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Hester Thursby Mystery #3
Watch Her
“Quirky characters complement the suspenseful plot. Readers will agree that a failing school makes a grade-A mystery.” —Publishers Weekly
“Complex…a masterly mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews
Fans of Ruth Ware and B.A. Paris won’t want to miss this complex psychological thriller from an acclaimed author about a powerful Boston family desperate to keep their darkest secrets from coming to light.
While attending a gala at Prescott University’s lavish new campus, Hester Thursby and fellow guest, Detective Angela White, are called to the home of the college’s owners, Tucker and Jennifer Matson. Jennifer claims that someone broke into Pinebank, their secluded mansion on the banks of Jamaica Pond. The more Hester and Angela investigate, the less they believe Jennifer’s story, leaving Hester to wonder why she would lie.
When Hester is asked by the college’s general manager to locate some missing alumni, she employs her research skills on the family and their for-profit university. Between financial transgressions, a long-ago tragedy, and rumors of infidelity, it’s clear that the Matsons aren’t immune to scandal or mishap. But when one of the missing students turns up dead, the mystery takes on new urgency.
Hester is edging closer to the truth, but as a decades-old secret collides with new lies, a killer grows more determined to keep the past buried with the dead. . . .
“Hits that elusive sweet spot yet again with an impeccable blend of intelligent and relatable characters confronted with a dangerous and complex crime in a fascinating setting. Hill masterfully ratchets up the tension until it's impossible to look away. Hester Thursby fans will not be disappointed!” —Karen Dionne, award-winning bestselling author of The Wicked Sister
“Suspenseful…a grade-A mystery.”— Publishers Weekly
“Complex…a masterly mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews
Fans of Ruth Ware and B.A. Paris won’t want to miss this complex psychological thriller from an acclaimed author about a powerful Boston family desperate to keep their darkest secrets from coming to light.
While attending a gala at Prescott University’s lavish new campus, Hester Thursby and fellow guest, Detective Angela White, are called to the home of the college’s owners, Tucker and Jennifer Matson. Jennifer claims that someone broke into Pinebank, their secluded mansion on the banks of Jamaica Pond. The more Hester and Angela investigate, the less they believe Jennifer’s story, leaving Hester to wonder why she would lie.
When Hester is asked by the college’s general manager to locate some missing alumni, she employs her research skills on the family and their for-profit university. Between financial transgressions, a long-ago tragedy, and rumors of infidelity, it’s clear that the Matsons aren’t immune to scandal or mishap. But when one of the missing students turns up dead, the mystery takes on new urgency.
Hester is edging closer to the truth, but as a decades-old secret collides with new lies, a killer grows more determined to keep the past buried with the dead. . . .
“Hits that elusive sweet spot yet again with an impeccable blend of intelligent and relatable characters confronted with a dangerous and complex crime in a fascinating setting. Hill masterfully ratchets up the tension until it's impossible to look away. Hester Thursby fans will not be disappointed!” —Karen Dionne, award-winning bestselling author of The Wicked Sister
“Suspenseful…a grade-A mystery.”— Publishers Weekly
368 pages, Hardcover
First published December 29, 2020
141 people are currently reading
3588 people want to read
About the author
Edwin Hill
8 books737 followersEdwin Hill is the Edgar and Agatha Award–nominated author of the standalone thrillers What Happened Next, Who to Believe, and The Secrets We Share, and three mysteries featuring Harvard-librarian Hester Thursby Little Comfort, The Missing Ones, and Watch Her. He has been featured in Us Weekly magazine, received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and Library Journal, and was recognized as one of Six Crime Writers to Watch in Mystery Scene magazine. Edwin lives in Roslindale, Massachusetts, with his partner, Michael, and his favorite reviewer, their Lab Edith Ann, who likes Edwin’s first drafts enough to eat them.
Visit edwin-hill.com for more information.
Visit edwin-hill.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
February 8, 2021
Watch Her is a great continuation to the Hester Thursby Mystery series. All of my favorite characters returned. Hester is determined to find out what is going on like always. Hester and Morgan start to open up to each other and share about their pasts. Hester starts to think about what Morgan wants rather than just what she wants. Angela is in this book more than the others and is a great character. The story was very intriguing and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on. Watch Her includes scandal, lies, and protecting others. I like all the strong female characters in Watch Her especially Hester and Angela. Maxine and Jennifer were interesting characters. They are best friends but do not always treat each other the best. Maxine is trying to be a mother figure to Vanessa, but Jennifer is Vanessa’s mother. There was so much mystery around Barret and I kept switching between thinking he was good or bad. I love this series and hope there will be a book 4.
Thank you Kensington, Books Forward PR, and NetGalley for Watch Her.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Kensington, Books Forward PR, and NetGalley for Watch Her.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
June 25, 2020
Five out of 5 stars? You better believe it! I spent a year sweating over this book, and I love every page of it. Here are a few things I can tell you about WATCH HER: expect a grand tour of Harvard's Widener Library; Angela White plays a major role; fans of Morgan will be happy; and Hester Thursby explores her fascination with seventies cop show POLICE WOMAN and George Eliot's ADAM BEDE while untangling a nearly thirty-year-old accidental death that may not have been an accident.
December 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Hester is a most unique heroine and her circle of friends are all well drawn and add tremendously to the story. While Hester is still a dedicated researcher, she is less likely to put herself in harms way as a result of the previous experience. I like this change and the bits of lightness that are also part of this book.
