Gerry Schmitt

What a spine tingling edge of your seat book this is. I remember reading Little Girl Gone from this author. She introduced readers to Afton and Max. I was so impressed with that book, I couldn't wait for the next one. Can I just say Wow! It's been awhile since I sat and read a book that terrified me with precision action and intrigued me so much it was impossible to put the book down. I know people say that all the time , but this reader literally couldn't pry her eyes from the book. It is show more one intense high stakes maximum adrenaline rush.

There are moments of violence but I found it to be done with a hint for readers to use their imagination. Simply put, the book is not a cozy mystery, but a well written thriller that grabs you as you gasp at the scene unfolding before you. Afton is still trying to make detective, but her boss isn't convinced she is ready. She is once again teamed up with Max as they pursue a secret team that thrives on pain, violence and a heart pounding ride that takes us into the underbelly of crime in a foreign country that traces back to Minneapolis. The people are ruthless and the author does great justice in giving readers a peek into what greed will do to others.

Afton is one tough person and proves herself several times when danger ascends upon her. I would want her as a partner any day. She is very smart and has a keen sense of looming danger. I have been trying to decide if I read a book that could be a Mission Impossible Movie or a new series on tv called The Afton Tangler files. It is that good folks. We may know half way through the book who the bad guys are, but the brilliance of the writing makes us question why it happened and how deep does it penetrate foreign lands and come full circle to the U. S. I know one thing, money can't buy love and it can't guarantee health. This is one author to keep your eyes on. There is definitely more coming from this exceptional author that will bring her name to the forefront when looking for an outstanding thriller.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion. show less

This first Afton Tangler thriller is a hard-edged, engrossing read written by a woman better known for her cozy mysteries-- Laura Childs. Writing under her real name, she has created a good, strong cast. Single mother Afton Tangler is smart, intuitive, full of common sense, and known for driving two expensive cars that she got in her divorce settlement. She's partnered with veteran detective Max Montgomery, a man who sees how much potential this family liaison officer has. I was really show more impressed with their boss, Deputy Chief Gerald Thacker. Afton is a rookie; she makes mistakes and steps on the toes of some of her superiors. But whatever she does, she does it for the right reason. Thacker sees this and sticks up for her, and when Afton thanks him, his response is that he doesn't need to be thanked for doing the right thing. Now... how many superior officers can you remember doing that in the mysteries you've read? Not many, right?

No stranger to Minnesota winters, Schmitt pulled me right into the middle of a bone-chilling one, and she also taught me a thing or two about reborn dolls-- dolls that are made up to look as much like a newborn baby as possible. The author has crafted a good investigation. Not only did I learn some things, I appreciated how Schmitt showed that it is often the grunt work and just a tiny bit of intuition that can break a case right open.

Little Girl Gone is called a thriller for a reason. The bad guys are particularly creepy, the book's pace is fast, and it's a very scary scene when Afton confronts the kidnappers. It's good to see a writer try something different. I, for one, am looking forward to Afton's next case. show less

LITTLE GIRL GONE (not "Little Gone Girl," as I keep seeing it!) is a fantastic start to the Afton Tangler series. It's a different kind of mystery/thriller, as in it's more of a whydunit than a whodunit, which I liked very much. I loved Afton's character. She's a family liaison officer for the police department, though slowing working toward becoming a detective.

Afton is assigned to the case of a kidnapped baby girl as a social worker, but she ends up tagging along with a seasoned detective show more named Max to help solve the case. Afton is a tough, strong, and very brave woman, and I'd totally want her on my side if I was in trouble.

The story is told from different points of view, including the bad guys. It was quite interesting and disturbing to get inside their heads too. This was a suspenseful, exciting, page-turner for me. I stayed up until the wee hours fighting off sleep so I could find out how it ends. Nice combination of police procedural and suspense. Enjoyed it!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. show less

This was my second book by Gerry Schmitt and I am definitely looking forward to the third. As a matter of fact, I can't wait!

This book starts out with a helicopter being shot out of the air with a missile. The helicopter was bringing a new heart to the CEO of Diamond Shopping Network. He was all set to receive it. Well, that didn't happen. But it started this book off with a bang, literally.

While trying to discover if Leland Odin, the CEO, had any enemies or a reason why someone would want show more him dead, everyone lies. His partner, his wife, his stepdaughter and his rising star from DSN. This all turns out to bite them in the butt because Leland has taken something from a Thai gang leader and she wants it back. The cost is nothing, human lives or the money. She will get her investment back.

This book had me speed turning the pages from the very beginning. I loved the main character, Afton Tangler. She is a family liason for the police department but she has a detective's mindset.

The criminals in this book are ferocious. Human lives mean nothing to them. They are, in fact, pretty scary.

A book I sped through and thoroughly enjoyed the ride! Definitely worth checking out!

Huge thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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