About the Book
Synopsis from Goodreads:
A young boy witnesses a kidnapping in a homeless encampment and flees for his life.
After rescuing a young boy trying to escape from two men who are chasing him, private investigator and single mom Cameron Chandler is repeatedly told that "you can't save everyone." Nevertheless, she takes on several clients who want her and her partner Yuri at Penny-wise Investigations to find missing homeless relatives, including a three-month-old baby.
Challenged by an investigation that ventures into a complex world of camaraderie and hardships where no one is safe, Cameron finds solace in her quirky but supportive family, her partner's trivia rants, her dog's obsession with stuffed endangered species toys, and a handsome detective who may or may not be interested in more than a professional relationship.
My Review
Cameron Chandler has settled nicely into her job as a detective in a discount detective agency in the local mall. On her way to work, she runs into a young boy running for his life. She jumps in to save him from the men chasing him and gives him a safe place to hide. She learns that the boy witnessed someone being kidnapped at a homeless encampment where he lives. She soon learns of many suspicious things going on at the encampment from kidnappings to drugs.
As she investigates the homeless encampment, she is hired by several different clients along the way. People who are looking for missing relatives and even a missing baby. Along with her partner, Yuri, Cameron sets out to discover what she can do to help. She particularly wants to help the young boy since he reminds her so much of her own son. The streets are nowhere for a kid to be on his own.
This is the 5th book in the Discount Detective Mystery series. I read the first two books, and I think this is the best one yet. I feel each book can be read as a standalone since the mysteries are solved in each book. However, it’s so much more fun to start at the beginning. With this series, it’s interesting to see Cameron’s character grow from a single mother with no job experience to a smart, knowledgeable detective. She can now run investigations on her own. She’s no longer a newbie.
The supporting characters are well-rounded and intriguing. They are realistically portrayed. There’s witty dialogue and even a gun-toting grandmother. Yuri is the perfect work partner for Cameron. They have a great rapport between them.
The storyline is fast-paced and hits on a real-life problem. There were quite a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Charlotte Stuart has a great talent for keeping her readers hooked from page one. We even get a taste of romance with this captivating mystery.
I’m hoping there will be a book six. I’ll be there for it. I want to have a chance to catch up with what’s happening in Cameron’s life.
For reading challenges:
Cruisin’ for the Cozies Reading Challenge 2025
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2025
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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