The story centers around the family who own a private for-profit, art institute and their university. There are secrets that go back a generation, and they are guiding some of the decisions that are being made in the current story. That leads to a murder, the discovery of a cover-up, and the revelation of long-buried issues. All of these things weave together into an excellent book that is hard to put down, even for short breaks.
Follow this link for a full review: https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
The story centers around the family who own a private for-profit, art institute and their university. There are secrets that go back a generation, and they are guiding some of the decisions that are being made in the current story. That leads to a murder, the discovery of a cover-up, and the revelation of long-buried issues. All of these things weave together into an excellent book that is hard to put down, even for short breaks.
Follow this link for a full review: https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
April 7, 2021
A great mystery is a rare thing to find these days. First, you have to have a story that reels you in slowly and keeps you trying to solve it before the last page. It should be full of details but not tedious and have characters of questionable intent that will make you wondering who is the culprit in the caper.
Secondly and perhaps most importantly, your protagonist needs to appeal to the audience. They can be sly and debonair or they could be a quirky, determined, intelligent, feisty character like Hester Thursby.
Watch Her by Edwin Hill is the third installment in the Hester Thursby series. Edwin Hill knows a good mystery and delivers again with a slow-burn of non-stop suspense that ignites into an inferno that will keep you guessing until the end.
Harvard librarian Hester is the sleuth with the perfect mixture of book smarts and common sense. She is determined to find out what is going on and not afraid to enlist the help of others like her boyfriend Morgan and her friend Detective Angela White.
Angela and Hester are called to the home of one of Boston's most powerful educational families. The Matsons, who run the prestigious Prescott University, have been the victims of a break-in. Or have they? Why would matriarch Jennifer Matson lie?
Hestor is then asked by the university to do additional research on their alumni and suddenly Hestor finds out there are cracks in everyone's stories. Lies and deceit are enough to keep the reader wanting more but add murder to the mix and Hester has a full-blown explosion on her hands.
Reading the first two Hester Thursby books will give you insights and background information on the relationships especially between Hester and Morgan but this is a well-written mystery that can be a stand alone.
I recommend Watch Her for fans that love a good mystery without all the gimmicks but a startlingly good story.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #WatchHer
February 12, 2021
This was my first Edwin Hill book, and I found it to be a solid, intelligent, and well-characterized mystery with compelling characters. I particularly enjoyed Hester Thursby, a quirky and non-traditional non-detective "detective" with a knack for finding missing people. I also loved the Jamaica Plain, Mass. setting and Hill peppers the book with a lot of Jamaica Plain and Massachusetts history, which I found really interesting.
This book has a couple of intertwining mysteries surrounding a for-profit college run by a wealthy family with secrets and mysteries. Though there's no actual murder for a little while, the twin mysteries of a decades-old child death and present=day missing people will keep you interested until then.
Edwin Hill's characters are well-drawn, quirky, and a breath of fresh air from the more recent genre regulars. Hester is a VERY reliable narrator and a fun main character. I am interested enough to read more books from this solid and interesting series.
Thanks to Kensington Books, the author and NetGalley for the introduction to Hester. I'm looking forward to learning more about her previous exploits.
This book has a couple of intertwining mysteries surrounding a for-profit college run by a wealthy family with secrets and mysteries. Though there's no actual murder for a little while, the twin mysteries of a decades-old child death and present=day missing people will keep you interested until then.
Edwin Hill's characters are well-drawn, quirky, and a breath of fresh air from the more recent genre regulars. Hester is a VERY reliable narrator and a fun main character. I am interested enough to read more books from this solid and interesting series.
Thanks to Kensington Books, the author and NetGalley for the introduction to Hester. I'm looking forward to learning more about her previous exploits.
December 18, 2020
Watch Her is definitely a book that you can casually read and still enjoy, even if you aren't keeping track of all the details. One thing that was different about this book than other detective fiction is that it has a lot of time jumps, short chapters, and switching perspectives. The dialogue is easy to read and the characters are differentiated well, but my problem more was with the mystery itself. I think this novel was lacking in suspense compared to other whodunits I read, and I wasn't really feeling that much of an intensity or desire to figure out what really happened. In a similar situation to The Lost Man by Jane Harper, while I could still enjoy the ending and characters, the mystery wasn't as compelling as I had hoped it to be. I'm sure Edwin Hill has written many other great crime novels though, which I'm sure to check out. This had a pretty good start, but did lose my attention here and there.
December 8, 2020
Excellent slow-burn mystery
In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.
I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.
Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.
I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.
Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
December 30, 2020
I loved this book in so many ways. The story was intriguing and not your typical mystery. A lot of it was about family and dynamics although there was also murder. I think what I loved best was how diverse the cast of characters were. Not only by gender and race but by orientation including a transgender character. It added a layer of realism for me. This was book three in a series and while I hadn’t read the other two (yet, they’ve been ordered now) I was able to follow along pretty easily with this story. The story is told from a variety of perspectives and I’ll admit it was a little confusing the first few chapters to figure out who was connected to who how but once I got that mapped together it was an all together engrossing story. There’s something fishy at Prescott University - a private for profit university in Boston that is a family business for the Matson family. Numbers of student data aren’t adding up and the trail leads in some surprising directions including hinting at past scandal for the Matsons.
January 16, 2021
This psychological thriller’s setting is on the prestigious Prescott University, a private for-profit college. The Matson family runs the institute and lives in a beautiful mansion on campus. In no time, you realize Jennifer and Tucker Matson are covering up something, but you will be shocked with what all they have to hide, as well as their son, daughter and her husband, and lifelong family friend and coworker of Tucker’s, Maxine.
When students begin to disappear from campus, some shady collaborators appear to be involved, so Hester, a librarian/researcher, and detective Angela take the case to locate them.
The family appears to have secrets not just with the students disappearing, but also a tragedy of a baby that happened 30 years ago. When the search for the students collide with the family’s secrets, this makes for a tension building plot then a body of a student is found on a campus. Hester and Detective Angela become at risk when they get too close to a killer.
I enjoyed the hunt for the truth, but wish I could have read it in one setting because I kept losing track of the characters and had to draw up a diagram with descriptions of each. LOL
Thanks NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my review.
When students begin to disappear from campus, some shady collaborators appear to be involved, so Hester, a librarian/researcher, and detective Angela take the case to locate them.
The family appears to have secrets not just with the students disappearing, but also a tragedy of a baby that happened 30 years ago. When the search for the students collide with the family’s secrets, this makes for a tension building plot then a body of a student is found on a campus. Hester and Detective Angela become at risk when they get too close to a killer.
I enjoyed the hunt for the truth, but wish I could have read it in one setting because I kept losing track of the characters and had to draw up a diagram with descriptions of each. LOL
Thanks NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my review.
December 29, 2020
Edwin Hill is one of my favorite authors so I could not wait to dive into book 3 in The Hester Thursby Mystery series. Though I love this series so much I recommend you read every one of them, this would be a great stand alone book.Personally I didn’t think I could love this series anymore until I finished this book! Hester is moving on with her life after the many unfortunate events that had happened and she has grown as a character I have loved since book one! In this book Hester and her Detective friend Angela get a call to check out a break in. It does not take long for them to see something is off with this family. As always there is secrets long buried under the surface and together they will face evil but will they become victims before they can solve this twisted mystery? You’ll have to read to find out! Fans of Lisa Jackson and Ruth aware need to read this fast paced suspenseful thriller! Loved it and can’t wait to read more books by this author!
December 5, 2020
This is the third book in this suspense series. Long buried secrets and lies are coming to light in this next installment. Hester Thursby and Detective Angela White are investigating why the owners of Prescott University say someone broke into their home but Hester and Angela aren't sure they believe them. But why would they lie? This was fast paced suspense that kept me guessing at what was coming next. I love the whole University secrets and lies. I have really enjoyed all three books in this series. Each one is better than the last. I recommend this series for suspense fans. You won't be disappointed.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Review
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Review
Hudson Valley NY
January 17, 2021
I loved the first two books in this series. They were both excellent and page turners. This one however is just not good. I've read 38% and there is still no action or murder. Nothing to hold my interest. I feel I have given it way more time than I would have most books and I feel awful that it's not holding my interest.
I see nothing about anyone being killed. It just hit on the missing students yet still nothing that makes me want more or feel there is an edge of your seat thriller or mystery going on. I honestly am shocked after reading the reviews on other places. I expected this to be a wonderful story. A real mystery. Hester Thursby is not at her best in this book. I am so disappointed. I absolutely loved the first two books. They took off and didn't let go. This one is just dragging. If it gets better that is great but I have already given it way more of my time than I ever have other books that dragged this bad.
I can not in good consciousness recommend this book.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #EdwinHill, #Kensington for this ARC. These are my own true feelings about this book.
2.5/5 stars from me.
I see nothing about anyone being killed. It just hit on the missing students yet still nothing that makes me want more or feel there is an edge of your seat thriller or mystery going on. I honestly am shocked after reading the reviews on other places. I expected this to be a wonderful story. A real mystery. Hester Thursby is not at her best in this book. I am so disappointed. I absolutely loved the first two books. They took off and didn't let go. This one is just dragging. If it gets better that is great but I have already given it way more of my time than I ever have other books that dragged this bad.
I can not in good consciousness recommend this book.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #EdwinHill, #Kensington for this ARC. These are my own true feelings about this book.
2.5/5 stars from me.
March 11, 2021
Watch Her by Edwin Hill
Hester Thursby Mystery #3
Book three of the series sees Hester and Morgan cohabiting and caring for his niece Katie as they work, live, and love one another. Their relationship has weathered nine years so far and Morgan wouldn’t mind having Hester more than a roommate. This is a story of family and secrets…HUGE secrets. This story is complex, dark, sometimes grim, filled with strong characters, and very hard to define in a paragraph. I will contemplate it for a while, I am sure.
What I liked:
* Morgan: intelligent, caring, intriguing, interesting, patient, and wise
* Katie: precocious, young (5), loving, brings lightness to the story
* Hester: inquisitive, excellent researching skills, outgoing, conflicted, good friend, complex, shows growth in each book.
* Getting to see some of the characters from previous books
* The past as it impacts the present in more than one life
* That characters are deep and well structured with more than one layer
* That some characters that seemed unlikeable had hidden traits that I came to understand and admire
* The way the many threads finally came together
* That though I felt it was “slow” in the beginning it was well worth reading
* Seeing the relationship between Morgan and Hester move forward in a positive way
* Angie’s situation…intrigued me for some reason
* Barrett: I found this person interesting and complex…wonder how it will work out ultimately in their life.
* Maxine: Not sure that I *liked* her but I did want to learn more about her. Felt the same about Jennifer as I read more of the story.
* That it seemed “real” in all of its dark gritty glory
* It wasn’t an easy read and it left me thinking even when I finished…what would *I* have done if in the shoes of some of the characters.
What I didn’t like:
* The secrets and how they were used negatively
* The coverups…and the impact they had and may have in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Hester Thursby Mystery #3
Book three of the series sees Hester and Morgan cohabiting and caring for his niece Katie as they work, live, and love one another. Their relationship has weathered nine years so far and Morgan wouldn’t mind having Hester more than a roommate. This is a story of family and secrets…HUGE secrets. This story is complex, dark, sometimes grim, filled with strong characters, and very hard to define in a paragraph. I will contemplate it for a while, I am sure.
What I liked:
* Morgan: intelligent, caring, intriguing, interesting, patient, and wise
* Katie: precocious, young (5), loving, brings lightness to the story
* Hester: inquisitive, excellent researching skills, outgoing, conflicted, good friend, complex, shows growth in each book.
* Getting to see some of the characters from previous books
* The past as it impacts the present in more than one life
* That characters are deep and well structured with more than one layer
* That some characters that seemed unlikeable had hidden traits that I came to understand and admire
* The way the many threads finally came together
* That though I felt it was “slow” in the beginning it was well worth reading
* Seeing the relationship between Morgan and Hester move forward in a positive way
* Angie’s situation…intrigued me for some reason
* Barrett: I found this person interesting and complex…wonder how it will work out ultimately in their life.
* Maxine: Not sure that I *liked* her but I did want to learn more about her. Felt the same about Jennifer as I read more of the story.
* That it seemed “real” in all of its dark gritty glory
* It wasn’t an easy read and it left me thinking even when I finished…what would *I* have done if in the shoes of some of the characters.
What I didn’t like:
* The secrets and how they were used negatively
* The coverups…and the impact they had and may have in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
January 4, 2021
Hester Thursby is a librarian at Harvard. She has a talent for using her research skills for finding people. Hester, her partner Morgan and her friend Angela, a sergeant with the Boston police, attend the opening of an art gallery at for-profit Prescott University. Hester and Angela are brought into the lives of the owners of the University – the wealthy Matson family, who appear to be hiding many secrets. Angela reports to Stan, whose sister is Maxine, the university’s general manager. Maxine is strangely involved in every aspect of the Matson’s lives.
First Angela is asked to investigate a break-in at the Matson mansion. Then Maxine asks Hester to help with some research and she soon discovers irregularities going on at the university. As the story evolves, it is clear bad things have happened in the past and are taking place now in this slow-burn mystery. Then the inevitable happens, someone is murdered. I enjoyed how this entertaining story unfolded.
Watch Her is Edwin Hill’s third book in his Hester Thursby series. It looked so good that I jumped in without reading the first two. And while it would have explained some things, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. The author has created a diverse universe of people including strong women and several LGBTQ characters, which is good to see. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
First Angela is asked to investigate a break-in at the Matson mansion. Then Maxine asks Hester to help with some research and she soon discovers irregularities going on at the university. As the story evolves, it is clear bad things have happened in the past and are taking place now in this slow-burn mystery. Then the inevitable happens, someone is murdered. I enjoyed how this entertaining story unfolded.
Watch Her is Edwin Hill’s third book in his Hester Thursby series. It looked so good that I jumped in without reading the first two. And while it would have explained some things, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. The author has created a diverse universe of people including strong women and several LGBTQ characters, which is good to see. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
May 30, 2022
Oh Mr Hill, I hate to pan you, so I won’t. Your acknowledgment is so humble and down to earth that I’d feel awful saying anything less than gracious about this book.
I have spent three days with Hester and crew and wish there was a Book #4 that I could continue with - soon? Kate barely made an appearance in this story, fine by me, and Angela had the leading roll. Hester always keeps it all together while solving the mystery.
What I missed was your usual exciting scenarios that I can’t read fast enough. This episode didn’t have the “I can’t put it down factor.” But I still love you!
I have spent three days with Hester and crew and wish there was a Book #4 that I could continue with - soon? Kate barely made an appearance in this story, fine by me, and Angela had the leading roll. Hester always keeps it all together while solving the mystery.
What I missed was your usual exciting scenarios that I can’t read fast enough. This episode didn’t have the “I can’t put it down factor.” But I still love you!
October 19, 2020
This is the third book in the Hester Thursby Mystery series, and I can honestly say each one is better than the last, which is a pretty grand feat considering the preceding titles have also been amazing!
Hester and Angela are a brilliant dynamic duo, whom I hope we'll see more their sleuthing powers working together. I know, I know, Hester isn't supposed to be doing the police work, we should leave it to Angela, but darn it, she's quite good at it!
I enjoyed Morgan's and Hester's game of avoiding the tough questions by asking the simple questions about their past lives and how those answers might help them to move forward with their relationship... I also love how Hester seems to be growing and rather than relying on her own independence, she seeks Morgan's input as she digs into what seems to be a straightforward assignment--which of course is anything but.
As Hester seeks to find the answers she was hired to find, she stumbles across a secret that was buried many years ago, and all the key players never intended for the truth to be revealed.
Edwin Hill's has woven yet another 5-star read featuring Hester Thursby, she may be slight in build, but she is a force to be reckoned with.
Hester and Angela are a brilliant dynamic duo, whom I hope we'll see more their sleuthing powers working together. I know, I know, Hester isn't supposed to be doing the police work, we should leave it to Angela, but darn it, she's quite good at it!
I enjoyed Morgan's and Hester's game of avoiding the tough questions by asking the simple questions about their past lives and how those answers might help them to move forward with their relationship... I also love how Hester seems to be growing and rather than relying on her own independence, she seeks Morgan's input as she digs into what seems to be a straightforward assignment--which of course is anything but.
As Hester seeks to find the answers she was hired to find, she stumbles across a secret that was buried many years ago, and all the key players never intended for the truth to be revealed.
Edwin Hill's has woven yet another 5-star read featuring Hester Thursby, she may be slight in build, but she is a force to be reckoned with.
June 25, 2020
The third Hester Thursby novel is Edwin Hill’s best work to date. One of the best mystery/crime fiction writers in the business. He keeps setting the bar high and easily soaring over it.
October 19, 2020
Another excellent mystery in a great series that just keeps getting better. Can’t wait for the next one to find out what Hester is up to
December 21, 2020
I loved this book! It was so good. Everyone had secrets and it made it a page turner. I can't wait to read more from Edwin Hill.
January 29, 2021
A tightly plotted, fast-paced thriller full of memorable characters, and with more than one mystery at its core. It was a pleasure to read!
March 28, 2021
This is a wonderful third book in this series. I could not put this book down. The characters are wonderfully written. I hope this is not an end to the series.
January 12, 2021
Watch Her is the third book in the Hester Thursby series, and I will say up front that this is an exceptional mystery. While it is not necessary to read the preceding books, it would likely add even more depth to a cast of characters so already fleshed out they could, in another, magical world, simply walk off the paper and into the real world without missing a beat or seeming out of place.
Hester is an information-digging, crime-solving dynamo. Paired with Detective Angela White in a nonofficial way, Hester blazes through the book, listening to what people tell her and what they do not. Her musings on what she has been told, and what she tells other people - including Morgan, with whom she lives - are some of the finest indirect action I've seen in a mystery. Nothing gets bogged down, the internal dialogue doesn't veer into infodump territory, and those dialogues are organic, exactly how I would imagine would think them through.
Hester has been hired by a wealthy family to perform what is, to her, a simple task: sorting through information to complete a project and present her conclusions. The only speedbump winds up being a police report about a breakin at that wealthy family's house that sounds off to both Hester and Angela, and which launches us into a decades-old mystery, with a current mystery as a chaser.
There is a rather large cast - this is just a note, not a particular warning, since paying attention will keep you squared away on who is who, how they're related, and what animals they own.
It seems that everyone in this book has a secret: the circumstances surrounding a drowned child, a secret (or not so secret) affair, a cop who did something no cop should do, a woman who has not been out of her house in years.. I'm curious as to whether the author was playing a bit on the title - Watch Her to Watcher is not a big step to make when secrets start spilling out toward the end.
The ending wraps up nicely, the only loose end being the now strained relationship between our two leads due to the events of the book. I've no doubt they will patch things up in their next outing, something I am looking forward to, whenever it comes out.
The only ding I'd give it would be the "Chicken Day" painting, full of blood. It's a reference to processing meat chickens, which I myself do each year. Certainly there is some blood, but it doesn't look like your average slasher flick.
Five out of five stars.
Thanks to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the review copy.
Hester is an information-digging, crime-solving dynamo. Paired with Detective Angela White in a nonofficial way, Hester blazes through the book, listening to what people tell her and what they do not. Her musings on what she has been told, and what she tells other people - including Morgan, with whom she lives - are some of the finest indirect action I've seen in a mystery. Nothing gets bogged down, the internal dialogue doesn't veer into infodump territory, and those dialogues are organic, exactly how I would imagine would think them through.
Hester has been hired by a wealthy family to perform what is, to her, a simple task: sorting through information to complete a project and present her conclusions. The only speedbump winds up being a police report about a breakin at that wealthy family's house that sounds off to both Hester and Angela, and which launches us into a decades-old mystery, with a current mystery as a chaser.
There is a rather large cast - this is just a note, not a particular warning, since paying attention will keep you squared away on who is who, how they're related, and what animals they own.
It seems that everyone in this book has a secret: the circumstances surrounding a drowned child, a secret (or not so secret) affair, a cop who did something no cop should do, a woman who has not been out of her house in years.. I'm curious as to whether the author was playing a bit on the title - Watch Her to Watcher is not a big step to make when secrets start spilling out toward the end.
The ending wraps up nicely, the only loose end being the now strained relationship between our two leads due to the events of the book. I've no doubt they will patch things up in their next outing, something I am looking forward to, whenever it comes out.
The only ding I'd give it would be the "Chicken Day" painting, full of blood. It's a reference to processing meat chickens, which I myself do each year. Certainly there is some blood, but it doesn't look like your average slasher flick.
Five out of five stars.
Thanks to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the review copy.
December 2, 2020
Edwin Hill did it again!
First, let me thank “Goodreads Giveaway” and Kensington Publishers for my giveaway winnings! I have never won a giveaway and it was the best one to get! I devoured this third book, in the Hester Thursby Mysteries Series, “Watch Her” within 24 hours. I had the privilege of hearing the author speak at a local library event, after the publication of his first novel in this series. I quickly became a fan and pre-ordered his second novel.
Hills’ main character, Hester Thursby, is a quirky librarian with a complicated personality, who works at Widener Library in the ivy, Harvard University (thanks for the historical piece). In her off-duty time Hester finds missing persons. That premise alone, affords itself to a wide variety of plots and adventures. The series’ casts of characters are so unique and you just know there is depth to each one of them that Hill will skillfully reveal with each new episode. The intricate plots and his skillful writing develops with each release. and he continues to draw the reader in from page one. The tension builds until the end, which truly tied the themes all together and surprised me. Bravo!
This particular release hit the mark for me. The setting of the story is uniquely Boston – particularly focused on Jamaica Pond and the Emerald Necklace, where Frederick Olmstead worked his magnificent design talents. The Pinebank Mansion, in all its glory, comes alive again! The city setting will certainly resonate with all readers, you can feel the city beat, however, Bostonian locals will be thrilled with the subtleties - Doyle’s, the red line, the green line, the street art and so much more. I did have to look some things up, including the difference between whisky, neat and straight up – ha! The story line this time of a for-profit academic institution and the secrets of the family behind it met my reading needs.
Hester, Morgan and Kate’s complicated history is woven exquisitely into the story line and thank you Edwin, for Morgan, in this release. I was the one in the audience that night at the library who was not a fan. You told me to hang on, as more would be revealed about his character and he might grow on me - you came through in this third release. Maxine, Jennifer, Tucker, Vanessa, and little Rachel – such a heart breaking journey, each in their own way. The secrets of the family behind Prescott University will stay with me for a long time.
So, Hester – what’s up next?
Looking forward to 2021!
First, let me thank “Goodreads Giveaway” and Kensington Publishers for my giveaway winnings! I have never won a giveaway and it was the best one to get! I devoured this third book, in the Hester Thursby Mysteries Series, “Watch Her” within 24 hours. I had the privilege of hearing the author speak at a local library event, after the publication of his first novel in this series. I quickly became a fan and pre-ordered his second novel.
Hills’ main character, Hester Thursby, is a quirky librarian with a complicated personality, who works at Widener Library in the ivy, Harvard University (thanks for the historical piece). In her off-duty time Hester finds missing persons. That premise alone, affords itself to a wide variety of plots and adventures. The series’ casts of characters are so unique and you just know there is depth to each one of them that Hill will skillfully reveal with each new episode. The intricate plots and his skillful writing develops with each release. and he continues to draw the reader in from page one. The tension builds until the end, which truly tied the themes all together and surprised me. Bravo!
This particular release hit the mark for me. The setting of the story is uniquely Boston – particularly focused on Jamaica Pond and the Emerald Necklace, where Frederick Olmstead worked his magnificent design talents. The Pinebank Mansion, in all its glory, comes alive again! The city setting will certainly resonate with all readers, you can feel the city beat, however, Bostonian locals will be thrilled with the subtleties - Doyle’s, the red line, the green line, the street art and so much more. I did have to look some things up, including the difference between whisky, neat and straight up – ha! The story line this time of a for-profit academic institution and the secrets of the family behind it met my reading needs.
Hester, Morgan and Kate’s complicated history is woven exquisitely into the story line and thank you Edwin, for Morgan, in this release. I was the one in the audience that night at the library who was not a fan. You told me to hang on, as more would be revealed about his character and he might grow on me - you came through in this third release. Maxine, Jennifer, Tucker, Vanessa, and little Rachel – such a heart breaking journey, each in their own way. The secrets of the family behind Prescott University will stay with me for a long time.
So, Hester – what’s up next?
Looking forward to 2021!
December 29, 2020
4.5 stars.
Watch Her by Edwin Hill is a multi-layered mystery that is quite riveting. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Hester Thursby Mystery series, it can be as a standalone.
Hester Thursby and her not husband Morgan Maguire attend a for profit college's opening with their friend Detective Angela White. During the evening, the college owner's wife, Jennifer Matson, reports a burglary at their home to her friend and college administrator, Maxine Pawlikowki. Maxine requests Angela's assistance and they, along with Hester, try to figure out what occurred at Jennifer's house. Both Hester and Angela are skeptical of her story after their search turns up no evidence anything is missing. Within a few days, Maxine asks Hester to uncover what happened to some of the university alumni who seem to have vanished.
Due to some very close calls in previous cases, Hester is making more of an effort to remain safe while she tries to unearth the truth about what is going on at Prescott University. She is also making progress with opening up to Morgan about her past. Despite their long standing relationship, Hester has been very tight-lipped about herself. In the process of revealing important details about herself, she is also discovering new information about Morgan. Coming to terms with her past is imperative to some important decisions Hester is contemplating.
With Hester on the sidelines, Angela becomes interested in events from the Matson family's past. Her boss is Maxine's brother, Stan, and she is shocked to learn he worked a case involving the Matsons in the late nineties. Treading very lightly, Angela has a lot of questions about that investigation and she requests Hester's assistance to find answers.
Watch Her is a captivating mystery that takes many twists and turns. Hester, Morgan and Angela continue to grow and evolve which adds much more depth to their respective characters. Hester and Angela's cases eventually entwine after a tragic murder. With long-held secrets in danger of being exposed, Edwin Hill brings this intriguing mystery to a dramatic conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this latest addition to the Hester Thursby Mystery series fans of the genre.
