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In the second book in the Detective Harriet Foster thriller series, author Tracy Clark weaves a twisted journey into the underbelly of Chicago as Harriet and her team work to unmask a serial killer stalking the city’s aldermen.
The Chicago PD is on high alert when two city aldermen are found dead: one by apparent suicide, one brutally stabbed in his office, and both with thirty dimes left on their bodies—a betrayer’s payment. With no other clues, the question is, Who else has a debt to pay?
Detective Harriet Foster is on the case before the killer can strike again. But even with the help of her partner, Detective Vera Li, and the rest of their team, Harriet has little to go on and a lot at risk. There’s no telling who the killer’s next target is or how many will come next.
To stop another murder, Harriet and her officers will have to examine what the victims had going on behind the scenes to determine who could be tangled up in this web of betrayal…and who could be out for revenge
The Chicago PD is on high alert when two city aldermen are found dead: one by apparent suicide, one brutally stabbed in his office, and both with thirty dimes left on their bodies—a betrayer’s payment. With no other clues, the question is, Who else has a debt to pay?
Detective Harriet Foster is on the case before the killer can strike again. But even with the help of her partner, Detective Vera Li, and the rest of their team, Harriet has little to go on and a lot at risk. There’s no telling who the killer’s next target is or how many will come next.
To stop another murder, Harriet and her officers will have to examine what the victims had going on behind the scenes to determine who could be tangled up in this web of betrayal…and who could be out for revenge
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
1829 people are currently reading
6435 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Clark
8 books889 followersTracy Clark, a native Chicagoan, is the author of the Cass Raines Chicago Mystery series, featuring ex-cop turned PI Cassandra Raines. A multi-nominated Anthony, Lefty, Edgar, Macavity, and Shamus Award finalist, Tracy is also the 2020 and 2022 winner of the G.P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award and the 2022 Sara Paretsky Award, which honors crime writers from the Midwest. Tracy was also nominated for the 2022 Edgar for Best Short Story for “Lucky Thirteen,” which was included in the crime fiction anthology “Midnight Hour.” She is a proud member of Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and serves on the boards of Bouchercon National and the Midwest Mystery Conference. HIDE, her new, police procedural, featuring Det. Harriet Foster of the Chicago Police Department, released in January 2023. The second entry in that series, FALL, releases in 2024. Tracy loves old black-and-white movies, a good nap, and a really spicy ginger snap served with ice-cold milk. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing and admits to finding characters in the most unusual places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
January 1, 2024
Not long after Chicago city ex-alderman Marin Clark is released from serving a three year sentence for corruption, two of her fellow aldermen are killed. When Marin was convicted they were also suspected of being involved, along with two others including John Meehan, who expects to be elected the next mayor. Detective Harriet (Harri) Foster and her new partner detective Vera Li are investigating the deaths and Marin is high on their suspect list. However, she claims she went nowhere near them and just wants to get on with her life and reclaim her daughter from her vindictive husband, who will never forgive her for her conviction ruining his reputation.
Although, much of the evidence point towards Marin being guilty, Harri is not convinced and has other suspects in her sights, including Marin’s husband who would love to see her sent back to jail. The plot moves along at a steady pace with a lot of CCTV to be watched to pin down peoples movements. Through it all Harri and Vera are forming a good partnership and their banter with each other adds some light humour to the novel. Distracting Harri is an unknown person calling her and hinting that he had something to do with her previous partner Glynnis, who was believed to have committed suicide. It’s likely we’ll hear more from this unknown caller and what he wants from Harri in the next book in the series. This engrossing character driven plot has some good final twists and a satisfying ending. 4.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read.
Although, much of the evidence point towards Marin being guilty, Harri is not convinced and has other suspects in her sights, including Marin’s husband who would love to see her sent back to jail. The plot moves along at a steady pace with a lot of CCTV to be watched to pin down peoples movements. Through it all Harri and Vera are forming a good partnership and their banter with each other adds some light humour to the novel. Distracting Harri is an unknown person calling her and hinting that he had something to do with her previous partner Glynnis, who was believed to have committed suicide. It’s likely we’ll hear more from this unknown caller and what he wants from Harri in the next book in the series. This engrossing character driven plot has some good final twists and a satisfying ending. 4.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read.
January 21, 2024
Uninteresting and uninspired. 1 of 10 stars
November 16, 2023
“Every betrayal has a cost.”
Detective Harriet Foster returns in this follow-up sequel to 'Hide', the propulsive series opener. Fall is also set in the dark underbelly of Chicago with a serial killer on the loose, but this time, the killer is stalking the city's public servants.
Readers are taken to the bitter and chilly February streets of Bronzeville and Little Village where someone is killing corrupt aldermen and leaving 30 pieces of silver on their bodies - a betrayer’s payment.
Can loyalty and discretion really be bought by a couple of twenties slipped into a pocket?
In Clark’s setting, 121 N. LaSalle, Chicago’s City Hall, is full of public servants who have a track record of betraying the trust of their people, their own ideals, and aligning themselves with evil. With so few clues and nobody willing to divulge anything, detectives have a tough job pulling back the curtain on what’s happening at City Hall and in the private lives of the city’s politicians. It’s imperative they determine who could be trapped in this betrayal web, who could be the next victim, and who could be out for revenge "before somebody else dies a horrible death … or dimes get scarce in town.”
Clark writes with purpose, has an eclectic investigative team, a lapel-grabbing plot and is able to hook readers immediately with her writing style. She’s definitely written a spectacular sequel that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a third book.
I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Detective Vera Li and Detective Harriet Foster. They are polar opposites in so many ways, “yet were the same where it counted.” Learning to become mutually dependent is tough and Clark makes it interesting by sharing the backstories that brought them to this place. They work together so well and Clark uses each character’s strengths and weaknesses to bind this formidable team. I equally enjoyed Medical Examiner Dr. Olivia Grant’s character and hope to see more of her in book three.
It was good to be reminded of the tragedy of putting our careers ahead of family, of keeping secrets from those we rely on, and that ‘karma’ or social justice, if you will, has a way of catching up with us.
I appreciated the lesson on the composition of dimes, too.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Detective Harriet Foster returns in this follow-up sequel to 'Hide', the propulsive series opener. Fall is also set in the dark underbelly of Chicago with a serial killer on the loose, but this time, the killer is stalking the city's public servants.
Readers are taken to the bitter and chilly February streets of Bronzeville and Little Village where someone is killing corrupt aldermen and leaving 30 pieces of silver on their bodies - a betrayer’s payment.
Can loyalty and discretion really be bought by a couple of twenties slipped into a pocket?
In Clark’s setting, 121 N. LaSalle, Chicago’s City Hall, is full of public servants who have a track record of betraying the trust of their people, their own ideals, and aligning themselves with evil. With so few clues and nobody willing to divulge anything, detectives have a tough job pulling back the curtain on what’s happening at City Hall and in the private lives of the city’s politicians. It’s imperative they determine who could be trapped in this betrayal web, who could be the next victim, and who could be out for revenge "before somebody else dies a horrible death … or dimes get scarce in town.”
Clark writes with purpose, has an eclectic investigative team, a lapel-grabbing plot and is able to hook readers immediately with her writing style. She’s definitely written a spectacular sequel that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a third book.
I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Detective Vera Li and Detective Harriet Foster. They are polar opposites in so many ways, “yet were the same where it counted.” Learning to become mutually dependent is tough and Clark makes it interesting by sharing the backstories that brought them to this place. They work together so well and Clark uses each character’s strengths and weaknesses to bind this formidable team. I equally enjoyed Medical Examiner Dr. Olivia Grant’s character and hope to see more of her in book three.
It was good to be reminded of the tragedy of putting our careers ahead of family, of keeping secrets from those we rely on, and that ‘karma’ or social justice, if you will, has a way of catching up with us.
I appreciated the lesson on the composition of dimes, too.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 29, 2023
The second book in the Detective Harriett Foster series continues following the exploits of the Chicago homicide cop who’s still mourning the murder of her son but is still prepared to throw herself completely into her job. This is a police procedural thriller that moves at a steady pace and will suit readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist.
Former Chicago City Council alderman, Marin Shaw has just been released from prison after serving a three year sentence for fraudulent behaviour in her job. It looks very bad for her, then, when first one and then a second alderman with whom she once worked are suddenly murdered. It looks even worse when it becomes apparent that it’s likely Shaw was left to take the fall for their own dodgy behaviour.
Taking the case of the initial murder is Detective Harriett Foster and her partner Detective Vera Li. It’s already been established during the first book in the series, Hide, that these two detectives work very well together as a team. They don’t miss much and their instincts are very good. But their curiosity is indeed piqued by the discovery of thirty pieces of silver on each of the murdered victims.
Marin Shaw is a suspect, but she’s by no means the only suspect.
Distracting Harri from the investigation is a caller who was clearly involved with the death of her previous partner, Glynnis. Up until this call she had always believed Glynnis had committed suicide because the job had gotten too much for her. Now, with the mysterious taunting voice in her ear, everything about her partner and friend's death is turned on its head. A new load of pressure is piled on Harri's shoulders.
Fall is a strong second book in the series and sets about further establishing the team of detectives working together on the case. There's plenty of banter to keep things light, but when things become desperate there's also some solid teamwork on display.
Much of the grunt work involves tedious interviews and reviewing of CCTV footage. All of this highlights the fact that nothing beats good old fashioned slog to get a result.
The pacing is steady before ramping up to provide a thrilling (and chilling) finale. This is a police procedural crime novel that fans of the genre are going to be very comfortable with.
Harriett and Vera are developing a strong and growing working friendship. Their relationship has clearly got some growing to do but I've enjoyed the chemistry that has already built between the two of them. It has led to some very entertaining scenes. I'm looking forward to the next in the series with some intriguing unfinished business still to be dealt with.
My thanks to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for a digital ARC to read and enjoy.
Former Chicago City Council alderman, Marin Shaw has just been released from prison after serving a three year sentence for fraudulent behaviour in her job. It looks very bad for her, then, when first one and then a second alderman with whom she once worked are suddenly murdered. It looks even worse when it becomes apparent that it’s likely Shaw was left to take the fall for their own dodgy behaviour.
Taking the case of the initial murder is Detective Harriett Foster and her partner Detective Vera Li. It’s already been established during the first book in the series, Hide, that these two detectives work very well together as a team. They don’t miss much and their instincts are very good. But their curiosity is indeed piqued by the discovery of thirty pieces of silver on each of the murdered victims.
Marin Shaw is a suspect, but she’s by no means the only suspect.
Distracting Harri from the investigation is a caller who was clearly involved with the death of her previous partner, Glynnis. Up until this call she had always believed Glynnis had committed suicide because the job had gotten too much for her. Now, with the mysterious taunting voice in her ear, everything about her partner and friend's death is turned on its head. A new load of pressure is piled on Harri's shoulders.
Fall is a strong second book in the series and sets about further establishing the team of detectives working together on the case. There's plenty of banter to keep things light, but when things become desperate there's also some solid teamwork on display.
Much of the grunt work involves tedious interviews and reviewing of CCTV footage. All of this highlights the fact that nothing beats good old fashioned slog to get a result.
The pacing is steady before ramping up to provide a thrilling (and chilling) finale. This is a police procedural crime novel that fans of the genre are going to be very comfortable with.
Harriett and Vera are developing a strong and growing working friendship. Their relationship has clearly got some growing to do but I've enjoyed the chemistry that has already built between the two of them. It has led to some very entertaining scenes. I'm looking forward to the next in the series with some intriguing unfinished business still to be dealt with.
My thanks to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for a digital ARC to read and enjoy.
February 25, 2024
I wanna start with - I’m a big fan of Detective Foster and also Detective Lee. This installment was great from a character development perspective! Lee is so sassy!
But the case was just okay. It was over complicated while being easy to predict - if that makes sense.
3.5 stars
But the case was just okay. It was over complicated while being easy to predict - if that makes sense.
3.5 stars
January 14, 2024
I freaking love Tracy Clark, and I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER to see my friend Detective Harriet Foster again. This is book 2 of the series, and I couldn't remember a dang thing that happened in book 1, but I think Fall did really well as a standalone. I would have liked to do a reread of Hide first, but you are probably mostly just missing what happened with Foster's son. I think that when the third book comes out, I will do rereads, and I love the books so much that I want to anyway. Detective Foster is one of those female leads that you can really get behind, and I will forever be in love with her determination and cleverness.
I was extremely excited to learn the narrator from Hide was back for this audiobook, and once again Chanté McCormick did a completely stellar job. She is the perfect person to give voice and life to Foster, and I hope she never leaves as the narrator for the audio. The mystery surrounding who was killing the aldermen was top-notch as well, and even with the different viewpoints I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. Fall is packed with plenty of action as well as some drama, and this is definitely one of my favorite police procedural series out there even though there are only two books so far. This would make an incredible mini-series, and one day I really hope to see Foster onscreen! You can find the audio on Kindle Unlimited, and I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was extremely excited to learn the narrator from Hide was back for this audiobook, and once again Chanté McCormick did a completely stellar job. She is the perfect person to give voice and life to Foster, and I hope she never leaves as the narrator for the audio. The mystery surrounding who was killing the aldermen was top-notch as well, and even with the different viewpoints I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. Fall is packed with plenty of action as well as some drama, and this is definitely one of my favorite police procedural series out there even though there are only two books so far. This would make an incredible mini-series, and one day I really hope to see Foster onscreen! You can find the audio on Kindle Unlimited, and I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 11, 2025
let’s interrogate every single person except for the person who is clearly the killer for 300 pages
November 30, 2023
Fall is the second book in the Detective Harriet Foster series by American author, Tracy Clark. Is it a coincidence that, mere weeks after corrupt Chicago City Council alderman, Marin Shaw is released from her three-year prison sentence, two other aldermen in their guilty clique, who left her high and dry, are dead? Two violent deaths in a violent town, but Detective Harriet Foster and her partner, Detective Vera Li don’t believe in coincidences, and Marin has had three years to build up her resentment. Add to that the thirty dimes found on, or in, each of their bodies: thirty pieces of silver.
Thing is, there are several others with motives for killing Alderman Deanna Leonard and Alderman George Vasquez, not least of those being mayoral aspirant, Alderman John ‘Cubby’ Meehan, whose ruthlessness is well-known. Also, Marin’s priority seems to be getting custody of her now-thirteen-year-old daughter: would she jeopardise that to get revenge?
Distracting Harriet from the case is an anonymously delivered photograph, and a blackmail threat that relates to her former partner’s suicide some six months earlier. She is quietly determined to ensure that Glynnis Thompson’s reputation is not sullied, but a perceptive Vera Li stays on her case to share her troubles.
In a plot that features the team checking a lot of CCTV footage, various suspects having short-lived affairs, a stolen key, a missing overcoat, bribes to a doorman, quite a few selfish and/or self-centred types, and not a few dodgy alibis, there are twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right up to the point where one of those suspects begins to wonder about someone…
The banter between the characters is entertaining, and Clark is fleshing out the regular cast so they are a team the reader looks forward to encountering again, quite likely as a certain background issue is yet to be resolved. Readers will eagerly anticipate the next volume in this excellent crime fiction series.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
Thing is, there are several others with motives for killing Alderman Deanna Leonard and Alderman George Vasquez, not least of those being mayoral aspirant, Alderman John ‘Cubby’ Meehan, whose ruthlessness is well-known. Also, Marin’s priority seems to be getting custody of her now-thirteen-year-old daughter: would she jeopardise that to get revenge?
Distracting Harriet from the case is an anonymously delivered photograph, and a blackmail threat that relates to her former partner’s suicide some six months earlier. She is quietly determined to ensure that Glynnis Thompson’s reputation is not sullied, but a perceptive Vera Li stays on her case to share her troubles.
In a plot that features the team checking a lot of CCTV footage, various suspects having short-lived affairs, a stolen key, a missing overcoat, bribes to a doorman, quite a few selfish and/or self-centred types, and not a few dodgy alibis, there are twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right up to the point where one of those suspects begins to wonder about someone…
The banter between the characters is entertaining, and Clark is fleshing out the regular cast so they are a team the reader looks forward to encountering again, quite likely as a certain background issue is yet to be resolved. Readers will eagerly anticipate the next volume in this excellent crime fiction series.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
December 17, 2023
I have been waiting months for this book and now having read it, resign myself to waiting months for the next in this excellent Chicago-set series featuring CPD policewoman Harriet Foster.
Clark gets the Chicago settings just right and Harriet Foster is an excellent, deep protagonist. FALL is a great woman-buddy novel (Foster & Li, and even Foster's previous partner, now a ghost yet very much on Harriet's mind). While this police procedural leads the reader through well-plotted misdirection, it also leaves a mystery for the next book.
Male readers may be less interested in FALL--there are no redeeming male characters. And the ultimate villain & motivation is a bit of a trope. But--both are minor criticisms compared to the overall plot, characters, and settings.
I'm a tremendous fan of Sara Paretsky's Chicago series, yet I think Tracy Clark's developing Harriet Foster series could, for Chicago, rival Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series for Los Angeles.
Highly recommended.
Clark gets the Chicago settings just right and Harriet Foster is an excellent, deep protagonist. FALL is a great woman-buddy novel (Foster & Li, and even Foster's previous partner, now a ghost yet very much on Harriet's mind). While this police procedural leads the reader through well-plotted misdirection, it also leaves a mystery for the next book.
Male readers may be less interested in FALL--there are no redeeming male characters. And the ultimate villain & motivation is a bit of a trope. But--both are minor criticisms compared to the overall plot, characters, and settings.
I'm a tremendous fan of Sara Paretsky's Chicago series, yet I think Tracy Clark's developing Harriet Foster series could, for Chicago, rival Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series for Los Angeles.
Highly recommended.
August 31, 2023
Many thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Fall, by Tracy Clark. Expected publication December 5, 2023.
In this second book in the Detective Harriet Foster series, Detective Harriet Foster is on the case before a killer can strike again. But even with the help of her partner, Detective Vera Li, Harri has little to go on and a lot at risk. While Harri is still reeling from the death of her son, crime doesn't pause for life to happen. When two aldermen are found dead, Foster and Li are tasked with figuring out what happened, and they need to do it quickly.
There was a secondary case that involved Harri's former partner but it felt a bit distracting to me. There seemed to be more than enough going on with the murder of the aldermen, in my opinion.
Hands down, my favorite part of the book was reading how Harri's relationship with her new partner, Li, is progressing. I think they blend together perfectly - and Li's comments made me laugh more than a few times.
I feel Fall can be read as a standalone. If you love police procedurals containing mystery, revenge, murder, and more, this one is for you!
In this second book in the Detective Harriet Foster series, Detective Harriet Foster is on the case before a killer can strike again. But even with the help of her partner, Detective Vera Li, Harri has little to go on and a lot at risk. While Harri is still reeling from the death of her son, crime doesn't pause for life to happen. When two aldermen are found dead, Foster and Li are tasked with figuring out what happened, and they need to do it quickly.
There was a secondary case that involved Harri's former partner but it felt a bit distracting to me. There seemed to be more than enough going on with the murder of the aldermen, in my opinion.
Hands down, my favorite part of the book was reading how Harri's relationship with her new partner, Li, is progressing. I think they blend together perfectly - and Li's comments made me laugh more than a few times.
I feel Fall can be read as a standalone. If you love police procedurals containing mystery, revenge, murder, and more, this one is for you!
December 21, 2023
Foster just doesn’t do it for me. I won’t continue with this series. Once I get the gist of a story, I want it to be over, and it just seemed like this book went on and on and on. Relatively uninterested in the storyline and the continuing story, though I really like Tracy’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Fall is the second book in the Detective Harriet Foster series by Tracy Clark. I absolutely love this series and the strong female characters! Harriet Foster and partner Vera Li. I would recommend that you read the series in order to get the back story, but you could read this as a standalone. When Marin Shaw gets out of prison after serving 3 years, for taking money while working in politics, people start dying. Marin took the fall for the others and now someone is killing the others one by one. Marin's main regret is her daughter. Marin's daughter has been without her mom for 3 years and as a teenager that's very tough! Marin's husband never visited or let her daughter visit during her 3 years in prison. Her husband blames her for "ruining" his public persona and his business dealings. He doesn't pick Marin up the day she's released and tells her she'll need to stay in their condo, not their home. A nice warm welcome back into the real world.
The first body found is of a female alderman. She was found dead in her car in a building garage. It was made to look like suicide, but it was murder. There were 30 dimes in her stomach that she was forced to swallow. Foster and Li begin investigating and know that Shaw just got out of prison. Rumor has it that there were 4 others that were guilty with Shaw and this woman was one of them. Is Shaw getting her revenge now that she's out? She called this woman the evening she was murdered. Coincidence? A couple of days later another alderman is found dead in his office. He was stabbed 3 times and had 30 dimes left in his pockets. He was another in the group of 4 that Shaw took the fall for.
Is Marin Shaw going around getting revenge after just getting out of prison? If not Shaw, who? Why would someone want others in the group dead? When Shaw is out walking in Chicago she is pushed into the street from behind as traffic is coming. She's injured, but not killed. Because she was pushed from behind she has no idea who did it? Is someone trying to kill everyone in the group, including Shaw or did she say she was pushed to take eyes off of her? Foster, Li, and the rest of the team have their work cut out for them. There are no easy answers and people keep dying. I thoroughly enjoyed Fall and rate it 5 stars. If you love a good mystery you'll love this book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Fall in exchange for a fair review. #Fall
The first body found is of a female alderman. She was found dead in her car in a building garage. It was made to look like suicide, but it was murder. There were 30 dimes in her stomach that she was forced to swallow. Foster and Li begin investigating and know that Shaw just got out of prison. Rumor has it that there were 4 others that were guilty with Shaw and this woman was one of them. Is Shaw getting her revenge now that she's out? She called this woman the evening she was murdered. Coincidence? A couple of days later another alderman is found dead in his office. He was stabbed 3 times and had 30 dimes left in his pockets. He was another in the group of 4 that Shaw took the fall for.
Is Marin Shaw going around getting revenge after just getting out of prison? If not Shaw, who? Why would someone want others in the group dead? When Shaw is out walking in Chicago she is pushed into the street from behind as traffic is coming. She's injured, but not killed. Because she was pushed from behind she has no idea who did it? Is someone trying to kill everyone in the group, including Shaw or did she say she was pushed to take eyes off of her? Foster, Li, and the rest of the team have their work cut out for them. There are no easy answers and people keep dying. I thoroughly enjoyed Fall and rate it 5 stars. If you love a good mystery you'll love this book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Fall in exchange for a fair review. #Fall
June 8, 2024
Readers are always in expert hands with Tracy Clark. Incredible world building, deeply written characters with heart, including the city of Chicago-- she breathes it to life.
December 21, 2023
Not much mystery here , just a lot of words and the wait for it to be over.
December 13, 2023
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
Thank you @tpclark2000 for sending me a signed copy of your book 💕
𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 (𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 #𝟮)
𝗕𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I met Chicago Detective Harriet Foster last winter in the first of the series: Hide. She'd just started at a new precinct following the loss of her long-time partner. And she'd previously lost her son to a violent, senseless crime. Harri embodies perseverance and strength. The woman has been through hell, and her work is the one thing keeping her sane.
After solving a serial killer case with the help of her newest partner, Vera Li, the duo are back to solve the latest case in Chicago: two alderman are found murdered, and besides 30 dimes found on the bodies, there's not much else to go on. Will Foster, Li, and the rest of the detectives be able to stop this killer before more people lose their lives?
• • • • •
💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I really enjoyed this one! I binged it over the weekend and found it just as unputdownable as the first. At its core, Fall is a police procedural/crime thriller, in the vein of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner. Clark's pacing is great, everything moving forward with great momentum, which I love in a thriller. It's twisty and complex, and keeps the reader on their toes. It's definitely a plot-forward novel, but the characters are the stars of the show here. Foster really wormed her way into my heart and made me care about her and her healing after being dealt such a horrible hand. I've loved witnessing her tenacity and courage in the face of so much adversity. I look forward to the next one in the series.
