one early morning, by a neighbour. The list of suspects is large due to his 'criminal' activities involving it seems the whole town. Deputy Larry Macklin and his team investigate. Unfortunately for Macklin this will not be the last death.
An enjoyable crime story
An enjoyable crime story
October 4, 2018
Good as always
Just the right amount of suspense, a good plot and characters you can identify with. I like to see if I can figure out the villain,sometimes yes but more often no. On to the next book.
Just the right amount of suspense, a good plot and characters you can identify with. I like to see if I can figure out the villain,sometimes yes but more often no. On to the next book.
May 21, 2019
Augusts Heat
As always an interesting read by a talented writer. I recommend anyone who likes to escape from the pressures of today's trouble take time for a cool story about the Macklin law men of Fllorida.
As always an interesting read by a talented writer. I recommend anyone who likes to escape from the pressures of today's trouble take time for a cool story about the Macklin law men of Fllorida.
October 19, 2019
The Mystery Surrounding the Perpetrator!
The identity of the perpetrator of the crimes is, at least to me, the most engaging and engrossing facet of this series. The editing is also very good and adds to the pleasure of reading.
The identity of the perpetrator of the crimes is, at least to me, the most engaging and engrossing facet of this series. The editing is also very good and adds to the pleasure of reading.
January 10, 2020
WOW
This was one of best book in the Larry M series. Very unexpected ending. Soft moment when he was reminiscing about his Mother.
It shows what anger will drive you to do if left untreated.
This was one of best book in the Larry M series. Very unexpected ending. Soft moment when he was reminiscing about his Mother.
It shows what anger will drive you to do if left untreated.
April 25, 2020
Excellent read, couldn't put it down, but sad when I'd finished as didn't want it to end. Very good story, I didn't get the killer till nearly the end. Likeable and realistic characters and some baddies to boo at.
May 1, 2020
Probably the most enjoyable read I've had recently.
I've gotten tired of the gory serial killer genre that has to leave every chapter a cliffhanger. This has just the right level of suspense and whodunitude. The best evidence of how much I like the book is that as soon as I'm done writing this review, I'm going to go start the series from the beginning.
I like the characters, I like the plot.
I've gotten tired of the gory serial killer genre that has to leave every chapter a cliffhanger. This has just the right level of suspense and whodunitude. The best evidence of how much I like the book is that as soon as I'm done writing this review, I'm going to go start the series from the beginning.
I like the characters, I like the plot.
April 30, 2020
A very good read! Good who-done-it, with a writing style I thoroughly enjoyed. Realistic dialogue, good characters, unpredictable mystery. This is the only book in the series I've read, & had no trouble understanding the story or background.
May 1, 2020
The book is a page turner, it gets you hooked in order to find who did it!!! Written in a way that seems someone is verbally telling you a story, it´s easy to read and has relatable characters. Enjoyable!
May 1, 2020
Just right
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and comfortable, Larry Macklin comes off perfectly as an unforgettable, amiable but dogged deputy. Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and comfortable, Larry Macklin comes off perfectly as an unforgettable, amiable but dogged deputy. Great read.
May 1, 2020
Excellent reading
A very interesting story with a good mystery plot and many clues that you may miss as you get involved in the life of the characters. Enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more
A very interesting story with a good mystery plot and many clues that you may miss as you get involved in the life of the characters. Enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more
May 2, 2020
August. Heat
The author enabled me to get to know the characters and so as I got to know them I was trying to determine who was the killer and why. This kept my interest at a high level throughout the book.
Joan. Kurpit
The author enabled me to get to know the characters and so as I got to know them I was trying to determine who was the killer and why. This kept my interest at a high level throughout the book.
Joan. Kurpit
May 8, 2020
Sorry, I know I'm really in the minority here but I just did not like it. I thought it was an uninteresting story with uninteresting characters. Struggled to get through it (flipping whenever possible).
July 23, 2020
Ok
I just couldn't get into this one. I guess it's because there were so many suspects. It took forever to check them all out. It was just an accident that led to the apprehension of the murderer.
I just couldn't get into this one. I guess it's because there were so many suspects. It took forever to check them all out. It was just an accident that led to the apprehension of the murderer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews