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Rachel Ryder #7
Deadly Means
One after another the extravagant homes of Hamby are being robbed…until the unthinkable happens.
Three home invasions in a wealthy golf community have Hamby on edge. At first, only cash is taken. But with each break-in the crimes escalate. Jewelry is stolen. Victims are beaten. Then events take a deadly turn when the fourth attack leaves a young woman dead.
Shocked by the murder and desperate to stop an increasingly brazen criminal, Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop are quick to take on the case.
But they soon discover that all is not glitz and glamor in this high society neighborhood. Behind mansion doors are scandals that the ritzy community is determined to hide. After all, the rich and powerful don’t want the skeletons in their closets exposed to the world, let alone to Detective Rachel Ryder. And they will stop at nothing to make sure their secrets stay locked behind their lavish gates.
Strap in for the next exhilarating crime thriller in USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Rachel Ryder series.
Three home invasions in a wealthy golf community have Hamby on edge. At first, only cash is taken. But with each break-in the crimes escalate. Jewelry is stolen. Victims are beaten. Then events take a deadly turn when the fourth attack leaves a young woman dead.
Shocked by the murder and desperate to stop an increasingly brazen criminal, Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop are quick to take on the case.
But they soon discover that all is not glitz and glamor in this high society neighborhood. Behind mansion doors are scandals that the ritzy community is determined to hide. After all, the rich and powerful don’t want the skeletons in their closets exposed to the world, let alone to Detective Rachel Ryder. And they will stop at nothing to make sure their secrets stay locked behind their lavish gates.
Strap in for the next exhilarating crime thriller in USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Rachel Ryder series.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2023
1234 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
150 books545 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 6, 2024
Deadly Means by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the seventh in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband Tommy. The people responsible are dead. She still has a friend and father-figure in Chicago, and Lenny remains a true mentor. She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby. Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of 30 years. Other members of the team are Detectives Justin Michels and Lauren Levy, as well as CSI Nikki and IT Tech Bubba. Rachel's best friend is Savannah, her boss's wife, and Rachel has started dating DEA Agent Kyle Olsen.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel and the team have been bored. Not enough crime to keep them busy, so they are stuck looking at cold cases. None appeal.
At first the team is thrilled when a home invasion occurs in a wealthy golf community on the edge of Hamby. Both cash and jewelry are stolen, and the thieves only seem be interested in things in the safe. Perhaps it's an inside job? The victims seem to be part of a swingers group....is that the tie-in? But as more break-ins occur, the crimes escalate, with the husbands of the homes being attacked. It isn't long until someone is dead.
The team is under pressure from the mayor to solve this one, and Rachel is determined to do anything to get whoever is responsible. She isn't always doing things by the book, but both she and Bishop put their lives on the line to get the perp.
My Opinions:
The books in this series move along quickly, and end up being quick reads.
Thankfully the plot was again quite good, because Rachel continues to annoy me with her holier-than-though attitude. Her opinion of herself is ridiculous. She feels she can get away with anything, and usually does. I continue to like her friendship with Savannah, but I think Kyle deserves better. She did show a caring side though...and that helped raise my opinion of her - a notch.
I continue to like the banter between Rachel and Rob.
So, overall, this was a fast and entertaining read, with a good plot, and interesting characters.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 11, 2023
Rachel Ryder is back and better than ever! A gritty, cop drama with all the entertainment that you could ask for! Someone is breaking into the wealthy elite's homes and robbing them at gunpoint, but is it just a home invasion case or is something more sinister at play? Rachel and Bishop are on the I really enjoy this series and book 7 doesn't disappoint, other than I read it too fast so now I have to go back to waiting for the author to write more for us! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
May 24, 2023
Hamby is having a series of home invasions, all in an area of very expensive homes and wealthy homeowners. At first only a couple of items are taken from the safe, including very large sums of money and expensive jewelry, with little damage, and although all within the household are tied up, only the males are beaten. But, each one gets more violent and aggressive, with more damage to the inside of the homes and the beatings get worse. The last one, however, turns deadly and it’s a ticking clock to find the culprits. To complicate things, the residents are hiding some major secrets they do not wish the police to know. Also, the mayor is pressuring Jimmy to find the criminals. Meanwhile, Rachel is worried about Kyle as he is undercover in a DEA operation. This book is full of action, dangerous criminals, suspense, and even some sex games are involved, but there is a main hidden motive the department must find in order to close this case. Rachel has her hands full with this one. This book, as well as the entire series, has great characters and an interesting storyline. Definitely an exciting book.
May 31, 2023
When you have a fantastic cast of characters and a brilliant story, all I can add is WOW. Superb.
Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
May 19, 2023
Detectives Ryder and Bishop are partners in the Hamby P.D. in Georgia. Det. Ryder is a strong and seasoned officer who moved to GA after the death of her husband while undercover . The partners catch a home invasion case in the ritzy community of Mayfied, where 3 men wearing black and ski masks break in, tie up the wife and children, force the husband to open the safe to escape with a large amount of cash and jewelry, after also tying up the husband. Then this scenario is repeated two more times with escalating violence and the mayor is shouting for the men to be caught! I always enjoy Aspenson’s books and received a free ARC of this one. Great characters and an interesting rather convoluted and twisty plot! I highly recommend this book and write this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2023
Deadly Means is a fantastic book. It is impossible to put down. This book is action-packed and full of drama. The mystery is complex with many twists and surprises. I love the characters. They are interesting and well developed. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
May 17, 2023
Exc,usive neighborhood was being targetted, with each place it escalated.
A security sign outide, was only for show, they were nice people, did the right things. The demand was to open the safe, why not take other expensive things.
Among these rich who thought they had power, along with their secrets.
Interesting to what caused them that readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review
A security sign outide, was only for show, they were nice people, did the right things. The demand was to open the safe, why not take other expensive things.
Among these rich who thought they had power, along with their secrets.
Interesting to what caused them that readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review
December 15, 2023
What an action-packed story! Rachel and Rob investigate a home invasion located in Hamby’s wealthy golf community when two more occur. Each invasion gets more violent than the last. As they investigate each break-in, they find it filled with commonalities between all. As they get more involved, the story gets more intense as one of their own is kidnapped. Who is the mastermind behind this? How did the intruders get into the gated community? As Rachel is dealing with, she is told that Kyle has been hurt. Can she handle the stress of the crimes and Kyle’s injuries?
This is a very intense story with a great plot line, wonderful characters and some humorous banter between Rob and Rachel. The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. Look forward to the next book in the series.
This is a very intense story with a great plot line, wonderful characters and some humorous banter between Rob and Rachel. The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. Look forward to the next book in the series.
June 12, 2023
Deadly Means by Carolyn Ridder-Aspenson
Rachel Ryder # 7
Intense, intricately woven, thriller that kept my attention from beginning to end. Great addition to the series!
What I Liked:
* Rachel: widow, detective, team player, determined, dedicated, intelligent, does what it takes, has a bit of a temper, in a relationship with DEA agent Kyle
* Bishop: Detective, Rachel’s work partner, mature, professional, a good balance for Rachel’s personality, in a relationship with Cathy
* Kyle: Rachel’s significant other, DEA agent, not seen much but definitely a part of Rachel’s life
* The team: Bubba (tech), Nikki (CSI), Michels & Levy (detectives), Jimmy (police chief) – all do their jobs professionally and work together well
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, twists, and turns
* That all of the threads of case were tied together by the end of the story and the bad guys caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil people in the world as bad as or worse than the ones in this book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the BookSirens and Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Rachel Ryder # 7
Intense, intricately woven, thriller that kept my attention from beginning to end. Great addition to the series!
What I Liked:
* Rachel: widow, detective, team player, determined, dedicated, intelligent, does what it takes, has a bit of a temper, in a relationship with DEA agent Kyle
* Bishop: Detective, Rachel’s work partner, mature, professional, a good balance for Rachel’s personality, in a relationship with Cathy
* Kyle: Rachel’s significant other, DEA agent, not seen much but definitely a part of Rachel’s life
* The team: Bubba (tech), Nikki (CSI), Michels & Levy (detectives), Jimmy (police chief) – all do their jobs professionally and work together well
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, twists, and turns
* That all of the threads of case were tied together by the end of the story and the bad guys caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil people in the world as bad as or worse than the ones in this book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the BookSirens and Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 14, 2023
Detective Rachel Ryder is back with a puzzling case of home invasions in the wealthy community of Mayfield. The families are being tied to chairs, the men beaten and jewelry and cash are taken. So far there have been no murders, but the department is under pressure from the mayor to find the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Rachel is worried about Kyle, her significant other who is undercover with the DEA. She and her partner Rob Bishop are working around the clock tracking down leads when they learn that there is a “swingers” group amongst some of the residents. Does this have anything to do with the robberies, and if so, how? The case escalates when a man is murdered, but finally Rachel and her team have some solid suspects, but can they end this before another homeowner is killed? When her partner is missing, can Rachel find him before it is too late? A thrilling race from beginning to end for the Hamby Police Department. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
April 19, 2023
Ryder and Bishop take on a home invasion team.
