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Catch and Release
An ex-mob fixer must solve the murder of a hitman's wife and daughter before becoming the next victim.
A vigilante justice crime thriller with a twist ending.
Connor Harding is the go-to man when it comes to solving problems for the underworld's most dangerous criminals. Freddie Blasko is a violent hitman with a reputation for results. Twelve years after Freddie's wife and daughter were brutally killed, he wants Connor to solve their murders.
Freddie tracks Connor down at his secluded cabin in Maine, but Connor wants nothing to do with the job. He knows an unsolvable case when he sees one. Twelve years is a long time, and there's no evidence, no witnesses, and nothing to go on.
But, Freddie isn't the type to take no for an answer. He gives Connor an ultimatum: solve the case, or Connor's brother dies. Fearing for his brother's life, Connor investigates the murders and slowly pieces the puzzle together. He uncovers a long-buried secret and quickly finds that no one, not even the victims, is who they seem.
What he doesn't know is that while he's tracking the killer, someone else is tracking him.
Can Connor find the murderer and save his brother before becoming the next victim?
Catch and Release is the seventh novel by award-winning author Trace Conger.
A vigilante justice crime thriller with a twist ending.
Connor Harding is the go-to man when it comes to solving problems for the underworld's most dangerous criminals. Freddie Blasko is a violent hitman with a reputation for results. Twelve years after Freddie's wife and daughter were brutally killed, he wants Connor to solve their murders.
Freddie tracks Connor down at his secluded cabin in Maine, but Connor wants nothing to do with the job. He knows an unsolvable case when he sees one. Twelve years is a long time, and there's no evidence, no witnesses, and nothing to go on.
But, Freddie isn't the type to take no for an answer. He gives Connor an ultimatum: solve the case, or Connor's brother dies. Fearing for his brother's life, Connor investigates the murders and slowly pieces the puzzle together. He uncovers a long-buried secret and quickly finds that no one, not even the victims, is who they seem.
What he doesn't know is that while he's tracking the killer, someone else is tracking him.
Can Connor find the murderer and save his brother before becoming the next victim?
Catch and Release is the seventh novel by award-winning author Trace Conger.
168 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2022
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Trace Conger
24 books61 followersTrace Conger is an award-winning author in the crime, thriller, and suspense genres. He writes the Connor Harding (Thriller) series and the Mr. Finn (PI) series.
His Connor Harding series follows freelance “Mirage Man” Connor Harding as he solves problems for the world’s most dangerous criminals. The Mr. Finn series follows private investigator Finn Harding as he straddles the fine line between right and wrong.
Conger won a Shamus Award for his debut novel, THE SHADOW BROKER. His suspense novella, THE WHITE BOY, won the Fresh Ink Award for Best Novella of 2020.
He is known for his tight writing style, dark themes, and subtle humor. Trace lives in Cincinnati with his wonderfully supportive family.
Visit him online at www.traceconger.com.
Sign up for his newsletter to receive free fiction and exclusive updates at www.traceconger.com/freebies.
His Connor Harding series follows freelance “Mirage Man” Connor Harding as he solves problems for the world’s most dangerous criminals. The Mr. Finn series follows private investigator Finn Harding as he straddles the fine line between right and wrong.
Conger won a Shamus Award for his debut novel, THE SHADOW BROKER. His suspense novella, THE WHITE BOY, won the Fresh Ink Award for Best Novella of 2020.
He is known for his tight writing style, dark themes, and subtle humor. Trace lives in Cincinnati with his wonderfully supportive family.
Visit him online at www.traceconger.com.
Sign up for his newsletter to receive free fiction and exclusive updates at www.traceconger.com/freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 14, 2022
Trace Conger’s book was a quick read. I enjoyed the thrill and pace of the narrative although I found the development of characters to lack some sort of depth. I would have appreciated a thicker arch around them. On the other hand, all of the main characters have some aspect of their personality that makes it easy to bond with them. Even if the world they live in is quite far away from my own reality, I thought it believable for me to comprehend their actions. I could see myself in their situations and, therefore; empathize with them was an easy job.
The mystery itself was engaging. I was deep into it from the beginning and it shocked me that even though the book is short, it is an honest page-turner. I was happy to realize that this is the first book of a future saga, as I would love to go on reading about Connor Harding. A tough guy with deep and real emotions. Above all, I am looking forward to see his relationship with Tara evolve and become something else. It is important for me in a collection of books to find some kind of continuity and, mainly; see the people in it transform into another version of themselves. I do believe change is everywhere, so flat characters are not my type of thing. Deep down I know we will see great things happen to Connor.
