Five Days Post Mortem

Violet Darger #5

by L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain

Her body floats. A bloated thing half atop the river. Naked. Pale. Mouth and eyes open wide.

When two fishermen discover a corpse floating in the Clackamas river, profiler Violet Darger heads to rural Oregon to hunt another serial killer. What she discovers in the woods might change the course of her life.

What secrets does the water conceal?

The girl in the water marks the third such case in the area -- all drowned with superficial stab wounds and discovered in a body of water -- and Darger feels certain she won't be the last.

The corpses are badly decomposed. The flesh purpled and softened from their time in the water. The forensic evidence distorted by decay and the elements.

But the victims share one more thing in common -- all were discovered roughly five days post mortem. A coincidence? Something with meaning to be discerned?

Darger suspects the timeline to be significant, but without evidence, she can only guess as to why. That sets up what might be the key to the case:

What is the killer doing to the victims for the four days between their deaths and dumping their bodies?

It's Darger's first case without Loshak, and it will test her like none before.

This pulse-pounding thriller will have you holding your breath until the final page. Fans of John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, Gillian Flynn, and Lisa Gardner should check out the Violet Darger series.

The books in the series can be read in any order, so grab Five Days Post Mortem and get started today.

Praise for the Violet Darger series:
"Un-put-downable! I cannot wait for this series to grow. If you love Sandford, Slaughter, Kava, Stelljes and Deaver, you’ll LOVE Vargus & McBain!" -- Melody M

"The Violet Darger books are honestly the best detective novels I've ever read." -- Devin

"Vargus and McBain have, in Violet Darger, created a character that absolutely stands up with some of the greats -- Phillip Marlowe, Dave Robicheaux, Elvis Cole, Charlie Parker, August Dupin, Jack Reacher, Harry Bosch, etc." -- Lucinda E. Snyder

"I devour each installment in this series the instant it is available." -- Shelley R. Klouzal

"Wow, just wow! If you like scare-you-half-to-death mystery books this is the one for you. It starts with a bang and just doesn't stop." -- Ada Lavin

"Violet Darger is a unique, incredible character, and I immensely enjoyed taking this journey with her." -- Cat

"A rush of excitement, twists and turns." -- C. Munger

"Insightful, bloody. Page turner about the corruption of morality and warped thinking patterns." -- Bella from Readingnstuff.com

"Refuses to let go until you have read the last sentence." -- Bloodymummer

"Reading a Violet Darger novel always feels like coming home to an old friend—we hang out, we drink some coffee, we talk about her and Loshak’s personal lives, we interview victims’ families, we chase down some serial killers—all the stuff you normally do with your friends, except better. More exciting." -- eden Hudson, author of Revenge of the Bloodslinger

"These books are kind of a nice combination of crime fiction and horror.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Amazon, Detective

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2019

About the author

Lex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.

FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com

BOOKS BY LT VARGUS

The Violet Darger series



The Victor Loshak series


The Charlotte Winters series

Reviews

[Erth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to say I saw the solution much earlier than I did, but I still realized what the solution was not much more than halfway through the book. On the other hand, the protagonist--our heroine Violet--seems impervious to the obvious. Maybe in real life clues are not so easily figured out, but Violet is increasingly irritating since she is supposed to be an analyst with insight and skill but mostly seems lost. Frankly, she does not seem to be very good at her job as she blunders her way through this book. She shows no growth as a character and less and less ability as an analyst. Perhaps the end game is that she gets lost in her own depression and quits. Like at least one other reviewer, I skimmed through the chapters devoted to the killer. They were devoid of real content and offered little or nothing to advance the plot and story. I got the feeling that the authors were padding out the story so it would take up more pages.

[Jim Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book Five in the series. I totally loved it. Even though I figured it out (I'm real good at that), she story was compelling and exciting to the bitter end. Start with the first book in the series and read...read...read!

Cheers and Happy Reading!
JIM in MT

And when you are done, try my INCOGNITO Series. The Third book is just about done!!
http://adamjames.blackdogebooks.com/

[Kathye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Violet Darger FBI Profiler series gets better with every new book! Violet takes a break to try civilian life in this one working a serial killer case as a consultant. There are the usual interesting twists and turns but some real surprises along the way. The banter between her and her colleague, an entomologist(!) is clever and easygoing and the relationship with the local police is refreshingly cordial. A very satisfying page turner of a mystery.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is on hiatus from the FBI and takes on a consulting job. Violet opens up a little more in this book, so there are more feels. I was riveted and could not put the book down. Not to mention the story had me hooked and trying to figure out who the killer was alongside Violet. Looking forward to reading Violet’s next adventure, enjoy!

[Jack Rilkoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding read. It is plot twisting and creepy.

[Tammy Lorcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

Holy cow, what a wild ride. Its like reading Criminal Minds, only better. And that says a lot. The story was great, very descriptive. Im so very glad I stumbled on to this series.
It truly is one of the best books I've ever read.
Thank you so much

[Lee-sa Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I would have liked to known more about the journal, felt the story was a little incomplete. Moving onto the next book in the series.

[CAROL HELMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one bugs me

Been following Carter through 5 books so far. Not sure about this one. Bug guy was interesting and educational. She is a kick ass FBI profiler that gets deeply involved with the victims as she looks for the killer. Great plot and gripping writing makes these books go so fast. Enjoy this pair of authors

[Melanie Foxfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet may have left the FBI but she's not about to stop doing what she's good at - finding the bad guy. Now a free agent, Darger works as a consultant to law enforcement and so far it seems to be keeping her out of trouble with authority. But it's not going to keep her or those she cares about out of harm's way.

Soon after starting her new job, Violet meets the surprisingly charming entomologist, Ted Fowles, and soon finds herself in over her head on a new case. It turns out she needs Ted in more ways than she could have predicted. His professional input proves instrumental, but their personal relationship will change her life.

This case is unique, and even with the extra forensics help Darger risks missing some very important details because of her own assumptions. Nobody's perfect but in this situation being wrong could mean being dead. Will Violet fit the pieces together before somebody else gets hurt, or will she even live to regret her mistakes?

This book made me realize how much Violet actually follows her heart. And it also made me realize that she NEEDS to listen to her gut to survive. It's true that she's a trained criminal profiler, but this case really demonstrates how much Darger uses her intuition, and how much can go wrong when she makes assumptions based on her training instead of trusting her instincts. Her heart is in the right place - she knows she can't save the world but she also knows she can make a difference. But the stakes are so high, she can't afford to make mistakes.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Violet Darger fan I was not disappointed. I did miss certain characters from previous books, but I also understand the need to change things up. I did miss the dynamic between the two characters. I'm sorry this is so cryptic I really don't want to give anything away. I did enjoy Ted Fowles addition to the story. Now on with the review. In my opinion this story was just as creepy as the others, but I did not find it as grisly. I found it to go into the killers head a little more than the other Violet Darger stories, I found that very interesting. It was interesting how things were setup to look one way and how Violet fell into preconceived ideas. I had a fleeting moment of the possible gender of the killer then I told myself I was crazy. I found Violet to be a little more human. In my opinion Violet was a little more open about herself this time round. In my opinion L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain write entertaining, psychological, make you think stories. Five Days Post Mortem is has action, twist and suspense. I was kept guessing till the end. In my opinion it's a on the edge of my seat, page turner. In my opinion it is worth reading, if you like mystery and suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.

[Kristy Gilham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have tried to like these books but this character just shows zero growth. She once again heads into a dangerous situation without calling for any back up - and in this book she was not law enforcement so had no business checking out a lead in the first place. Her actions again get another person killed and she faces zero consequences.
Also is she going to jump into bed with every new character? She was so in love with Owen but then let him go without a fight. Her unprofessionalism is rampant.
Loshak was the reason I had kept reading and after he was reduced to basically nothing in the last book, on top of the constant references to him hiding secrets - all while Violet is holding back extremely important leads. What did he do when she told him all she had been keeping from him? Nothing, just got on with helping her. Her response to him hiding a secret about a case very personal to him was to have a tantrum. Loshak being completely absent from this one I am done with this series.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain have created one of the best FBI thriller series that I’ve read. With the release of each new book I’m left in awe that they were able to best their last. Violet Darger returns in Five Days Post Mortem, while she is still on sabbatical from the FBI, she takes a consulting profiler role in a serial killer investigation, and what an investigation she gets involved in. Along with being action packed, the inclusion of Entomology and Jungian psychology make this story almost impossible to put down – lack of sleep forced me to read it in two sittings. If you are a fan of Violet Darger or Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta, Five Days Post Mortem will not disappoint, and if you are new to this series, reading this book will likely create the need to go back and read the previous Varger and Loshak books. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.

[Wayward Readers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Violet Darger series and while most books in this series can be supported as stand-alone reads, this one in particular needs the support of the series in order to fully appreciate its value. In this installment, we find Darger working a case in a bit of a different capacity. She finds herself out of her comfort zone, alone without her partner, Loshak, and feeling vulnerable from life’s recent events. For veteran readers of this series, it will be a surprise to see Darger with less of her usual edge and more emotionally sensitive. While this does allow for a broader perspective into the character, Violet’s alpha presence and humor is what draws the reader to this series. That was not felt as much in this book. Still a good read. 4 stars.

[Tim Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realise until after starting that this was the fifth book of the Violet Darger series, so one of my next to-do’s is to catch up on books 1-4. This still works as a standalone serial killer thriller in rural Oregon. It starts quite slowly but throughout the pace gathers to a breathless climax. There are clues to the identity of the killer, I probably put 80% of them together, but the revelation still shocks. Definitely recommended.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Violet Darger book. It was over too fast. Though I was swiping the pages really fast at the end as I got more nervous about what was happening!

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Darger, a FBI Profiler is taking a break from the bureaucracy and trying life in the private sector. She is tracking down a serial killer. There are a lot of twist and turns which make for a good book!

[Mike Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dating Floaters

Written from the viewpoint of a woman who had been working with the FBI as a profiler before being injured on the job causing her to take leave and a consultant job.The job involves a serial killer who provides POV insights.

[Gary Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good one

I’ve always enjoyed these books and the series as a whole. This one is a great book. The story is a page turner from the beginning. You also get to have the personal side of violet dodger. And then you get to learn about the side of evil as it unfolded in the story. The dialogue is crisp The flow of the story is very good. It’s definitely a page turner.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great well-written read with a really good twist on who the killer is.

[Charlene Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Author to me.

A fast paced epic story that reels you in from the first page. An excellent book. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book but didn't grab me like some other books do.

[Keysman Keith Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times a thrill ride...

and at times puzzling, but nevertheless an adventure of human nature and self exploration. Violet Darger hunts for a serial murderer in a small town. She teams up with Fowles, an intelligent bug lover, and the affable sheriff in the town to catch a serial killer that dumps the bodies in the local river. When least expected, Fowler is killed and Violet stumbles into the real killer, who is out to get Violet next! Sometimes thrilling and sometimes low key, murder is always underfoot!

[Kurt R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Darger series. Women are turning up floating down the river. Darger, on hiatus from the FBI, is working as a consultant for Prescott Consultants, complete with a new partner who will teach you more about maggots and larva then you ever wanted to know. Lots or twists and turns, a couple very sad parts, and a major plot twist that I kinda suspected but was surprised when it happened. Another great book.

[Jan Hoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

This book was hard to put down. Guessed who the killer was waiting to see if they picked up the same clues. Sad ending.

[Stephanie Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extras Sadness Accompanies Another Twisting Take

As my time with Violet Darger comes to an end, I wonder how I will fill the hours and what could possibly measure up to her story. She's become real for me in many ways and I will miss her when she hours. Huzzah for another successful novel.

[Charles E. Kochan Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps getting better

I really enjoy the progression of Violet over time and hope she goes back to the FBI soon and works with Victor

[Hel Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant again. I just hope Violet realises that shes better off with the FBI and goes back to them. More importantly she goes back to Loshak because they worked well together and he tried to look out for her. Let's hope she comes to her senses and does that. This book lacked the Loshak connection.

[Sandra Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story

I love this series highlighting Violet Darger. I've read them all and looking forward to reading book 6 as soon as it hits my Kindle. Totally exciting and very well written.

[Ken Rowland Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good twist to the serial killer craze taken hold around the world. Sort of predictable at an early point in the book but still intriguing to the end. Could’ve had an alternate ending in my mind but I’m no paid writer.

[Eileen623 · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page this book had my attention. I’ve read a bunch of books in a short amount of time so my brain is a little mushy and saturated. I find myself wanting to skip to the end just to get to the good part because I’ve read so many books. Not this one! I really didn’t want to read blood guts and gore in the prologue and thank goodness I didn’t have to. It started with the neighborhood grouch seeing something on at his neighbors house. I’m not going to spoil anything for anyone. But after he goes to assist his neighbor things get really good and continue on a good track. You’ve got the main plot with an underlying romance. Sometimes I find there is too much emphasis on the romance. I am no prude and do not shy away from explicit descriptions of hot steamy sticky sex but sometimes that detracts from the suspense and mystery. Not so with this story. The revelations come a little bit at a time but the writer does not lollygag nor hurry in delivering them. My only gripe is I want another violet and Victor series!