I’ve come to rely on Carolyn Ridder Aspenson to create thrillers that aren’t just action packed but filled with misdirection and mystery. Deadly Means, the seventh book in the Rachel Ryder series, has plenty of those elements as well as several other elements that delve into the seedier side of a rich gated community, populated with entitled occupants. Along with the main story line, there are a couple of well-placed lines that affect the main characters in this book. While I realize this review is light on details – any more detail would spoil and excellent Rachael Ryder story. If you are new to this series, you could read Deadly Means as a standalone story, but starting from the first book would provide a better perspective on the characters and their pasts. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
I’ve come to rely on Carolyn Ridder Aspenson to create thrillers that aren’t just action packed but filled with misdirection and mystery. Deadly Means, the seventh book in the Rachel Ryder series, has plenty of those elements as well as several other elements that delve into the seedier side of a rich gated community, populated with entitled occupants. Along with the main story line, there are a couple of well-placed lines that affect the main characters in this book. While I realize this review is light on details – any more detail would spoil and excellent Rachael Ryder story. If you are new to this series, you could read Deadly Means as a standalone story, but starting from the first book would provide a better perspective on the characters and their pasts. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
May 22, 2023
Deadly Means by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson was good but not as exciting as I had hoped. I may be in the minority in my option, but the story felt slow, and felt like it took a long time to get to reveal the culprit and come to a conclusion.
I do like the characters of Detective Ryder and Bishop. They seemed to work well together, and their actions and dialogue were plausible and believable. The premise of the home invasions was intriguing.
The cover is so cool. It's kind of spooky with the lurking darkness. I would recommend this author. A 3.75 rating out of 5 (rounded to 4).
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
I do like the characters of Detective Ryder and Bishop. They seemed to work well together, and their actions and dialogue were plausible and believable. The premise of the home invasions was intriguing.
The cover is so cool. It's kind of spooky with the lurking darkness. I would recommend this author. A 3.75 rating out of 5 (rounded to 4).
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
June 15, 2023
This one is probably the best of the Ryder series to date. It is interesting and a good read. Rachel & her partner Bishop are on the hunt for a bunch of home invaders in a pricey area of Hamby. A gated community with a secret.
Seems like each home invasion is more violent than the last until finally someone is killed and it all ties back to the community and it's secret.
Rachel of course does a lot of "coloring outside the lines" which is police speak for not following the rules- however is that the only way to get the answers they need-she believes it is and is willing to leave the job over it.
Seems like each home invasion is more violent than the last until finally someone is killed and it all ties back to the community and it's secret.
Rachel of course does a lot of "coloring outside the lines" which is police speak for not following the rules- however is that the only way to get the answers they need-she believes it is and is willing to leave the job over it.
June 12, 2023
Rachel returns and life is dull at the office. The detectives are going through dead cases and can’t find something to pursue. When a home invasion occurs is a wealthy subdivision, they’re off to solve the case. It’s interesting as the safe is emptied but items of value are just setting around the house. As Rachel and Rob are off to solve another one occurs. There’s a lot going on in this wealthy subdivision and not all is on the up and up. I really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 23, 2024
Deadly Means (Rachel Ryder Book 7), my twenty-fifth highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson & the seventh in her Rachel Ryder Series, the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, 340-pages of a more serious mystery than a cozy mystery. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author with Final Fix (Rachel Ryder Book 8) being my next read. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 15, 2023
This is a fine addition to the Rachel Ryder series! A string of home invasions hits a swanky neighborhood, with the violence quickly escalating to murder. Non-stop action, nicely developed characters and a complex plot make this one hard to put down. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
December 12, 2023
I have to admit, this book's story took a little longer than the last few books to sink its claws into my imagination. Sex ring, roberry- seemed run of the mill but then IT GETS SO SPICY!
Certain people get kidnapped and beaten, others shot in undercover ops. Rachel's patience and typical "I do want I need to get the job done..." attitude gets her in trouble. Romance, mystery, money, sex, scandal, hidden identities, what a rollar coast this book was!
Certain people get kidnapped and beaten, others shot in undercover ops. Rachel's patience and typical "I do want I need to get the job done..." attitude gets her in trouble. Romance, mystery, money, sex, scandal, hidden identities, what a rollar coast this book was!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2023
Rachel and rest of the Hamby police department are in a race to solve a series of escalating violent home invasions in the wealthiest part of town.
The last one ended up with the husband dead.
Rachel takes steps to protect a witness on her own that turns dangerous for the witness, and possibly will cost Rachel her job.
The last one ended up with the husband dead.