I received an advance review copy free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The mystery itself was engaging. I was deep into it from the beginning and it shocked me that even though the book is short, it is an honest page-turner. I was happy to realize that this is the first book of a future saga, as I would love to go on reading about Connor Harding. A tough guy with deep and real emotions. Above all, I am looking forward to see his relationship with Tara evolve and become something else. It is important for me in a collection of books to find some kind of continuity and, mainly; see the people in it transform into another version of themselves. I do believe change is everywhere, so flat characters are not my type of thing. Deep down I know we will see great things happen to Connor.
I received an advance review copy free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2022
Mr. Conger has created a very involved story with our "hero" tracking down the murder of a hit man's wife and daughter. This plot must have required a great deal of research or a great deal of previously acquired knowledge because while the author can make the story go any way he wants to, there has to be enough basis in reality for it to be reasonable and realistic Mr. Conger does a very good job at that. I don't feel like I knew Connor very well in this story. I think I would have enjoyed it much better if I had read Mirage Man first, even though Catch and Release is listed as Book 1. Connor seems to be an honorable man even though his clients don't seem to fall in the same category. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took, the action and suspense, and the majority of the characters. I will definitely be checking out Mirage Man so I can get a better idea of exactly who Connor Harding is. Then I will enjoy any subsequent books even more.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
June 7, 2022
This was a pretty interesting book. It was shorter than I expected, but I was happily surprised by how shocking the conclusion of the story was. I wish it had been a bit more drawn out, but it was still quite enjoyable. Connor was a brave and intelligent hero with a dedication to helping others, even if it was sometimes outside of the law.
I would’ve preferred a bit more character development and backstory. We’re never really given much of an explanation as to Connor’s brother’s involvement with Little Freddie. The book also could’ve benefitted from more interactions between Connor and Tara. It would’ve drawn out the emotions of the book more and helped explain their relatively deep connection after minimal meetings.
Overall, this was a solid mystery, but it didn’t “wow” me. I would recommend it to those looking for a quick afternoon read.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
I would’ve preferred a bit more character development and backstory. We’re never really given much of an explanation as to Connor’s brother’s involvement with Little Freddie. The book also could’ve benefitted from more interactions between Connor and Tara. It would’ve drawn out the emotions of the book more and helped explain their relatively deep connection after minimal meetings.
Overall, this was a solid mystery, but it didn’t “wow” me. I would recommend it to those looking for a quick afternoon read.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
June 5, 2022
Catch And Release by Trace Conger grabs its audience at page one and never lets up. Readers stay engaged and laser-focused in Conger’s newest and memorable Connor Harding thriller.
Somebody needs finding, and Connor Harding is the go-to when trouble brews. Harding is asked, A.K.A. forced to find the person who killed a hitman's family. Connor has few clues and not much time to succeed.
He follows a trail of postcards sent to the hitman, each describing the violence suffered by the victims. The action is swift, and the writing concise as Connor gets closer to finding the doer of the crime. Or so we think.
Catch And Release is captivating, unpredictable, and great fun. Conger is an established crime writer with an extensive backlist that should be read by anyone who appreciates a great crime novelist.
Somebody needs finding, and Connor Harding is the go-to when trouble brews. Harding is asked, A.K.A. forced to find the person who killed a hitman's family. Connor has few clues and not much time to succeed.
He follows a trail of postcards sent to the hitman, each describing the violence suffered by the victims. The action is swift, and the writing concise as Connor gets closer to finding the doer of the crime. Or so we think.
Catch And Release is captivating, unpredictable, and great fun. Conger is an established crime writer with an extensive backlist that should be read by anyone who appreciates a great crime novelist.
June 6, 2022
Catch And Release by Trace Conger, this was my first book read by this author. Overall, I found it to be well written, and a interesting read. It was action packed, and the outcome was not as I expected. I would recommend this book to others.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2024
I have enjoyed the Mr. Finn series. I fell in love when Connor Harding was introduced in the second Mr. Finn book. I was excited to see that Connor Harding had his own series of books. This book was fast pace and hard hitting. I loved it. It was a great read. Can’t wait to start the next Connor Harding book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews