Tag: Harper Adams Mystery

Title: Luck of the Devil
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #3
Location: Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams & James Malcolm
Other Characters: Paul Adams, Hanna, Harper’s grandparents, Carter
Rating: 5

Luck of the Devil is the third installment in the Harper Adams Mystery series. Like the first two books, it offers a compelling mix of suspense and emotion, making it difficult to put down.

Despite her flaws, former detective Harper Adams is a protagonist readers can’t help but root for. In this installment, she struggles with her sobriety after her mother’s suspicious death. The reader embarks on a tense, thrilling journey filled with determination, grief, and danger. Harper’s relentless pursuit of the truth, regardless of the potential cost, adds depth and complexity to her character, making her journey both intriguing and engaging. The scene is shrouded in suspicion, featuring faded skid marks, a packed suitcase, and a toxicology report that doesn’t add up. This mystery series is truly addictive.

The chemistry between Harper and Malcolm, a crime boss turned tavern owner whom she reluctantly trusts, is magnetic. Their dynamic is electrifying and complex; he acts as her protector while also being a wildcard, and she confronts her inner turmoil with unwavering determination. I loved their dialogue and the interactions between these two characters, and I can’t wait to see where their story leads in future books in the series.

If you love a mystery with a flawed complicated but interesting protagonist, slow burn romance, with twists and turns to solve a mystery, you are going to fall in love with this series.

Reasons for my five-star rating of this book…

• Harper experiences profound emotional depth and growth as she navigates her sobriety following the suspicious death of her mother.
• The unforgettable slow-burn dynamic between Harper and Malcolm.
• The characters are authentic; they are flawed yet very interesting, making it impossible for the reader not to root for them.
• A true page-turner, this book was difficult to put down once I started reading it.
• Harper and Malcolm navigate the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding Harper’s mother’s death, all while uncovering the true nature of their relationship.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Title: Long Gone
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #2
Location: Jackson Creek, Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams
Other Characters: James Malcolm, Clarice, Anton, Brett Colter, Skip Martin, Carter Hale, Paul Adams
Rating: 5

“I’m a daydream dressed as a nightmare.”

Long Gone, the second installment of the Harper Adams mystery series, draws readers back into Harper’s world, now filled with heightened emotion and expertly crafted pacing. Set in the small town of Jackson Creek, Arkansas, the story reveals its secrets in vivid detail, as Swank skillfully weaves tension into a mystery that’s impossible to put down.

Harper is a complex and determined protagonist, despite her flaws. Her journey from disgrace to the heart of investigative grit captivates readers. Harper’s internal struggles and relentless pursuit of truth make her a compelling character with grit and determination.

The plot draws you in from the very first page.. Five years ago, Hugo disappeared without a trace, and now his wife seeks to have him declared dead for closure and to collect his life insurance. She hires Harper to investigate her husband’s disappearance. What begins as a simple case quickly evolves into a complex and unexpected narrative. Swank skillfully reveals clues, introduces red herrings, and crafts an atmosphere of uncertainty, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The supporting characters are equally captivating. The return of James Malcolm, the reformed crime boss turned tavern owner, is a welcome addition. Harper struggles to trust Malcolm, yet something about him draws her in. The reader feels the same attraction and can’t help but root for both him and Harper. I’m anxious to see where this leads.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and her storytelling has already captivated me. She skillfully balances suspense, pacing, and character development in her writing. I can’t wait to dive into the third book in the series to discover what Harper and Malcolm will investigate next.

If you enjoy a small-town mystery featuring a flawed but captivating protagonist, an engaging plot, and emotional depth, you’ll love this series.

Happy Reading!

Title: Little Girl Vanished
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #1
Location: Jackson Creek, Arkansas
Main Character: Harper
Other Characters: Louise, Malcome, Nate, Drew, Ava, Vanessa, T.J., Sarah Jane, Hale, David
Rating: 5

This is the first book in the Harper Adams Mystery series and my first read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. This book has all the elements of a compelling mystery: it is beautifully written and expertly crafted, delivering an emotional punch. I was kept on the edge of my seat until the final word, thanks to its witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and engaging storyline. The narrative includes sweet moments, thrilling action, danger, family drama, painful pasts, mystery, plot twists, and imperfect characters filled with secrets and missteps, all interspersed with laughs and deep emotions.

Harper Adams has returned to her hometown of Jackson Creek and is currently living in her parents’ garage apartment. She is trying to determine her next steps after losing her job at the Little Rock Police Department. When the daughter of her sister’s childhood friend goes missing, it stirs up unpleasant memories from Harper’s past. The local police dismiss it as a runaway case, but Harper’s instincts tell her that this child has been kidnapped, and she is determined to find her.

Harper teams up with James Malcolm, the former crime boss who serves as the perfect foil—morally gray, resourceful, and unexpectedly sympathetic. Their reluctant alliance adds a captivating tension to the story.

If you love a captivating mystery filled with twists and turns that lead to a surprising conclusion, I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed. It exemplifies how a great mystery should be crafted. I literally couldn’t put it down. With its twists and turns, it kept me guessing from start to finish. I have already downloaded the second book to find out what Harper’s next mystery will be.

Please share your thoughts in the comments if you’ve read this book.

Happy Reading!