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Special Agent Ricki James #1
One Final Breath
A special agent’s search for a serial killer turns personal when one of her own becomes a target in this new, engrossing series of murder, mystery, and revenge.
They disappear without a trace. . . and then they die
Deep inside a national forest, Special Agent Ricki James stands in the middle of a killing field that was never meant to be found. The victims are all naked, with no identification and no clues other than a single bullet hole in their skulls. With the carnage laying all around her, Ricki only knows two things for sure: they were all murdered execution-style, and a killer who goes to this extreme to hide his work, isn’t finished yet.
Teaming up with the new, local police chief, she starts a dangerous hunt for a serial killer who moves like smoke through the forest and hides in plain sight within a crowd. The only common link between the victims that Ricki uncovers is one she shares with them herself. When she finds the blood-soaked remains of the latest murder, the body isn’t even cold before another person vanishes in broad daylight. But this time the killer struck close to home in a direct, taunting challenge for Ricki to follow him if she can.
Now it’s no longer a game of cat and mouse, but a race against time. A race she must win, or someone she loves will die.
If you like Melinda Leigh, Mary Barton, and AJ Rivers, it’s time you met Special Agent Ricki James!
They disappear without a trace. . . and then they die
Deep inside a national forest, Special Agent Ricki James stands in the middle of a killing field that was never meant to be found. The victims are all naked, with no identification and no clues other than a single bullet hole in their skulls. With the carnage laying all around her, Ricki only knows two things for sure: they were all murdered execution-style, and a killer who goes to this extreme to hide his work, isn’t finished yet.
Teaming up with the new, local police chief, she starts a dangerous hunt for a serial killer who moves like smoke through the forest and hides in plain sight within a crowd. The only common link between the victims that Ricki uncovers is one she shares with them herself. When she finds the blood-soaked remains of the latest murder, the body isn’t even cold before another person vanishes in broad daylight. But this time the killer struck close to home in a direct, taunting challenge for Ricki to follow him if she can.
Now it’s no longer a game of cat and mouse, but a race against time. A race she must win, or someone she loves will die.
If you like Melinda Leigh, Mary Barton, and AJ Rivers, it’s time you met Special Agent Ricki James!
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2020
1328 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 22, 2021
Not good, not bad.
The story is engaging and the mystery somewhat kept me on my toes. But while the cast of characters was rather endearing, Ricki James was a bit of an obnoxious heroine; she became more likable as the book went on but she clearly grated on my nerves at first.
But I am actually looking forward to the next installment. The first one dragged a bit but introduced us to a handful of interesting personas and an eventual romantic subplot I might end up rooting for.
> heroine in her early thirties
> Single mom
> No cliffhanger
> Third-person narration
> No romance
> First of a series
Trigger warning:
No real trigger. Murder, dismembered bodies, crows eating them, shooting and stuff but nothing very descriptive.
August 2, 2022
This one was good, but perhaps not quite as enjoyable and the other series of mysteries I have been reading. I think the sophistication in writing was not as good. Still, a good read. 3.5/4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2021
I’m gonna have to give it a 3. The only two (living) women featured in the ENTIRE BOOK outside of a vic’s family was a fifty-something motherly-type waitress and a mother-in-law.
Dude, what? NONE?!?! That’s just...pitiful. I read books by women to avoid that kind of mess. There was so much opportunity. The Chief of police! His deputy! ANY of the park rangers. Her kid! A cook! The profiler! ANYONE. That really, really bugged me.
Most of the dudes are sexy (eyeroll) and into the MC. Corny.
And it draaaaaagged.
I’m gonna read the next one bc it’s free and I’m using the hell out of my Kindle Unlimited trial. Plus, I OD’d on smutty romance and I need to change the algorithm.
I may dock a star bc I’m petty. NO WOMEN?!? And I know it’s Washington State, but NO people of color?
Yeah, it’s now a 2.
Edit: Forgot about the third woman — her mother with Alzheimer’s that’s featured on two pages. As someone with a grandmother who passed from it, UGH.
Dude, what? NONE?!?! That’s just...pitiful. I read books by women to avoid that kind of mess. There was so much opportunity. The Chief of police! His deputy! ANY of the park rangers. Her kid! A cook! The profiler! ANYONE. That really, really bugged me.
Most of the dudes are sexy (eyeroll) and into the MC. Corny.
And it draaaaaagged.
I’m gonna read the next one bc it’s free and I’m using the hell out of my Kindle Unlimited trial. Plus, I OD’d on smutty romance and I need to change the algorithm.
I may dock a star bc I’m petty. NO WOMEN?!? And I know it’s Washington State, but NO people of color?
Yeah, it’s now a 2.
Edit: Forgot about the third woman — her mother with Alzheimer’s that’s featured on two pages. As someone with a grandmother who passed from it, UGH.
October 24, 2020
Wow! What a fabulous mystery with plenty of angst, great adventure, and, friends who love each other. ISB agents with the National Park Service have plenty of work as criminal evidence is found in Olympic National Park, Washington. Ricki James has so much work and so little time, but danger seems to find her. She has a café for her livelihood; is raising a teenage son; and, takes a “temporary” position as Agent to assist the local and federal law enforcement agencies. I absolutely loved this story which keeps you totally entertained beginning to end. I loved the dedication of Corby and the wonderfulness of Anchorman. I highly recommend this book and know fans of this author will all enjoy this new series of mysteries.
August 31, 2021
Not good enough to finish
Stilted, rather juvenile writing style. Ricki is annoying, rude, too quick to take offense and to act tough. I just came across another example of three men backing up from her - men on her side - and I am going to cut my losses on wasting time on another irritating, over-the-top female protagonist. I don't like her, don't want to read anything about het, or anything else by this writer.
Stilted, rather juvenile writing style. Ricki is annoying, rude, too quick to take offense and to act tough. I just came across another example of three men backing up from her - men on her side - and I am going to cut my losses on wasting time on another irritating, over-the-top female protagonist. I don't like her, don't want to read anything about het, or anything else by this writer.
February 28, 2021
Ok
Overall I enjoyed the story but there were sections I skipped through given it was boring filler. This wasn't the best I've read but it was silly enough to pass the time and relax. Nothing brain bending about the psychological profile of the killer or figuring out who it was, and for sure the main character often thought very highly about herself. Annoying.
Overall I enjoyed the story but there were sections I skipped through given it was boring filler. This wasn't the best I've read but it was silly enough to pass the time and relax. Nothing brain bending about the psychological profile of the killer or figuring out who it was, and for sure the main character often thought very highly about herself. Annoying.
May 20, 2021
The story just dragged on. She never solved the case with good detective work, but rather by chance. We kept getting hints of romance but nothing ever developed. I never warmed up to the heroine.
May 13, 2022
Lackluster
I am a bit torn as to how much I liked One Final Breath (Ricki I James #1). The Ricki James character seemed well developed, a lot of thought into her backstory, but most of the other characters didn't read the same way to me. Anchorman seemed an odd character. I didn't understand Ricki's level of obedience to her ex husband, Bear. Ricki opening a diner made no sense to me. It seemed like her character needed a hub in the small town so her character would always be in the local gossip or know the local gossip. So it was decided a diner would do the trick? Especially when Ricki can't cook or even brew coffee? But it does allow her to be absent because she is not needed for the day to day running. It just comes across as contrived.
I'm not sure if the writer wanted the murderer to be obvious, but it was. It just took forever to get to the 'why'. And by that point this wasn't really an in depth investigation, it just took asking a few locals who knew the gossip.
I am hoping the second book is better. Maybe it will have a better flow.
I am a bit torn as to how much I liked One Final Breath (Ricki I James #1). The Ricki James character seemed well developed, a lot of thought into her backstory, but most of the other characters didn't read the same way to me. Anchorman seemed an odd character. I didn't understand Ricki's level of obedience to her ex husband, Bear. Ricki opening a diner made no sense to me. It seemed like her character needed a hub in the small town so her character would always be in the local gossip or know the local gossip. So it was decided a diner would do the trick? Especially when Ricki can't cook or even brew coffee? But it does allow her to be absent because she is not needed for the day to day running. It just comes across as contrived.
I'm not sure if the writer wanted the murderer to be obvious, but it was. It just took forever to get to the 'why'. And by that point this wasn't really an in depth investigation, it just took asking a few locals who knew the gossip.
I am hoping the second book is better. Maybe it will have a better flow.
March 25, 2022
This is a thriller that will keep you riveted until the killer is found. There is a serial killer on the loose in a National Park and the ISB is called in to solve the murders. Former agent Ricki James is recruited to use her skills and is reinstated against her better judgment. She is still trying to deal with the loss of her former partner who was killed during a case.
There are not a lot of strong men in this thriller but a few women hold the story together. Ricki is fearless and takes on this case even though her ex-husband and son are concerned for her safety. There is an underlying hint of a future romance in the wings between Ricki and the Chief of Police which may move along to more than just a brief flirtatious relationship in the next installment of this series.
There is enough action as the story progresses with plenty of clues, not too many suspects and danger at every turn. But Ricki loves every minute of it. An enjoyable read for lovers of murder mysteries.
There are not a lot of strong men in this thriller but a few women hold the story together. Ricki is fearless and takes on this case even though her ex-husband and son are concerned for her safety. There is an underlying hint of a future romance in the wings between Ricki and the Chief of Police which may move along to more than just a brief flirtatious relationship in the next installment of this series.
There is enough action as the story progresses with plenty of clues, not too many suspects and danger at every turn. But Ricki loves every minute of it. An enjoyable read for lovers of murder mysteries.
October 9, 2021
The heroine of this action-packed novel is a kick-ass, take no prisoners former agent, who is working as a single mother, caring for her son, and running a diner that is barely solvent. She set upon this post-agent life in order to carve out a more peaceful lifestyle. That was, that is, until a serial killer starting murdering people in her backyard – Olympic National Park in Northwest Washington State. The characters are very well dev eloped – and there is a little bit of romance with lots of action. Lots of twists and turns. And certainly a very unique approach to the serial killer genre. So when the killings come literally to her backyard, Rikki accepts a temporary position as an agent. The supporting cast of characters are als0o well dev eloped, especially Anchorman
April 25, 2023
I could only get to page 50. Life is too short. A good police procedural is my favorite genre, and I have read many. This book was so meandering I couldn't figure out if they were going to even get around to start solving the murder crimes. There was a lot of fluff in even 50 pages of the book. Only walking to the scene of the murders took 3 chapters, and then there was no call in to begin the investigation in earnest, she just headed back to her diner for the lunch crew. Her diner also provides a lot of fluff that seems very superfluous. If you want to read a very good police procedural writer, read Angela Marsons. Robert Bryndza and Lisa Regan are also good. And then there are the classics like Ann Cleeves and Louise Penny, too many to read to waste time.
July 20, 2023
Overall, this was a captivating story of a hometown ex-law enforcement officer navigating her new life back in the field. The thriller aspect of the story was a nice level but not too gruesome. I am a little disappointed in the ending, I feel like it was extremely rushed while the many chapters before hand were more detailed. So, if you like character development, an intricately thought out murder plan, and detailed explanations of murder, I would not recommend this book for you. I would recommend for teen readers who enjoy murder mysteries but still want to sleep at night. I will most likely read the second book but will not likely finish the series.
July 31, 2024
Great first book in a series. Ricki James was a special agent for the investigative bureau of the national park service but left law enforcement after a tragic event. She is recovering and starting over in her hometown when a killing field is discovered in her park. She works with the local police chief to help solve the crime. Ricki is a complicated and sometimes annoying in her convictions but overall the character development is good and the author is setting up for a good series. There are some editing errors but overall I enjoyed it.
May 19, 2025
Bit slow to develop but still worth the read
I recommend this series and I’m coming back to write this review after reading the first three books. I enjoyed the reading from the start but I did have some issues with the character development and plotting in this first book because it seemed slow. Happily, the pacing picked up and the story was interesting from jump. By the third book, which I just finished and reviewed, I definitely give the books five stars. Give it a chance. I think you’ll enjoy the series.