📌 Out now! Also available on Kindle Unlimited (ebook & audiobook)
Thank you @tpclark2000 for sending me a signed copy of your book 💕
𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 (𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 #𝟮)
𝗕𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I met Chicago Detective Harriet Foster last winter in the first of the series: Hide. She'd just started at a new precinct following the loss of her long-time partner. And she'd previously lost her son to a violent, senseless crime. Harri embodies perseverance and strength. The woman has been through hell, and her work is the one thing keeping her sane.
After solving a serial killer case with the help of her newest partner, Vera Li, the duo are back to solve the latest case in Chicago: two alderman are found murdered, and besides 30 dimes found on the bodies, there's not much else to go on. Will Foster, Li, and the rest of the detectives be able to stop this killer before more people lose their lives?
• • • • •
💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I really enjoyed this one! I binged it over the weekend and found it just as unputdownable as the first. At its core, Fall is a police procedural/crime thriller, in the vein of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner. Clark's pacing is great, everything moving forward with great momentum, which I love in a thriller. It's twisty and complex, and keeps the reader on their toes. It's definitely a plot-forward novel, but the characters are the stars of the show here. Foster really wormed her way into my heart and made me care about her and her healing after being dealt such a horrible hand. I've loved witnessing her tenacity and courage in the face of so much adversity. I look forward to the next one in the series.
📌 Out now! Also available on Kindle Unlimited (ebook & audiobook)
February 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book better than the first one, but once again I predicated the killer halfway through the book. The secondary plot does have me intrigued so I will most likely continue with this series.
December 30, 2024
FALL is a fantastical police procedural. It's as good as the first installment in the Harriet Foster series.
Tracy Clark is now one of my auto-buy authors.
In FALL, we get a whole new case for the squad, which continues with the fallout from Foster's personal life while introducing a new mystery. It also scatters the first clues as to what will be the main issue in ECHO, or so I imagine -but never taking away from the stand-alone story in FALL.
I can't wait for the next one.
Tracy Clark is now one of my auto-buy authors.
In FALL, we get a whole new case for the squad, which continues with the fallout from Foster's personal life while introducing a new mystery. It also scatters the first clues as to what will be the main issue in ECHO, or so I imagine -but never taking away from the stand-alone story in FALL.
I can't wait for the next one.
February 15, 2024
"Marin Shaw is released from prison after three years. She’s met by her lawyer and friend, Charlotte Moore, and is eager to make things right with her young daughter Zoe.
A small group of Chicago aldermen are having a meeting in a restaurant’s back room, long reputed to be where the real deals for the city are made. The aldermen are there to discuss the release of their former colleague Marin, who, took the fall for them when her actions came to light. She never revealed the names of her fellow corrupt city employees.
Meanwhile, Harriet Foster gives a victim impact statement at her son’s killer’s parole hearing. She still holds tremendous pain and grief for Reg, and though she recognizes the many disadvantages the killer had from birth, wants the young man to rot in jail. And this is her frame of mind when the first of the corrupt aldermen is murdered.
Of course the police immediately suspect Marin, as she has the best motive, and potentially weakest alibi. Then another alderman is murdered. Harriet and her partner Vera Li (I love her!) and the rest of the team are working every lead they can, but nothing is pointing to anyone definitively.
And then, Harriet receives a shocking photograph showing her former Glynis in a potentially compromising position, and Harriet is contacted by the sender, who threatens Glynis' family, sening Harriet into overdrive trying to protect them and work the perplexing murder case.
This was really good. I was hooked from the beginning, and liked the complicated murder case with so many potential suspects. As well, it looks like we may finally get some resolution, in a future book in this series, to Glynis' sudden, shocking suicide.
And Harriet's and Vera's partnership is really what makes this book, which is already an absorbing mystery thriller. The two women are so different and complement each other so well professionally. Vera's constant efforts to get Harriet to open up are welcome, as it's clear that Harriet is still carrying too much pain and sorrow. And it's likely that it's Vera, rather than her loving and well-meaning family, who might actually break through Harriet's walls. I dearly hope this happens, and I hope these two brilliant women soon discover who hurt and frightened Glynis.
I am so on board with reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my review."
A small group of Chicago aldermen are having a meeting in a restaurant’s back room, long reputed to be where the real deals for the city are made. The aldermen are there to discuss the release of their former colleague Marin, who, took the fall for them when her actions came to light. She never revealed the names of her fellow corrupt city employees.
Meanwhile, Harriet Foster gives a victim impact statement at her son’s killer’s parole hearing. She still holds tremendous pain and grief for Reg, and though she recognizes the many disadvantages the killer had from birth, wants the young man to rot in jail. And this is her frame of mind when the first of the corrupt aldermen is murdered.
Of course the police immediately suspect Marin, as she has the best motive, and potentially weakest alibi. Then another alderman is murdered. Harriet and her partner Vera Li (I love her!) and the rest of the team are working every lead they can, but nothing is pointing to anyone definitively.
And then, Harriet receives a shocking photograph showing her former Glynis in a potentially compromising position, and Harriet is contacted by the sender, who threatens Glynis' family, sening Harriet into overdrive trying to protect them and work the perplexing murder case.
This was really good. I was hooked from the beginning, and liked the complicated murder case with so many potential suspects. As well, it looks like we may finally get some resolution, in a future book in this series, to Glynis' sudden, shocking suicide.
And Harriet's and Vera's partnership is really what makes this book, which is already an absorbing mystery thriller. The two women are so different and complement each other so well professionally. Vera's constant efforts to get Harriet to open up are welcome, as it's clear that Harriet is still carrying too much pain and sorrow. And it's likely that it's Vera, rather than her loving and well-meaning family, who might actually break through Harriet's walls. I dearly hope this happens, and I hope these two brilliant women soon discover who hurt and frightened Glynis.
I am so on board with reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my review."
December 17, 2023
This is the second in the Detective Harriet Foster series and it was just as good as the first. I enjoyed Detective Foster getting to know and working with her new partner Detective Vera Li, and the case itself which was crazy. I mean bodies showing up with thirty dimes in them? Wild. This was a gripping page turner that I could not put down and read in one sitting. Note this can be read as a standalone but I definitely recommend the prior book in addition to this one, they both are excellent.
A huge thank you to @kayepublicity and the author @tpclark2000 for sending me this finished copy to review.
A huge thank you to @kayepublicity and the author @tpclark2000 for sending me this finished copy to review.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed reading this second installment of the series where the author gave us a well-developed story and characters that are different but work perfectly in solving the case. I eagerly anticipate the next installment of this excellent crime fiction series. Thank you, #NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of this book.
October 1, 2024
I’ve got to say I’m a big fan of detective Harriet Foster. The second book of the series was great but the end left me wanting more. I’m not sure if i’m disappointed or the author is a genius for leaving me with my mouth hanging. Cant wait to get my hands on the third installment!
Thank you Thomas & Mercer, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book.
April 20, 2024
3.5 stars Glad to see the partnership between Harriet and Vera developing. Looking forward to book 3.
February 17, 2025
3.5 stars
I didn't like this book quite as well as the first in the series (Hide), but still a solid police procedural.
I didn't like this book quite as well as the first in the series (Hide), but still a solid police procedural.
December 16, 2023
I was introduced to Tracy Clark's writing when I read Hide, her first Harriet Foster mystery this year. The result was that it was a best read of this year for me. I preordered her second Harriet Foster book which was to be published later in the year. I then decided to try her older established mystery series.
When I received Fall, I put aside other books I had planned to read. I was eager to read it. I am going to relate why I like this series and author. Other have put short synopsis of the book.
It is based in Chicago. It has very good character development. It is interesting to watch the new partnership of Harri and Li grow. I mentioned in Hide (the first book) that Li could have her own series. They blend well as partners. There are other secondary characters to keep up with.
The mystery is good. It moves along and doesn't lag. If you like police procedurals, you should enjoy this book. I am now looking forward to the third book when it is published. I always like it when I have a new author to follow.
When I received Fall, I put aside other books I had planned to read. I was eager to read it. I am going to relate why I like this series and author. Other have put short synopsis of the book.
It is based in Chicago. It has very good character development. It is interesting to watch the new partnership of Harri and Li grow. I mentioned in Hide (the first book) that Li could have her own series. They blend well as partners. There are other secondary characters to keep up with.
The mystery is good. It moves along and doesn't lag. If you like police procedurals, you should enjoy this book. I am now looking forward to the third book when it is published. I always like it when I have a new author to follow.
April 1, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4!
An enjoyable second book in the Harriet Foster series! With more of the character development established I ended up appreciating the different personalities more, and am looking forward to seeing more of the team dynamic in the rest of the series.
This was a great commentary on Chicago politics (iykyk) and while political storylines aren’t my favorite, the mystery was layered enough that it worked well for me.
There is one open storyline that will be addressed in the next book ECHO (I think) so be prepared to want jump right into book 3 👀
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and the author, Tracy Clark, for my copy!
An enjoyable second book in the Harriet Foster series! With more of the character development established I ended up appreciating the different personalities more, and am looking forward to seeing more of the team dynamic in the rest of the series.
This was a great commentary on Chicago politics (iykyk) and while political storylines aren’t my favorite, the mystery was layered enough that it worked well for me.
There is one open storyline that will be addressed in the next book ECHO (I think) so be prepared to want jump right into book 3 👀
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and the author, Tracy Clark, for my copy!
August 13, 2023
Harriet Foster is still haunted by the senseless murder of her son and the unexpected suicide of her former partner but is still driven to "serve and protect" as a member of the Chicago PD. She and her partner are assigned the murder of an alderman that seems to have an obvious suspect, but everything just seems off. Harri and her partner Vera Li work well together, bouncing ideas off each other, and Harri is slowly starting to trust her new partner and squad. This was an intriguing case, and there's an interesting setup for future books. I can't wait to see how things play out.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
August 8, 2023
I read Tracy Clark's previous book, Hide, that followed Detective Harriet Foster and her new partner Vera Li. I enjoyed it so much and as soon as I saw the Fall pop up on NetGalley, I knew I had to snag it!
A huge thank you to Thomas & Mercer for granting me access to this title! The Fall, once again, follows Detective Harriet Foster and her budding partnership with Detective Vera Li. This book also gives a lot more page time to secondary characters at the precinct, which I appreciated. Harri's life is still idling and her son's murderer is once again getting his day in court to potentially shorten his jail time, but Harri quickly puts an end to that. Harri is deeply haunted by the loss of her son, Reg.
While Harri is still reeling personally, crime doesn't pause for life to happen. When two aldermen are found dead, Foster and Li are tasked with figuring out what happened, and they need to do it fast. All eyes are on the police to solve this crime, bring justice, and tie things up nicely with a pretty bow. However, when all the parties connected to the crime are liars, how can you possibly gleam the truth?
Between the political scandals, the city corruption, and their continued battle to hold their ground in a male dominated playground, Foster and Li have their work cut out.
I liked the sequel in the series, but I found it to be a bit slow. I never got to a point where I felt myself turning the pages at rapid speed and refusing to put the book down. It took me about a week to read this and it truthfully was because it never turned suspenseful. I also managed to figure out who did It about 1/3 of the way in and felt myself wanting to shake them to figure it out. All in all, solid follow up, but I am hoping the next really hits it out of the ballpark!
A huge thank you to Thomas & Mercer for granting me access to this title! The Fall, once again, follows Detective Harriet Foster and her budding partnership with Detective Vera Li. This book also gives a lot more page time to secondary characters at the precinct, which I appreciated. Harri's life is still idling and her son's murderer is once again getting his day in court to potentially shorten his jail time, but Harri quickly puts an end to that. Harri is deeply haunted by the loss of her son, Reg.
While Harri is still reeling personally, crime doesn't pause for life to happen. When two aldermen are found dead, Foster and Li are tasked with figuring out what happened, and they need to do it fast. All eyes are on the police to solve this crime, bring justice, and tie things up nicely with a pretty bow. However, when all the parties connected to the crime are liars, how can you possibly gleam the truth?
Between the political scandals, the city corruption, and their continued battle to hold their ground in a male dominated playground, Foster and Li have their work cut out.
I liked the sequel in the series, but I found it to be a bit slow. I never got to a point where I felt myself turning the pages at rapid speed and refusing to put the book down. It took me about a week to read this and it truthfully was because it never turned suspenseful. I also managed to figure out who did It about 1/3 of the way in and felt myself wanting to shake them to figure it out. All in all, solid follow up, but I am hoping the next really hits it out of the ballpark!
September 13, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eArc Fall. I read the first book Hide before reading this book
I liked this book more than her first book Hide. They get into Foster's personality and the way her past shaped the way she handles her job and life now. I am hoping for a third book. I've always enjoyed these Tracy Clark's books.
I liked this book more than her first book Hide. They get into Foster's personality and the way her past shaped the way she handles her job and life now. I am hoping for a third book. I've always enjoyed these Tracy Clark's books.
April 13, 2024
Predictable and the denouement just dragged.
Also, I guessed the killer midway-through. Part of the issue was that there were so few characters. Once you eliminated the characters obviously implicated, it could only have been one of two people. Adding more suspects - a la Agatha Christie - would have helped.
In addition, the characters made dumb choices so it was hard to not be drawn out of the narrative by wondering why they would do or think something so silly. At one point, Harry laments Glynnis’ decision to not share a situation with her (G’s former partner) but then makes the exact same decision to not share the exact same situation with Vera (Harry’s current partner). There’s no recognition of the irony.
Still, I liked the Vera Li character. Harry was flat and dull.
Also, I guessed the killer midway-through. Part of the issue was that there were so few characters. Once you eliminated the characters obviously implicated, it could only have been one of two people. Adding more suspects - a la Agatha Christie - would have helped.
In addition, the characters made dumb choices so it was hard to not be drawn out of the narrative by wondering why they would do or think something so silly. At one point, Harry laments Glynnis’ decision to not share a situation with her (G’s former partner) but then makes the exact same decision to not share the exact same situation with Vera (Harry’s current partner). There’s no recognition of the irony.
Still, I liked the Vera Li character. Harry was flat and dull.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As an ex-Alderman in Chicago is released from prison, another Alderman is killed. Is it retaliation from the one who wound up in jail? Detective Harriet Foster and her partner Vera Li investigate.
4.5 stars.
I read the first book in this series and now this one and this is a series I look forward to reading more of. This is a solid police procedural with flawed characters and interesting backstory. This was a really good read.
As an ex-Alderman in Chicago is released from prison, another Alderman is killed. Is it retaliation from the one who wound up in jail? Detective Harriet Foster and her partner Vera Li investigate.
4.5 stars.
I read the first book in this series and now this one and this is a series I look forward to reading more of. This is a solid police procedural with flawed characters and interesting backstory. This was a really good read.
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