I love a good mystery, and usually enjoy police procedural, but somehow this just left me cold. I've attempted several times to get through it, but I just can't manage it.

A young couple are out kayaking on the Hudson river when a violent storm blows in. Only the woman makes it to shore., but where is her fiance? That briefly is the plot. There is a personal link with the couple involved as the lead investigator, Ebony Jones, is a close friend of the missing man’s ex-wife. The friendship becomes strained as both women find themselves with differing opinions on the situation.

The author has thrown every aspect of modern life at this - social media and its influencers, online gambling, secrets, lies, betrayals – but I just couldn’t warm to any of the characters. I believe this is the third book in a series, but I’m really not interested in reading any of the others.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

This book is book 3 of the Queen City Crimes Novel series.I was liery about reading book three without reading the previous two books.

I enjoyed this story but found that I was missing something. So now I will go back and read the other two books.

Ebony Jones is the detective on the case and it seems she has a connection. to this case. We go through the normal police procedure and see what secrets come out.

I really enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down. A very old fashion murder in very modern times, with a glimpse of how life is perceived in the 21st century and what is most important to many.
The book opens with a kayaking incident on the Hudson River, is it accident, suicide or foul play, and will the body be found. This is a story the walks one through the step of the law enforcement agencies, and with the use modern technology the truth is discovered. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

The unputdownable story where detective Ebony Jones is involved in a mystery case when she was assigned where a guy went missing as a strong storm popped up while he was kayaking on the Hudson River in this novel Queen City Crimes series. Ebony is shocked to learn that the missing kayaker is Kyle Emory, the ex-boyfriend of Ebony's estranged best friend, attorney Jessie Martin, and they have a daughter, Lily. Ebony has another surprise for Jessie, who has now been reunited with her true love, Judge Hal Samuels: Kyle is engaged to Olivia Vargas, a much younger social media personality. The novel is all about police procedures, finding, and investigations done by Ebony to first ascertain whether Kyle is missing or deceased; if he is deceased, will she be able to determine whether his death was accidental, suicide, or murder?

If Kyle is murdered, those suspects that Ebony will have, include Olivia, who is now entitled to half of Kyle's life insurance benefit; Olivia's debt-ridden brother, Auggie; and Olivia's current husband, Raul Esperanza, whom she hasn't yet divorced.

The author has a well-paced story with fantastic characters and a difference including many twists. Tension builds up as the strong characters make this novel very outstanding. Totally gripping crime novel which can be read as a standalone.

Thanks to Netgalley and Partners in Crime Tours for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

In The Empty Kayak, book three of the Queen City Crimes Series, author Jode Millman transports the reader back to the tranquil Hudson Valley town of Poughkeepsie, New York, for another intriguing story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

Poughkeepsie Police Detective Ebony Jones responds to a report of a missing kayaker after a rainstorm capasizes his kayak in the Hudson River. Ebony is shocked to learn that the missing man is Kyle Emory, the ex-fiance of her estranged best friend, criminal attorney Jessie Martin. Kyle and Jessie share a one-year old daughter, Lily, who had been with Kyle and his new fiancee, Olivia Vargas and her family at the park. Olivia and Kyle had gone kayaking in the river, but only Olivia returns to the shore. Ebony informs Jessie of Kyle's disappearance, and about Olivia, a person who she had no knowledge of or their relationship and recent engagement. Questions arise when the search for Kyle's body is slow going, was it an accident, a suicide, or a murder?

Attorney Jessie Martin receives a visit that no one ever wants. Jessie is determined to find the cause behind Kyle's disappearance, especially when her behind the scenes research into Kyle's life reveals secrets and lies, and she is determined to find the truth and seek justice, especially for her daughter.

Can Ebony and Jessie solve the mystery behind Kyle's disappearance? And will their investigation further strain their friendship in the long run?

Author Jode Millman weaves a slow-building and suspenseful tale that follows Detective Ebony Jones and criminal defense attorney Jessie Martin's investigation into the disappearance of Jessie's ex-fiance, Kyle Emory. They embark on an investigation that will reveal dark secrets and a tangled web of lies and deceit that will challenge their resolve to uncover the truth.

The reader will be easily drawn into this multi-layered story with a richly descriptive plot that interweaves police procedure and a dangerous cat-n-mouse game that will keep them guessing as personal and professional dramas, past histories, motives, and clues are uncovered. The reader will follow along as Ebony and Jessie are both determined to find out the truth behind Kyle's disappearance, and as tensions build, the suspect list grows, leaving them to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Author Jode Millman does an amazing job of taking the reader along for the ride as the investigative and legal process plays out with suspenseful twists and turns, and a surprising ending that will leave the reader wanting more.

The Empty Kayak has enough drama, tension, action, dark secrets, intrigue, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest book review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-empty-kayak-by-jode-millman-vbt.html

mystery, thriller, law-enforcement, procedural, friendship, friends, family-dynamics, secrets, series, New York State, lies, influencer, lawyers****

Detective Ebony Jones is a dedicated caring cop stuck in the middle of a perplexing case. She and her partner are called to the river for a "missing and presumed" incident. The victim turns out to be the father of a toddler belonging to a once good friend of Ebony (Jessie, a criminal defense lawyer who is currently engaged to the former DA. Ebony recognizes this almost immediately because said toddler is at the scene with the parents of the presumed fiancee. What a mess! The investigation is a tangled mess with incredible plot twists and some really inventive red herrings, while the interpersonal aspects are occasionally baffling. A good read.
I requested and received an EARC from Level Best Books/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you

As a storm rushes in, a young couple’s kayaking trip on the Hudson River unexpectedly takes a bad turn. Only one of them returns from the water.

There’s immediately a personal connection for the lead detective, Ebony Jones, adding an emotional aspect to it. As secrets are revealed, what starts out as a missing person case evolves into a possible homicide and whodunnit. While I quickly guessed the suspect (there are definitely several characters with more than questionable dealings), it was still an entertaining read. It’s an overall good police procedural.

Very relevant to social media these days and what drives people to be, or seem to be, as they are. While it’s the third book in this series, it works well as a standalone. I’d never read anything by this author, but would definitely read more of her work.

Solid 3 1/2 stars

I enjoyed the mystery and whodunit. The two police detective, Ebony and Zander, made a good team and bounced off each other well.
From the blurb I was hoping for more danger and mystery.
Without having read the other books, it's hard to get a feel for Jessie. She's not as single focused as the blurb made me think she was, and didn't get as involved as I thought she would.
There were some bits of information that kind of jarred me out of the book, like the reason Drew calls Ebony 'Sugar' or more specifically, it's placement in the book.
All in all I read this in 2 days (that damn adulting) and really enjoyed it.
I wasn't surprised by the killer but I didn't guess who it was until it was revealed. Which is a plus in my book.
I received a copy via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Review Synopsis: Good police procedural. Very character driven and engaging. First book I have read by the author. 3rd book in a series but works as a standalone. Satisfying ending. I would read the next in the series.

Good reads has this listed as the 3rd book in the Queen City Crimes series. But I also found it listed as the Jessie Martin Series. Jessie and Ebony are long time friends who are on the same side of the law, but in opposite corners. Ebony, a detective and Jessie a lawyer. The women have a long history together and are battling to keep that friendship alive in the wake of their careers and the crimes that keep throwing them together while pulling them apart.

You have to wait a bit for the body to turn up in this story but that doesn't keep it from diving right into a missing person story and possible murder. Ebony and her partner become the lead detectives in what turns out to be the death of Jessie's ex-boyfriend and father of her child. Jessie is shocked to find out that her ex was not only involved with Olivia, a social media influencer, but engaged to be married.

This is a well written story that tries to keep you guessing on "if" there was a crime and who may have committed it. But the real story is "why". That's what kept me reading and engaged. I'm giving this book a solid 3.5 stars for a well told exciting story and wonderfully written characters. It is absolutely not necessary to have read the first two books in the series because I feel as if I have read them already just from this book. There is constant referencing of the former two crime stories that involved our lead characters. Some of it was needed to make this a standalone book and to better understand why the characters felt and acted as they did. But by half way through the book those previous stories are hammered in and I was ready to move on. Move on it did but I definitely had to push through that first half. I did like that Kyle, the deceased ex of Jessie, was still able to "make an appearance" in this story. It had me grieving as if were there.

Although the story had a satisfying end, I felt that were some hints of character arcs (Cindie and her husband perhaps) that may be showing up in another story and I would absolutely love to see this court case carry out while they are working on another crime scene. Can't say that would happen if there is a 4th book. But a reader can wish. Solid 3.5 stars (higher if the previous two books hadn't been referenced so often). And 2 thumbs up. I would read more by Jode Millman and continue with this series. Thank you #netgalley and #levelbestbooks for this eARC for kindle.

For Detective Ebony Jones, crime is always personal. But this time, it strikes too close to home.

A pop-up thunderstorm marched its way across the Hudson River, ambushing a young couple’s kayaking trip. The woman miraculously made it back to shore, but her fiancé remains missing. Ebony and her partner are the first responders who rush to the river to assist in rescuing the capsized boater.

The victim’s identity shocks Ebony to the core. Kyle Emory, the ex-boyfriend of her estranged best friend, attorney Jessie Martin, is the man who never made it out of the water. The accident ignites a firestorm between the two friends, pitting them against each other in a race to discover whether Kyle survived or whether he met his untimely demise. Under pressure from the chief and the DA, Ebony needs to solve the mystery, while Jessie seeks justice for the sake of the daughter she shares with Kyle.

The investigation leads them through the dark worlds of social media, online sports betting, and extreme sports. Along the way, they uncover lies and betrayals, and gather a list of dangerous suspects who are all linked to the accident survivor, Kyle’s mysterious fiancée. Even more, the discovery that Kyle possessed his own life-shattering secrets has trapped Ebony between her career and her lifelong friendship with Jessie. Yet neither Ebony nor Jessie will stop until they unearth the truth. Even if it destroys their friendship and their lives.

But the evidence is as murky as the secretive Hudson River. Only the river knows whether Kyle’s untimely death was an accident, a suicide, or something more sinister.

This was my first read by Jode Millman and certainly not my last. I am hooked. Well written and just sheer perfection. Will recommend to others.

A pop-up thunderstorm marched its way across the Hudson River, ambushing a young couple’s kayaking trip in The Empty Kayak: A Queen City Crimes Mysteryby Jodé Millman.

The woman miraculously returned to shore, but her fiancé remains missing. Detective Ebony Jones and her partner are the first responders who rush to the river to assist in rescuing the capsized boater. Under pressure from the chief and the DA, Ebony needs to solve the mystery while Jessie seeks justice for the daughter she shares with Kyle.

The Empty Kayak was an okay read for me. I liked the descriptions and how the characters reacted to things. The book had no cliche sayings (such as a person holding their breath without realizing it), which I liked. However, I did guess right away what really happened and who the culprit was. It didn't take away from me reading the book and getting to know the characters.

I would check out and read more books by this author.

#TheEmptyKayak #NetGalley @ibpa

This was a great mystery that focuses on personal relationships and the hardship of your personal life being impacted by your career. I kayak every summer so I was immediately drawn to the book by it’s cover.

I have been feeding my brain more mystery/ suspense lately and this one hits the spot for me because it’s less procedural and more emotional. I love Ebony as a character and found the tension rising throughout the book until the end, which was great!

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this book for free!

The book is gripping and unputdownable. In the midst of young couple’s kayaking trip, thunderstorm marched its way across the Hudson River. And Olivia makes her way back to the shore but Kyle Emore remains missing. Perhaps the man was harbouring secrets. Detective Ebony is determined to find him but before that she is in dilemma that how will she tell Jessie about Kyle. Also the revelation of Olivia and Kyle’s engagement leaves her in such a shock. Later Olivia comes under suspicion when her secret gets unveiled. While Jessie is seeking justice and wished that Kyle comes back for his daughter. But only the Hudson river knows, if Kyle’s tragic death was an accident, suicide or well panned death. In the midst of lies, deception, betrayals, secrets and dangerous suspects, Jessie and Ebony are determined to solve the mystery of Kyle’s death.

I loved the investigation. Detective Ebony Jones has an extraordinary skills and Jessie herself did a great job at accessing information about Olivia. The description of River Hudson is so intriguing. The characters are so mysterious and secretive. I loved the ending. It was satisfying. Thank you Netgalley and Thanks to Author and Publisher.

I enjoyed the police procedural aspects of the story and the overall mystery with multiple suspects. I know this is part of a series but it seemed the references to prior storylines were not necessary. Were they there to get me to go back and read those ... if so too much information, if not they weren't needed to build these characters. Overall enjoyed it and would read the next in the series.

This was a pretty solid thriller. I enjoyed the twists and the mystery. I disliked the detective aspect of it. I think this just wasn't my cup of tea, but it wasn't bad.

This book was a decent read, it had suspense, intrigue, action, mystery, murder, and some crazy twist and turns! The storyline was interesting and flowed nicely! It wasn't one of my all time favorite, at times my mind wandered so for some reason it didn't keep my attention, but it was still worth reading! I will recommend reading this book! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

this was a strong third entry in the Queen City Crimes Mystery series, it does everything that I was looking for. It worked well overall with the whole series. Jode Millman has a great writing style that I had enjoyed from the previous two books. It had a great mystery going on and I enjoyed trying to solve what was going on.

"Certainly, it was a tragedy. But Jessie, Lily, and the Emorys were entitled to the details of the afternoon. No matter how horrible. If she’d lost a loved one in the river, she’d want to know the grisly details and that every resource was being exhausted to uncover the truth. While it appeared the police had covered all the bases, Cindie made a mental note to request a copy of the incident report from Chief Shepardson. Just to make sure."