Rachel takes steps to protect a witness on her own that turns dangerous for the witness, and possibly will cost Rachel her job.
June 10, 2023
Seriously intense!
There's practically no time to take a breath as this story is like an out of control train speeding towards a cliff! Sometimes, when one is gifted with an ability to read situations and close difficult cases, a person can tend to become a bit too full of themselves. Humble pie is never a bad thing...it can even cleanse the soul. Great read!
There's practically no time to take a breath as this story is like an out of control train speeding towards a cliff! Sometimes, when one is gifted with an ability to read situations and close difficult cases, a person can tend to become a bit too full of themselves. Humble pie is never a bad thing...it can even cleanse the soul. Great read!
June 13, 2023
Burglary and Brutality
Homes of a wealthy golf community are being burglarized and their inhabitants brutally beaten. The Rachel Ryder-Bishop duo find something very fishy going on and when one of the members is murdered there are some shocking revelations. A gripping thriller with nail biting suspense and twists. My favourite characters are Rachel's boss and his wife.
Homes of a wealthy golf community are being burglarized and their inhabitants brutally beaten. The Rachel Ryder-Bishop duo find something very fishy going on and when one of the members is murdered there are some shocking revelations. A gripping thriller with nail biting suspense and twists. My favourite characters are Rachel's boss and his wife.
June 13, 2023
Deadly Means has a good plot, the main characters are believable and work well in this story. There's a lot of action and twists and turns till the investigation reaches its peak and the culprit is revealed. It's a story driven by human greed and lack of respect for others, but's it's well-written and provides good entertainment.
I thank Ms. Aspenson, and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Aspenson, and her publisher for this ARC.
June 17, 2023
Must Read!!!
Carolyn never disappoints in any of her books. They keep you on the edge of your seat, through out the entire book. If you haven't read any of her books, you don't know what you are missing, they are all a must read. Will be counting the days until the next book in this series is released.
Carolyn never disappoints in any of her books. They keep you on the edge of your seat, through out the entire book. If you haven't read any of her books, you don't know what you are missing, they are all a must read. Will be counting the days until the next book in this series is released.
July 11, 2023
Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. Worthy of your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Read
November 6, 2025Fast Moving and Tense
Oh, this book is great! It starts fast and keeps running until the end. I hated to put it down. The crimes increase in intensity and take some ugly twists and turns. This is a clean story with no foul language, no gore, minimal violence, and no open-door intimacy. The series should be read in order, but each book is a complete mystery.
Oh, this book is great! It starts fast and keeps running until the end. I hated to put it down. The crimes increase in intensity and take some ugly twists and turns. This is a clean story with no foul language, no gore, minimal violence, and no open-door intimacy. The series should be read in order, but each book is a complete mystery.
June 7, 2023
Deadly Means is the 7th book in the Rachel Ryder series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson in which Bishop and Ryder are investigating home invasions in the richy Mayfields Community. Lots of secrets behind close doors in the community and then someone ends up dead! What a great book!
June 17, 2023
Rachel and Rob get the case of a home invasion in a wealthy neighborhood. Then more home invasions and the last one produces a murder. Family secrets, lying, cheating and greed lead to the police detectives finding the culprit behind it all.
June 20, 2023
So many moving parts
What starts off simple quickly turns in to a complex, ever moving, almost confusing story. At times it was hard to get a read on just who was who. Certainly a few red herrings were thrown into to confuse the crimes.
What starts off simple quickly turns in to a complex, ever moving, almost confusing story. At times it was hard to get a read on just who was who. Certainly a few red herrings were thrown into to confuse the crimes.
July 13, 2023
Thrilling from beginning to end
One of the best books I have read so far this year. This is a extremely entertaining, page turning story. If you enjoy police type thrillers then this is the one for you.
One of the best books I have read so far this year. This is a extremely entertaining, page turning story. If you enjoy police type thrillers then this is the one for you.
April 21, 2024
The series continues with some exciting things happening. The book had a plot that was easy to see, but you couldn't figure out who did it. I enjoyed it.
The characters continue to develop and it makes you want more. Bravo to the author. Keep up the good work, I'm looking for more!
The characters continue to develop and it makes you want more. Bravo to the author. Keep up the good work, I'm looking for more!
November 27, 2024
Kept me on my toes!
I almost gave up this series due to excessive swearing in early books. Glad I continued. Rachel Ryder is unraveling (in a good way) and it's nice to see. The story was different and interesting with a few twists and turns.
I almost gave up this series due to excessive swearing in early books. Glad I continued. Rachel Ryder is unraveling (in a good way) and it's nice to see. The story was different and interesting with a few twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews