Every Kind of Wicked

Gardiner and Renner #6

by Lisa Black, Kirsten Potter (Reader)

In this mesmerizing new novel from bestselling author Lisa Black, the discovery of a young man's corpse leads forensics expert Maggie Gardiner and Cleveland detective Jack Renner into a dark and dangerous web of lies . . .

Life and death have brought Maggie Gardiner full circle, back to the Erie Street Cemetery where she first entered Jack Renner's orbit. Eight months ago, she learned what Jack would do in the name of justice. More unsettling still, she discovered how far she would go to cover his tracks. Now a young man sprawls atop a snowy grave, his heart shredded by a single wound. A key card in the victim's wallet leads to the local university's student housing--and to a grieving girlfriend with an unsettling agenda.

Maggie's struggle to appease her conscience is complicated by her ex-husband, Rick, who's convinced that Jack is connected to a series of vigilante killings. Also a homicide detective, Rick investigates what seems like a routine overdose on Cleveland's West Side; but here, too, the appearance belies a deeper truth.

Rick's case and Jack's merge onto the trail of a shadowy, pill-pushing physician who is everywhere and nowhere at once, while Maggie and Jack uncover a massive financial shakedown hiding in plain sight. And when Rick's bloody fingerprint is found at another murder scene, Maggie's world comes undone in a violent, irreversible torrent of events . . .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Procedural, Mystery Thriller, Adult

Audio CD

First published August 25, 2020

About the author

Lisa Black spent the happiest five years of her life in a morgue. Strange, perhaps, but true. After ten years as a secretary, she went back to school to get a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cleveland State University. In her job as a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office, she analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes.
She had her life sorted out just the way she liked it until her husband got fed up with Cleveland snow and moved them to Florida, 1400 miles away from her family and her career. Not that she’s bitter or anything. Now she works as a Certified Latent Print Examiner and Certified Crime Scene Analyst for the city of Cape Coral, Florida, police department.
Lisa has lectured at writer’s conventions and appeared on panels. In her life as a writer she’s a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. In her life as a forensic specialist she’s a member of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, the International Association for Identification, and the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. She has had over 1050 hours of instruction in forensic topics and has testified in over 60 trials.
Her book Perish was shortlisted for the inaugural Sue Grafton Memorial Award by Putnam and Mystery Writers of America. Her That Darkness is a #1 Amazon bestseller and Evidence of Murder is a NYT bestseller. Lisa was a Guest of Honor at 2021 Killer Nashville.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

EVERY KIND OF WICKED (A Gardiner and Renner Book #6) by Lisa Black is a fast-paced, intricately plotted addition to this forensic/police procedural thriller series set in Cleveland, Ohio featuring a female forensics expert and a male detective tied together by a dark secret. This series is best read in order due to the evolving character arc between the two main characters, but the crime plots in each book can stand alone.

A young man is found dead in the snow in the Erie Street Cemetery and Jack Renner is assigned to investigate with Maggie Gardiner on scene to look for any forensic evidence. Maggie’s ex-husband, Rick is assigned to investigate the death of a junkie in what appears to be an overdose by the Westside Market. At first, they are considered separate cases, but they begin to merge when both cases lead back to a pill-pushing doctor they are having difficulty finding.

When Maggie is called to the scene of a murdered woman connected to Rick’s case, she discovers a bloody fingerprint, and it belongs to Rick. Rick is missing and Maggie refuses to believe he could be involved in this murder. As Jack and Maggie investigate the several murders they find connections to a call-center scam operation as well as a Medicare scam. Maggie’s world is about to be changed forever.

This was such an exciting addition to the series! I could not put it down. You have two crime plots that at first do not seem connected and then Ms. Black merges them into one terrible criminal operation which was completely unexpected. Maggie faces personal emotional trauma during this story that was a complete surprise and then the ending through me for a complete loop. I love that this series is set in my hometown and I can visualize all the locations in the book.

This is definitely one of the best books in this series! I cannot wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series and author.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Gardiner is a forensics expert who works hand in hand with Cleveland detective Jack Renner in crime solving. They have a unique partnership. They each have a secret that would put them behind bars for a really long time .. and they are at the mercy of each other to never share that secret.

The fly in the ointment is Maggie's ex-husband. Rick is certain that Jack is involved in something nefarious and sets out to prove it. Rick is also a homicide detective and investigates the death of a woman who is thought to have died from a drug overdose.

Maggie and Jack are caught up in looking for the identity of a man found dead from a single stabbing directly into his heart. A key card in the victim’s wallet leads to the local university’s student housing—and to a grieving girlfriend with an unsettling agenda.

The two cases emerge and leads to an unexpected motive for the deaths. But what really throws Maggie is the fingerprint found at another murder scene.. a fingerprint is blood .. and it's belongs to Rick ... and where has Rick disappeared to?

As with all the books in this series, it is well written with a solid plot and skillfully drawn characters. This is a page-turner with action packs suspense starting on the very first page and not letting up until the unexpected satisfying conclusion.

Although 6th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I highly recommend a reading marathon starting at the very first meeting of Gardiner and Renner. It's a terrific series that shouldn't be overlooked.

Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Maranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie Gardiner, a forensic expert, and Jack Renner, a Police Detective are a romantic couple. NOT!!
This being the sixth in Black's series it is suggested to start with book one to get the complex dynamics of these two characters. Great author telling of the steps needed to solve murder crimes. "A copy of this book was provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read others by her and she is an excellent author with the ability to create fast paced plots and engaging characters. This book was both .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Kind of Wicked by Lisa Black
Gardiner and Renner #6

An alliance forged in death
Each holds a secret about the other
They work together
They watch one another
What relationship is this and
What could it become?

Intriguing premise, wonderful characters, great police/murder mysteries to solve that hook me in a bit more with each book in the series. I love Maggie and Jack and though their relationship has not been romantic it always has seemed to have the potential for more IF they can overcome a major issue that in fact is the one that brought them together. I don’t know if there will be more books in this series as in some ways this wouldn’t be a bad way for the series to end BUT I would hate to say goodbye to these two characters if the author has more to share about them as they solve more cases together.

What I liked:
* Jack: Hm…hmm…hmmmmm…this is a man with his own moral compass and a mandate to fulfill. He is intelligent, cunning, ruthless and yet seems to have a warm center while knowing what he believes is right and what is wrong.
* Maggie: a brilliant woman skilled in her forensic field. She is divorced, has always known right from wrong, and then…she began to question. I find her quirky and intriguing with potentially hidden depths.
* The relationship between Jack and his work partner, Riley.
* The way the relationship between Jack and Maggie as it has developed over the series
* Shanaya – I kind of like her but really wonder about HER moral compass and why she got into the way of life she did
* The police procedural aspects of the story.
* The overlapping threads of the story and how they all were woven together
* That the case was solved
* The last little bit that I won’t get away but REALLY liked it :)

What I did not like:
* The bad guy who created the scam/con
* Knowing that the type of crime in this story exists and harms so many
* Not knowing when I finished the book whether it is the last in the series or if there will be more in the future.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Would I read another book by this author? Without a doubt

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading this series but this book is the best! It is filled with plenty of action with a good mix of forensic details and police procedure. Given that I get several calls a week telling me that I can lower my credit card interest rate or extend my car’s warranty, the subject matter is very timely. And as always, Maggie is my favorite character in this series!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Kind of Wicked Gardiner and Renner #6 by Lisa Black is not only suspenseful but the subject matter of part of the 'wicked' really is eye-opening. We all know to beware of phone scammers, but there are some people who are very vulnerable to the fear associated with the scam. There are many levels to this plot and a lot going on in this book.
Forensic specialist Maggie Gardiner is called to a scene in a cemetery where a young man has been stabbed. The piercing weapon has not been identified and soon Detective Jack Renner has to collaborate with Maggie's ex-husband Rick, who is a homicide detective. This is not an ideal situation due to the distrust Rick has for Jack. The background on the animosity between the two men is covered in the previous books in the series.
As the investigation begins, Jack and Riley find the fist victim, Evan Harding's apartment. When his girlfriend. Shanaya Thomas appears she withholds information which could help find a motive for the murder. What else does she know which affects this case? Shanaya holds many answers to different levels of mystery in this case.
I am appalled at how callous people can be as they swindle and steal from the unsuspecting. Shanaya has no remorse or qualms about lying to others.
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Katherine "Kj" Joslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, didn't want to see it end. Great series, loved the main characters.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Kind of Wicked by Lisa Black is a very highly recommended procedural and 6th in the Gardiner and Renner Series.

Forensics expert Maggie Gardiner and Cleveland homicide detective Jack Renner with his partner Thomas Riley are investigating the murder of a young man found dead in the Erie Street Cemetery. What was at first assumed to be a single gunshot, isn't, which makes the homicide odd and the weapon used unique. The only clue on the body is a key card to an apartment at the local university’s student housing. The victim is identified as Evan Harding and while at his apartment, Evan's girlfriend, Shanaya Thomas shows up. Shanaya lies about Evan work place, A to Z Check Cashing, and seems to be evasive and withholding information.

At the same time Maggie's detective ex-husband, Rick, is at another murder scene that appears to be an obvious overdose. The deceased is identified as Marlon Toner, but when they talk to his sister Jennifer at the address on his ID, it seems that the man is not Marlon Toner. But Jennifer has her own concerns and has been trying to investigate the doctor who has been prescribing her brother so many opioids. Suddenly it is clear that the investigations are interconnected and the case is more complicated than originally thought.

The solid plot is compelling and fast moving. The complicated investigation takes several unexpected turns and it is a pleasure to follow along as the clues are presented and leads followed. The operation/scheme that the investigation leads to is a timely subject matter and for some a personal experience that will have readers everywhere cheering on the detectives (and perhaps hoping for a permanent, violent resolution). There is also a personal investigation Rick is undertaking that started in previous books in the series. This concerns Maggie while Jack is claiming it will be a non-issue.

This is a great series and it is a pleasure to be back in the world of these well-known and well-developed characters. I was so happy to open Every Kind of Wicked and experience another investigation with Gardiner and Renner. Longtime fans know the players here and their backstories, which does add a depth and richness to the story, but you could easily read this novel as a standalone. Any references to past events are explained enough that you won't feel lost.

I enjoyed this procedural and being back in the world of these characters so much, it was a pleasure to read Every Kind of Wicked.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Kensington.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Every Kind of Wicked by Lisa Black is the 6th book in her Gardiner and Renner series. I have not read any of the earlier books so, to give a fair review., I read the 1st book, That Darkness. While some novels allow you to pick up in the middle of the series, having a basic understanding of the main characters helped reading Every Kind of Wicked. I will include a description of them below this review.

Maggie Gardiner and Jack Renner investigate a murder which occurred where they first met, in the Erie Street Cemetery. She is having difficulty dealing with the events of the last eight months, and Rick, her ex-husband, is suspicious of Jack. Rick wants to investigate Jack and his past.

Black's Gardiner and Renner are an interesting duo. If you have not read any of the Gardiner and Renner series, think Bones meets Dexter. They allow people to believe they are dating to throw off any suspicions they have of Jack. The event which brought them together continues to pull them closer.

Once I knew who the characters were, I enjoyed the book. I will continue reading the series and start Black's Theresa MacLean series.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/25/20.



Here is what you need to know to get the most out of Lisa Black's Gardiner and Renner series before reading book #6.

Maggie Gardiner forensic investigator for the Cleveland Police Department and she is good at it. She works alongside the homicide detectives, including Rick, her ex-husband, and Jack Renner. Maggie and Jack met eight months prior while working a case involving a Jane Doe discovered in the local cemetery.

Jack has a mission. He needs to find the women he is hunting, and has been hunting, through several states.

Maggie follows all of the clues which keep pointing to one person - Jack. After confronting Jack, Maggie needs to decide if it is moral to kill someone that has harmed others and that will do harm again. She agrees to give Jack time to leave so as not to arouse suspicions that the serial killings stopped when he left Cleveland.

At some point after the first book, That Darkness, but before the 6th book, Every Kind of Wicked, Rick becomes suspicious of Jack. He is determined to show Maggie the kind of man Jack is.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Black brings us back into the lives of Gardiner and Renner. The mysterious death of a young man found in a cemetery leads them to work closely together. The weapon isn’t obvious not a bullet or a knife. Death was fast and efficient. Homicide detective Jack Renner and his partner Detective Thomas Riley are assigned the case. They bring in Forensic specialist Maggie Gardiner. Maggie and Jack have a history that led them to pretend to be dating. No one knows what is really between them. More similar murder victims with no apparent reason to be connected lead them in circles. They spin their wheels with being lied to and forensic evidence that is pretty strange.
This is well written and kept my interest throughout. The story moves along quickly and if you like murder mysteries and great likable characters who are totally believable you will enjoy this book. I’m an avid fan of murder mystery with believability. Gardiner and Renner have a chemistry they aren’t even aware of but they are tied to each other with a bond they must not reveal. Excellent fast read. Thank you Lisa Black, NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC. My honest opinion is I will recommend this book to my friends.

[Sheila Sobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every Kind of Wicked (A Gardiner and Renner Novel, Book 6)” brings forensic investigator Maggie Gardiner, Detective Jack Renner and Rick, Maggie’s ex-husband, back together again at a murder scene in the Erie Street Cemetery, where Maggie’s and Jack’s future became irrevocably intertwined years earlier. The victim this time, a young man, appears to be a student at a local university. But, as in nearly all homicide investigations, not everything is as it appears. His grieving girlfriend disappears shortly after the death notification. His boss seems more concerned about needing to replace his now-dead employee. But for forensic investigator Maggie, the pursuit for answers in seemingly random cases, becomes deeply personal when she discovers that a bloody fingerprint left at the scene of another murder belongs to a Cleveland homicide detective—her ex-husband, Rick. As a certified crime scene analyst and former forensic scientist for the Cleveland Coroner’s office, author Lisa Black writes with impressive authenticity. “Every Kind of Wicked” will leave the reader ready to pre-order when Book 7 in the series becomes available. I obtained a copy of "Every Kind of Wicked" from NetGalley for review purposes.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the forensic thriller with Maggie Gardiner and her working along with her ex-husband and detective Jack Renner. A triangle of sorts that is played in their current case. A young man is found dead with no identification. However, with Maggie forensic know how which you are given a play by play, his identity is given along and the discovery of his girlfriend. This only brings more questions as to the motive and the why. Again, what makes this well done, are the clues and the peeling of the crime. A high climax thriller and the relationship plot thickens.

A tension builder when several more murders are tied to the case but finding the common thread as to why leaves the team anxious as to what are they missing. Very easy for the reader to get caught up in all the drama. A very kind of wicked indeed when it comes to crime of greed.

A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Black is one of my favorites and I never miss her books, especially the Gardiner and Renner series. Meg ( forensics expert) and Jack (homicide detective) have a very complicated working relationship. Coworkers think they are in a romantic relationship, which they are not, but they both let everyone believe they are: that’s so much easier than to let anyone know the truth in their complex relationship. (If you’ve been reading this series, you know what’s going on between them).
In this book Jack and his partner, Riley get involved in a murder that has no clues. Rick and his partner, Will are called to a murder of a seemingly homeless man. Soon both teams realize their cases are connected in some way, which no one can figure how. This totally keeps your mind in confusion throughout the book. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that there are two huge surprises in here.
Kudos to you, Liza, for another fantastic book to this series. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in book seven.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number six in this amazing series and each book brings us more details in to the lives of Maggie and Jack. Maggie is a forensic investigator, a civilian in the world of law enforcement. Jack is a Cleveland detective that Maggie doesn’t quite trust. Maggie’s ex doesn’t trust him either and has plans to find out who Jack really is and what he may have done. Ms. Black writes a mystery within a mystery as a man is killed with an unusual weapon. While working the first case, another body is killed in the same manner but there doesn’t seem to be a connection. Slowly the detectives, with the assistance of Maggie’s forensic clues, will unravel a twisted tale of illegal prescriptions and greed. Excellent read! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Every Kind of Wicked by Lisa Black that I read and reviewed.
This was another book in the Maggie Gardiner series and I loved it. In this book Maggie and Jack found themselves full circle with a case that led them back to the cemetery where they met and formed their alliance to keep secrets that would keep them working together to protect Jack’s secrets.
In this book they have a number of murders to solve and one that is really close to Maggie. This book is full of police procedure and a lot of questions about who the police are looking for. I also love it that things between Jack and Maggie seem to be heating up as well.
This is a great addition to the series and an excellent read. Every kind of Wicked gets five out of five stars from me.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleveland PD CSI Maggie Gardiner is back at the historic Erie Street Cemetery where she first learned that her partner detective Jack Renner is also a vigilante killer who takes out criminals who escape traditional justice. The body of a young man lying there in the snow leads Maggie and Jack on a wild journey through Cleveland’s hidden streets that hold check cashing schemes, money laundering and robocall centers that defraud the public.

Love this series and always learn new information about Cleveland history. Series best read in order. This one is hard to put down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie's ex Rick is suspicious of Jack with, I might add, with good reason. For those unfamiliar with the series, she's a forensics expert and Rick and Jack are both detectives in Cleveland. Maggie's been covering for Jack's umm extracurricular activities but Rick's really sniffing around. Now they've been assigned a case involving the topical issues of scamming and opioids. The procedural aspects of this are well done and just twisty enough (and you, like me, might learn something) but I enjoyed it most for the interaction and tension between the main characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A carefully built team of Maggie Gardner and Jack Renner reunite to solve a young man's death. This team is bound together by their agreement to keep secret Jack's enforcement of justice when legal resources fail. As #6 in the series, EVERY KIND OF WICKED centers on the unique actions of the victim's circle of friends and how easily it is to thrown suspicion when trust is lacking. Lisa Black is skilled at keeping her stories moving and giving her characters all the traits and misgivings that make us human.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Lisa Blacks Gardiner and Renner series. Her books are so suspenseful and always a intriguing storyline.
Maggie and Jack are the two main characters and I so enjoy watching their relationship evolve and grow.
As always, this book is full of police procedures and a very in depth look into the forensics side of police work.
I do recommend you read the entire series from the beginning. There is a lot of back story that you need to know about or you will feel a bit lost especially in book #6.
I highly recommend you read this series if you are a lover of murder mystery.

[Roxanne Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Gardiner is still keeping Jack Renner's secrets, while waiting for him to either leave as promised or for the entire house of cards to fall around her ears. To fully appreciate this book, you should read the entire series to understand how Maggie and Jack are connected. This chapter moves their story forward in all sorts of ways.

I read a digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Karen Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Kind of Wicked
by Lisa Black
Kensington Books
Kensington
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 25 Aug 2020 | Archive Date 28 Aug 2020

When I requested this book, I didn't know it was in a series. That may or may not effect my rating. I read Lisa Black because I love her books. She is a good writer and our patrons check her out! Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for another great read!
4 star

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent thriller, well written and gripping. It was on the edge till the end and it kept me guessing.
I liked the plot, the fleshed out cast of character and the setting.
I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Misty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Gardiner and Renner!!!! I love this series!! Very suspenseful read!! I never want these stories to end!! Highly highly recommended!!!!!

[T Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well written and has great characters, but there are some unnecessary rantings and repetitions. The plot also has a few logical problems, but it's entertaining fiction.

[Louise Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. I’m going to need to start from the beginning and read the first five now.

[Dsbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forensics expert Maggie Gardiner has many personal problems she has to deal with in this book. One being an ex husband. And one being her job. There are multiple deaths that must be solved. This is part of an ongoing series

[Karen Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Kind of Wicked is the 6th novel in the Gardiner and Renner series by bestselling author Lisa Black. Maggie Gardiner is a forensic expert and is working to solve the murder of a young university student along with Jack Renner, a Cleveland Detective. Maggie and Jack have worked together before, and Maggie recently learned what Jack is capable of doing when he sees that justice isn’t being done. Maggie’s ex-husband, Rick, also a detective, is convinced that Jack may be responsible for a series of vigilante killings, and Maggie is determined to cover up what she knows Jack has done in the past. Luckily there is no evidence that Jack has done anything wrong, and when Rick’s bloody fingerprint is found at a murder scene, the suspense builds and the murder cases become intertwined; Maggie must work to try to clear both Rick and Jack.

Readers of this series know that Black is an excellent storyteller. She expertly builds suspense throughout the story, and readers will have trouble putting the book down. The protagonists, Maggie and Jack are well-developed and the underlying attraction between them adds to the drama, especially when Maggie’s ex-husband becomes involved in the murder investigations. Jack is certainly different from most protagonists, since he has his own idea of justice that isn’t shared by Maggie (or most of us). However, due to Black’s excellent skills, it works.

While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it’s better to read the previous novels, which are also very good, to learn the history of the characters.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

[Carol Custer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series and I mostly enjoyed this book. The characters are good and the plot is convoluted enough to provide plenty of mystery. The story seemed to get bogged down sometimes in repeating nagging details. I found myself actually getting a bit bored as it moved along but I appreciated that everything was tied together at the end. And I liked the ending in regards to Maggie and Jack. I hope this isn't the last in the series.

[Claire O'Sullivan]

Oh my

Very well written. I was caught up with the easy back and forth as the detectives detected and Maggie taped and printed along. I bit my nails examining each possible scenario between Jack and Maggie- however would this resolve? and the twists of the crimes in this novel. Shocking and surprising. Read the book!