Watch Her by Edwin Hill is a multi-layered mystery that is quite riveting. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Hester Thursby Mystery series, it can be as a standalone.
Hester Thursby and her not husband Morgan Maguire attend a for profit college's opening with their friend Detective Angela White. During the evening, the college owner's wife, Jennifer Matson, reports a burglary at their home to her friend and college administrator, Maxine Pawlikowki. Maxine requests Angela's assistance and they, along with Hester, try to figure out what occurred at Jennifer's house. Both Hester and Angela are skeptical of her story after their search turns up no evidence anything is missing. Within a few days, Maxine asks Hester to uncover what happened to some of the university alumni who seem to have vanished.
Due to some very close calls in previous cases, Hester is making more of an effort to remain safe while she tries to unearth the truth about what is going on at Prescott University. She is also making progress with opening up to Morgan about her past. Despite their long standing relationship, Hester has been very tight-lipped about herself. In the process of revealing important details about herself, she is also discovering new information about Morgan. Coming to terms with her past is imperative to some important decisions Hester is contemplating.
With Hester on the sidelines, Angela becomes interested in events from the Matson family's past. Her boss is Maxine's brother, Stan, and she is shocked to learn he worked a case involving the Matsons in the late nineties. Treading very lightly, Angela has a lot of questions about that investigation and she requests Hester's assistance to find answers.
Watch Her is a captivating mystery that takes many twists and turns. Hester, Morgan and Angela continue to grow and evolve which adds much more depth to their respective characters. Hester and Angela's cases eventually entwine after a tragic murder. With long-held secrets in danger of being exposed, Edwin Hill brings this intriguing mystery to a dramatic conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this latest addition to the Hester Thursby Mystery series fans of the genre.
November 21, 2020
I was given an advance review copy by the publisher, via Netgalley.
Hester Thursby, Harvard librarian and expert researcher, is asked by Maxine Pawlikowski, a top administrator at the for-profit Prescott University, to research a list of names. This list has been compiled by Gavin, who married into the family that owns the university, a family to which Maxine has devoted her life. Maxine suspects that this list, which is supposed to be of recent alumni, might not be kosher, that Gavin might be up to no good. Hester’s research leads to much more than a con; it leads to a past that threatens Maxine and her whole beloved family. What will people do to protect that past secret and current wrongdoing?
Non-police detective stories are tricky. It’s one thing when the protagonist is a private detective or at least is a detective by avocation, like Poirot or Wimsey. Where it gets squirrelly for me is when there’s a series of murder mysteries featuring a baker, hair stylist, veterinarian or some other profession far removed from crime solving. How believable can you make it that somebody like that keeps stumbling across murders and finds a way to solve the crime?
Hester Thursby’s supreme research skills make it believable that she is called in to help solve data-dependent problems, and not too far-fetched that what she unearths can be criminal and a threat. Also, in this third book in the series, Edwin Hill wisely doesn’t cast Hester as some lone gumshoe, putting herself in too-stupid-too-live danger at ever turn. Instead, Hester is part of the sleuthing, because once things heat up, her friend (from the first book in the series), Boston PD’s Sergeant Detective Angela White, is on the case. Chapters in the novel alternate among four people: Hester, Angela, Maxine, and Barret, one of the students on the list. Each reveals a facet of the story, moving it forward to its thrilling conclusion.
This is a fast-paced story, but it also brings us more into the personal lives of Hester, Angela, and their families. I don’t like too much domestic content in my crime fiction, but Edwin Hill keeps a nice balance. I’ve become a fan of Hester and her family, and of Angela, the warm friend who can turn into scary Sergeant White when necessary.
I’m giving this 4 stars on Goodreads, which they say means “I really liked it,” which I did. Five stars means “it was amazing,” and I reserve that for books that flat-out dazzle me.
Hester Thursby, Harvard librarian and expert researcher, is asked by Maxine Pawlikowski, a top administrator at the for-profit Prescott University, to research a list of names. This list has been compiled by Gavin, who married into the family that owns the university, a family to which Maxine has devoted her life. Maxine suspects that this list, which is supposed to be of recent alumni, might not be kosher, that Gavin might be up to no good. Hester’s research leads to much more than a con; it leads to a past that threatens Maxine and her whole beloved family. What will people do to protect that past secret and current wrongdoing?
Non-police detective stories are tricky. It’s one thing when the protagonist is a private detective or at least is a detective by avocation, like Poirot or Wimsey. Where it gets squirrelly for me is when there’s a series of murder mysteries featuring a baker, hair stylist, veterinarian or some other profession far removed from crime solving. How believable can you make it that somebody like that keeps stumbling across murders and finds a way to solve the crime?
Hester Thursby’s supreme research skills make it believable that she is called in to help solve data-dependent problems, and not too far-fetched that what she unearths can be criminal and a threat. Also, in this third book in the series, Edwin Hill wisely doesn’t cast Hester as some lone gumshoe, putting herself in too-stupid-too-live danger at ever turn. Instead, Hester is part of the sleuthing, because once things heat up, her friend (from the first book in the series), Boston PD’s Sergeant Detective Angela White, is on the case. Chapters in the novel alternate among four people: Hester, Angela, Maxine, and Barret, one of the students on the list. Each reveals a facet of the story, moving it forward to its thrilling conclusion.
This is a fast-paced story, but it also brings us more into the personal lives of Hester, Angela, and their families. I don’t like too much domestic content in my crime fiction, but Edwin Hill keeps a nice balance. I’ve become a fan of Hester and her family, and of Angela, the warm friend who can turn into scary Sergeant White when necessary.
I’m giving this 4 stars on Goodreads, which they say means “I really liked it,” which I did. Five stars means “it was amazing,” and I reserve that for books that flat-out dazzle me.
January 15, 2021
Although I hadn't read the first two books in the series I was still able to thoroughly enjoy this story. I will definitely go back and read the other two though. I really liked this story. Hester is a librarian who solves mysteries and she is good at what she does. The dialogue for this book was easy to read and follow along even if you haven't ever read the other ones. The book starts with Hester and her friend attending a gala for Prescott University when they find out someone has broken in the university owner's home. As the story unfolds Hester quickly learns not everyone is telling the truth. As Hester starts digging she finds more than she could ever expect to find. The book takes off from there and ends with a satisfying and clear conclusion. I will definitely pick up the other two in the series as these were the perfect kind of mystery. It was not typical and a very intriguing plot line that some could say was timely. Highly recommend.
June 1, 2022
This is the second book I've read by Edwin Hill and I enjoyed it. I would say it's part police procedural/part psychological thriller. The narration switches between three different strong women as what starts out to be an investigation of a possible break-in turns out to be so much more complicated. The characters in this book are complex and there are some dysfunctional relationships between some of them. The well-rounded characters made it easy to become engrossed in this story and I would read more by this author.
June 21, 2021
Whether you're already a Hester Thursby fan or diving in for the first time, Edwin Hill's latest is an addictive, satisfying read.
November 24, 2020
An exciting third book in the Hester Thursby Mystery series.
I'm this installment our diminutive librarian and her detective friend Angela are drawn into the goings on of the family who owns a for profit Boston university. There are missing students, the death of a child, affairs and murder at the heart of this story. Although there are multiple mini plots, they all come together to make for a thrilling conclusion.
There writing is concise and descriptive while the pace is moderately fast. I'm a fan of the authors writing style. Although it is the third book of a series it does well as a stand-alone. Hester is a character to watch out for in the mystery/thriller genre and I highly recommend you get to know her if you haven't already.
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Thank you to the author and Jackie's VIP Facebook book club for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy. I look forward to the next installment!
I'm this installment our diminutive librarian and her detective friend Angela are drawn into the goings on of the family who owns a for profit Boston university. There are missing students, the death of a child, affairs and murder at the heart of this story. Although there are multiple mini plots, they all come together to make for a thrilling conclusion.
There writing is concise and descriptive while the pace is moderately fast. I'm a fan of the authors writing style. Although it is the third book of a series it does well as a stand-alone. Hester is a character to watch out for in the mystery/thriller genre and I highly recommend you get to know her if you haven't already.
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Thank you to the author and Jackie's VIP Facebook book club for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy. I look forward to the next installment!
December 6, 2020
This book is fantastic – BUT I strongly believe you need to read the first two books in this series in order to appreciate it to the full extent. Since I did not do this, there were a lot of developmental holes both in the plot and in the characters for me – but I strongly believe these would have been filled in if had read the entire series first.
For example, why is a librarian known for finding missing people? Why does 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 in this book have secrets to the extent that even being together nine years means that you know next to nothing about the other person? These kinds of holes I think would have been cleared up if I had been told to read the series first.
🆂🆈🅽🅾🅿🆂🅸🆂
𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙃𝙚𝙧 alternates narrators Maxine, Angela, Hester, and Barret. All tangled up in Prescott University – a privately owned establishment in the heart of Boston – they navigate the media, hidden motives, and secrets. But the school is only the beginning.
Maxine has devoted her life to helping the Matson family – Jennifer, Tucker, and Vanessa. The family now includes Vanessa’s husband, Gavin Dean, whom nobody seems to like. But the secrets expand beyond just disliking Gavin. Maxine and Tucker have a secret. Jennifer has a secret – possibly more than anyone is aware of – and Maxine and the rest of them help her hide it. But it’s possible that Vanessa has the biggest secret of all, and she might not even be aware of it.
Hester, a librarian, works with Angela, a detective, to discover just what is going on in this town as it seems to revolve around the Matsons. And of course, Maxine is at the center of it, making sure no one knows more than they need to.
For example, why is a librarian known for finding missing people? Why does 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 in this book have secrets to the extent that even being together nine years means that you know next to nothing about the other person? These kinds of holes I think would have been cleared up if I had been told to read the series first.
🆂🆈🅽🅾🅿🆂🅸🆂
𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙃𝙚𝙧 alternates narrators Maxine, Angela, Hester, and Barret. All tangled up in Prescott University – a privately owned establishment in the heart of Boston – they navigate the media, hidden motives, and secrets. But the school is only the beginning.
Maxine has devoted her life to helping the Matson family – Jennifer, Tucker, and Vanessa. The family now includes Vanessa’s husband, Gavin Dean, whom nobody seems to like. But the secrets expand beyond just disliking Gavin. Maxine and Tucker have a secret. Jennifer has a secret – possibly more than anyone is aware of – and Maxine and the rest of them help her hide it. But it’s possible that Vanessa has the biggest secret of all, and she might not even be aware of it.
Hester, a librarian, works with Angela, a detective, to discover just what is going on in this town as it seems to revolve around the Matsons. And of course, Maxine is at the center of it, making sure no one knows more than they need to.
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