I recommend this series and I’m coming back to write this review after reading the first three books. I enjoyed the reading from the start but I did have some issues with the character development and plotting in this first book because it seemed slow. Happily, the pacing picked up and the story was interesting from jump. By the third book, which I just finished and reviewed, I definitely give the books five stars. Give it a chance. I think you’ll enjoy the series.
January 13, 2021
Awesome Read!
Extremely enjoyable plot; characters synced together -- nice immersion into the readers mind. The fantastic twists and thrilling psychopath strategic patient planning endorses the schizophrenic homicidal maniac characteristics. The reader is kept guessing until the end. Great way to end the plot and tie up loose ends. Thank you C. R. Chandler for an incredible way to pass the time! PottsvillePA_01102021.
Extremely enjoyable plot; characters synced together -- nice immersion into the readers mind. The fantastic twists and thrilling psychopath strategic patient planning endorses the schizophrenic homicidal maniac characteristics. The reader is kept guessing until the end. Great way to end the plot and tie up loose ends. Thank you C. R. Chandler for an incredible way to pass the time! PottsvillePA_01102021.
August 13, 2021
A fast paced, edge of your seat thriller
A great first in this new series. A refreshing take on serial killers as they are usually portrayed. One final breath is filled with a cast of very interesting characters that could all have their own series. Anchorman especially was a fascinating individual. The plot was well developed and kept me guessing until the very end. A must read for your thriller/suspense library.
A great first in this new series. A refreshing take on serial killers as they are usually portrayed. One final breath is filled with a cast of very interesting characters that could all have their own series. Anchorman especially was a fascinating individual. The plot was well developed and kept me guessing until the very end. A must read for your thriller/suspense library.
August 13, 2023
I read until 34% and had to stop. I kept falling asleep and I lost interest. The main lead sucks. She's not well liked. In fact, I find her annoying. There's so much fluff here, nothing has happened in 34%. There is no suspense, thrill or shrill. It's bland. The characters are bland..I am a stickler for drama, suspense, thrillers of all categories, mystery. This doesn't even make my list of great. It's....a one star and I didn't not finish
May 11, 2025
Ok, what is the deal with the central female character, our hero Ricki James in this version, they are seldom pleasant to be around. Somehow they attract the male co-worker or acquaintance who still try to get a relationship going, in spite of their nastiness? And what is the deal in almost every chapter we have a referral to her long legs, I doubt if they are any longer than the guys they are partnered with, so why do we care?
May 29, 2025
Just an example, in my opinion, of an entertaining, well paced, can't put down book
The character development was just enough to let me picture each in my mind. And each one added to the story being told.
C R Chandler also gave the reader just enough "false positive" clues to keep you 'off balance'
in your attempt to 'solve-the-mystery' before the end !! Well Done !!
I look forward to finding and enjoying more of your works !! Thank You !!
The character development was just enough to let me picture each in my mind. And each one added to the story being told.
C R Chandler also gave the reader just enough "false positive" clues to keep you 'off balance'
in your attempt to 'solve-the-mystery' before the end !! Well Done !!
I look forward to finding and enjoying more of your works !! Thank You !!
June 22, 2025
A serial killer in the mountains.
This book is about the search for a killer who is leaving his victims on a mountain ledge. A female detective comes out of retirement to lead the search. I wish that I could say that I really liked this book, but it went down every possible rabbit hole, and was way too long. Maybe the next book in the series will reach its' conclusion in a more expeditious manner.
This book is about the search for a killer who is leaving his victims on a mountain ledge. A female detective comes out of retirement to lead the search. I wish that I could say that I really liked this book, but it went down every possible rabbit hole, and was way too long. Maybe the next book in the series will reach its' conclusion in a more expeditious manner.
March 6, 2021
Very interesting. Enjoyed the description of the rain forest. Looking forward to reading more of this series
Very interesting with well written descriptions. Also enjoyed reading about the location.Looking forward to reading more of this series. First one of this author I have read I think.
Very interesting with well written descriptions. Also enjoyed reading about the location.Looking forward to reading more of this series. First one of this author I have read I think.
March 22, 2021
Eh...it was okay. I am so tired of female characters who are all tragic and prickly, won't let anyone get near them...But then the most fabulous guy loves her anyway! And pretty much every day of this detectives life she forgets to eat and everyone has to worry about her....gets old after awhile. The story line kept me reading...good ole serial killer hunt!
August 27, 2021
Procedural with a dash human relationship drama for verisimilitude
Heroine with baggage and a usually working relationship with an ex-husband/co-parent to a teen-aged son.
Gruesome multiple homicides in a wildness area over a span of time, a serial killer with delusions.
Solid read.
Heroine with baggage and a usually working relationship with an ex-husband/co-parent to a teen-aged son.
Gruesome multiple homicides in a wildness area over a span of time, a serial killer with delusions.
Solid read.
December 21, 2021
Fast paced!
When a few dead bodies are found in the national park near her, Ricki James became a Special agent again in order to track down the killer. She had to eliminate the danger for her community. She now owns a small diner but her employees/friends kept it going as she followed the leads. Good 1st book in the series. Looking forward to more.
When a few dead bodies are found in the national park near her, Ricki James became a Special agent again in order to track down the killer. She had to eliminate the danger for her community. She now owns a small diner but her employees/friends kept it going as she followed the leads. Good 1st book in the series. Looking forward to more.
March 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book because it was set in the museum world and how they are run. I love mysteries, but many of them lack variety in the setting. The story moved along nicely and offered up interesting characters, but what I really enjoyed was learning how many layers there are to running a museum. The curation, competition to acquiring pieces, the varying process in preservation just to name a few. I look forward to what Chandlar brings us next time.
Read
March 4, 2022Great Book
Really liked the characters and the plot.
Needs a little more editing.
Storyline is interesting from the beginning.
Still unanswered questions about when she lost her partner, which will keep me reading the next book.
That her love life may be going in different directions, keeps readers wanting more.
Do like that it moves at a good pace!
Really liked the characters and the plot.
Needs a little more editing.
Storyline is interesting from the beginning.
Still unanswered questions about when she lost her partner, which will keep me reading the next book.
That her love life may be going in different directions, keeps readers wanting more.
Do like that it moves at a good pace!
September 10, 2022
Looking forward to reading the series
This was excellent book. Part procedural, part a glimpse of Olympic Park rainforest in Washington state, part introduction to a group of unique likable characters. I had to put it down part way through and kept thinking about the story and wanting to find out how it would play out. Recommend
This was excellent book. Part procedural, part a glimpse of Olympic Park rainforest in Washington state, part introduction to a group of unique likable characters. I had to put it down part way through and kept thinking about the story and wanting to find out how it would play out. Recommend
September 21, 2022
This Series Looks Promising
One Final Breath offers an interesting cast of characters and a convoluted plot…both requisites in a compelling law enforcement mystery. My only disappointment is the number of typos missed during editing. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
One Final Breath offers an interesting cast of characters and a convoluted plot…both requisites in a compelling law enforcement mystery. My only disappointment is the number of typos missed during editing. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 6, 2023
Great!
This is the first CR Chandler book I have read and I’m hooked. SA Ricki James is just wonderful. She wears many hats being a mother, the owner of a diner, a sleuth, and sharing an outdoor adventure business with her ex husband. She is a marvel that sees the big picture and gets the bad guy in a really great way. Enjoy!
This is the first CR Chandler book I have read and I’m hooked. SA Ricki James is just wonderful. She wears many hats being a mother, the owner of a diner, a sleuth, and sharing an outdoor adventure business with her ex husband. She is a marvel that sees the big picture and gets the bad guy in a really great way. Enjoy!
June 12, 2023
First definitely not the last
This is the first time I have read anything from this author but like I said, it definitely won’t be the last. This book kept my interest so much that it is now 4 o’clock in the morning and I finished it after starting it about 8 o’clock last night. I just didn’t want to put it down.
This is the first time I have read anything from this author but like I said, it definitely won’t be the last. This book kept my interest so much that it is now 4 o’clock in the morning and I finished it after starting it about 8 o’clock last night. I just didn’t want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews