Lisa is one of my favorite authors and D.D. Warren is a star.
I love this series and how each case is different. I don’t feel like I’m reading the same story with different names.
Can’t wait to read #10.

Look for Me is yet another captivating thriller by Lisa Gardner, filled with all of her trademark twists and turns. Detective D.D. Warren has some extra help in solving this novel’s case – the one and only Flora Dane, survivor-turned-avenger. Seeing how Flora was able to use her own experiences — escaping her attacker in Find Her — to her advantage in solving this case. An avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, Lisa Gardner continues to be one of my favorite authors in the genre. Look For Me did not disappoint!

Did I enjoy this book? So, I didn’t hate this book. I thought it was well written. I liked how the author advanced the plot both by real-time narration and the “homework assignment” essays. I was also surprised by the ending (so this is all I will say about it)–that doesn’t usually happen. The problem that I had with this book was that it periodically referenced events that happened in other books that I didn’t read. Apparently, two of the main characters have their own book series. No, I didn’t NEED to read them to understand what happened in this book, but I didn’t appreciate the references either. This book also dealt with some difficult topics–child abuse in foster care, an entire family is murdered (including parents and young children)–I wouldn’t describe this book as gory by any means, but this could definitely be hard to read.



Would I recommend it? Maybe some people wouldn’t be bothered by picking up a book in the middle of a series without reading the preceding books. I am not one of those people. If you are one of those people, I encourage you to read this book. If you can’t handle it (like me), I’d recommend you either find the other books or just skip altogether.

Really like the character of D.D. Warren. Lisa Gardner does a great job of giving you enough information that if you didn't start with the first book in the series you still understand and aren't completely, but not too much.

I really like the characters in this series! This story kept me interested and wanting to find out who did it!
The character development in this series is wonderful! I would highly recommend this book to those looking for a mystery!

Flora Dane and DD Warren team up to solve the crime of an entire family being gunned down and the eldest daughter, Roxy, who has gone missing. The family had already survived alcoholism and separation through the foster system to come back together and then be torn apart by the violent crime. As the two women piece together the sordid history of Roxy's family and other people close to her become targets of the victim, the two begin to realize that sometimes people cannot overcome their past mistakes.

Look For Me, one of Lisa Gardner's latest thrillers, had me hoping the end was near. Not out of fear though.....rather, boredom. This was simply not one of her finest novels, and I felt it was lacking much of the suspense that you would expect from a Lisa Gardner book. Once again, readers are witness to Detective D.D. Warren, and her quest to purge the world (or at least Boston) of all evil. Interestingly enough, she is assisted in this novel by Flora Dane, who readers became acquainted with in a previous book.

The tale begins when a family is savagely murdered. Four members killed, with only the teenage daughter, Roxy, escaping. Did she really escape? Or was she, perhaps, the perpetrator? With Flora's assistance, D.D. is on a race against time to find out what really happened to this family. Secrets begin to be uncovered, and we learn more about Roxy and her sister's previous life in a foster home.

The foster home seems to play a big role in this story. Years past, Roxy's mother was battling addiction, and was unable to care for Roxy and her sister, Lola. Both girls were placed into a foster home for a period of time, where they were the victim of unspeakable acts. Although they were eventually reunited with their mother, they were also unfortunately reunited with members of the foster home. Some of these members still held onto their bitterness, and they became determined that Roxy and Lola will continue to suffer.

Flora is an interesting character. She uses her experience as a survivor to help identify other victims, or potential victims. Her life skills give her an advantage, and allow her identify with the characters in the book who may be holding onto big secrets.

As we move through the book, the real question is "Will D.D. and Flora find Roxy in time?" For while they are looking for her, others are as well. Others with evil intentions....possibly to kill.

Favorite Quotes:

College had been about getting out and getting away, not because I hadn’t loved my mom or her farm or the fox kits born each spring, but because I’d been eighteen, and when you’re eighteen, clearly you can’t want what you already have. Definitely, you gotta try for whatever is behind that other door over there.

It takes a villain to make a hero. And it took a monster to make me.

My Review:

This was a brilliantly contrived thriller! Ms. Gardner’s ingenious and intriguing storylines squeezed my heart while they captivated, taunted, and prickled my curiosity. The mystery was compelling and confounding while the characters were deviously nuanced and complicated. I totally appreciate a clever kick-ass heroine/ survivor/vigilante and this story provided several. The story was heartbreakingly realistic, cunningly paced, shrewdly staged, and unpredictable with so many possible suspects with ample motivation. This was my first experience reading this author and could kick myself for noticing the previous eight books in this enticing series. I want them ALL.

A family massacred, one daughter and two dogs missing. Is this 9th installment in the series D.D. Warren once again has her hands full. And while she’s tracking down a killer, her husband and son are out adopting a dog of their own, which she’s not quite sure will be a welcome addition. Meanwhile, kidnapping survivor Flora Dane, has a connection to the missing girl and begins an investigation of her own, using her very secretive survivor support group to aid in the search. Roxanna is just trying to find a place to feel safe for a while. Unraveling this mystery will take them all into the dark side of the foster care system and reveal just how twisted a motive can be.
I loved this story, and while I’m usually a cat person, the dogs really add something special to the story. D.D. Warren is a very complicated police detective, but great at her job. She has some great leadership skills and I was very impressed by the way she kept the investigation organized when practically the entire Boston police force was involved in the search for the missing girl. She also has great people skills when she needs them. I felt sorry for Flora and the trauma she had been through, but at the same time I admired her resiliency and the way she was working to re-create her life into something that was meaningful to her. There’s also a whole host of supporting characters that are unique and add depth to the story. The plot here has a lot of twists and clues that don’t seem to fit together until the very end. I think mystery/thriller lovers will really enjoy this one.

I love a good suspense story. You know when you read the first page and are instantly hooked that you are going to be in for a wild ride. Look for Me is one of those stories that you think you have figured out and then there is a sudden twist that has you second guessing yourself. Then another twist. And another. By the time you reach the end you close the book and mutter, "Wow."

Roxy, a sixteen-year-old girl, is missing. Her family is brutally murdered in their home and no one knows if the missing girl is the murderer or running for her life. Detective D.D. Warren is on the case, carefully putting the pieces of the puzzle together. From what she is being told Roxy is the most level-headed person in her family, having to raise her younger brother and sister, protecting them every way she knows how, especially when they are taken away by child protective services and placed in foster care due to their mothers negligence due to alcoholism. This is the wakeup call that their mother needs and see fights to get clean and get her children back. Against all odds she accomplishes her goal and the little family is reunited. Everything seems to be going good and now almost the entire family is gunned down in cold blood and Roxy is nowhere to be found.

The deeper D.D. digs into the family's backstory the darker the secrets that are unearthed which makes the situation that much more confusing. D.D. is approached by Flora Dane soon after news of the murders are out and requests that she be a CI in the investigation. Flora is a victim herself, and an advocate and leader of others who have been through traumatic experiences. She tells D.D. that she has been in contact with Roxy prior to the murders that adds another twist in the already confusing narrative.

The attitudes and sarcasm between D.D. and Flora is great. They both have very different tactics but they both have the same goal: to find Roxy and find the truth. The conflict between these two characters helps lighten the very dark subject matter. Look for Me delves into alcoholism, the dark side of the foster care system, the effects of a family being torn apart, and the consequences of the choices of others.

Look for Me is the ninth book in The Detective D.D. Warren Series and since this is my first book in the series to read I can honestly say it is perfectly fine to read as a standalone book. I do not post spoilers but I do have to comment that the ending, though slightly predictable, is incredibly sad. The pace of the book is even and constant and makes the book hard to put down once you stop. This is my first book by Lisa Gardner and have to say that it is well written, the story multifaceted, and will not be my last book to read by this author or in this series. Five stars!

Combining Warren and Dane makes for some interesting interplay between two characters that we've seen before in Gardner's novels. The situation is very believable and compelling, and I am a big fan of her work. This latest story could also be a good introduction for readers new to this author. If you love thrillers then you will find this book hard to put down.

While I enjoyed this installment of the series, this was not my favorite. With each installment, I am pulling away from the series and not sure if I will continue. The characters were believable but the storyline was rough. I did enjoy seeing DD Warren and Flora Dane working together. This could be read as a stand-a-lone but highly recommend reading in order.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is one of the best books Lisa Gardner has written!! It starts off right away in a detailed murder. College girl brings a guy home from the bar and it's a mass slaughter!

This book focuses on several characters. DD Warren (obviously), Flora Dane, Sarah, and Roxanna Baez. Roxanna lives with her mom and two siblings until one day she is taken away and put into the foster care system. This book talks about how destructing the system can be. Roxanna's Mom is able to gain custody back of the kids and then the worst happens.

This book walks you through "the crime" and you get to solve it along with DD Warren and Flora. It talks about what it takes to survive and how far would you go to survive...or help someone else survive.

I would definitely recommend this book to any Lisa Gardner fan or someone looking to start out with a Lisa Gardner book who is new to her series.

The D.D. Warren series has been a comfort one for me. I am always happy to see a new edition and know I will enjoy it. What I enjoyed most about this one was the detailed trail of thought that I was able to follow along with step by step. I, also, enjoyed the developing relationship between Flora and D.D.

***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****

Lisa Gardner wrote one of her most moving books yet. I ended this book with tears streaming down my face. Gardner pulls the emotions from her listeners: the suspense, the fear, the anger, sadness, wonder, every feeling. Great, great job.

Kirsten Potter’s narration was wonderful. She expresses those feeling that Gardner puts into her words. That epilogue broke me though and it was read so very perfectly.

Thanks to my association as a blogger with NetGalley, I am provided with the opportunity to read and review books that I haven't heard of by authors I've never read.  Today's post is about one of those authors, Lisa Gardner, and her book, Look For Me. This book is book 9 in her D.D. Warren series, and I was actually a little worried at first since I hadn't read books 1 through 8, but it was fine.

Boston Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren is called to duty to look through the past of the Baez family when a family is gunned down in their home. It appears that the killer simply walked through the front door, kills two adults downstairs and two children upstairs. The fifth member of the family, teenager, Roxanne "Roxy" Baez, had left the home with her two dogs moments before the killings. Did she have something to do with the killings? Is she a victim or is she a suspect? 

D.D. Warren starts investigating the case and starts searching for the missing teen. Flora Danes, a vigilante, is also determined to find Roxy, and has the connections, skills and knowledge to succeed.  Flora and D.D. both seem to struggle a bit - they butt heads because they are both strong women with different ideas as to their plan of action for the situation. 

I really liked how Roxy’s essays were shared throughout the book, gave even more emotion to the story. Look For Me delves into topics such as abuse, child care, family dynamics, fear and love.  I really enjoyed this book - it's a great-paced thriller with lots of heart.  I will definitely take a look back at books 1 through 8 in this series!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.  I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to participate, read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else!

LOOK FOR ME (Susp/Pol Proc-Det. Sgt. D.D. Warren -Boston-Contemp) – VG+
Gardner, Lisa – 9th in series
Dutton – February 2018
First Sentence: A year later, what Sarah remembered most was waking up to the sound of giggling.
Flora Dane is a survivor. Now she finds other survivors and helps them regain control of their own lives. A family of four has been brutally murdered in their home. But where is Roxanne, the 16-year-old daughter? Is she the killer? Or did she escape? Det. Sgt. D.D. Warren is out for answers either way.
Here's an opening which captures one's attention. Horrible and grim, it nonetheless compels one to continue reading; something Gardner does very well. Gardner also raises an excellent point about survivors of trauma—"Being a survivor didn't just mean being strong. It meant being lonely. Honestly, truly lonely."
There are truths here—"If there is one thing I've learned these past few years, it's that there's not one right way to deal with trauma. Each of you will have to find your tricks, just like I did. And some days will be so impossible, you'll wonder how you can go on. … we are all just trying to find the light."
Gardner has created such strong characters. These are not people one would necessarily want in one's life, but they are characters one will remember long after the final page. Flora Dane returns back from the previous book "Find Me" yet those who did not read that book won't feel the miss of it. Flora is a dynamic character—"It takes a villain to make a hero. And it took a monster to make me."—with an anything but normal past. D.D. is a wonderful balance to her; a wife, a mother, a cop who is dedicated to her job but able to keep an open mind rather than take things at face value. The inclusion of Roxanne's "Personal Narrative; What is the Perfect Family" provides her background, one intriguing bit at a time.
Initially, the switch of POVs can be confusing trying to keep track of who is who. Fortunately, that does become more clear as one reads on. The other point is that the sense of place isn't very strong. Other than the occasional mention, the story could have been set almost anywhere. The references are there, but one needs to pay attention.
The story does bog down somewhat in the middle, but it's all important and it does pick back up. Gardner's description of the impact the opioid epidemic has had on the demand for foster care is depressing and frightening when one thinks of the impact on the children.
"Look for Me" has an excellent plot filled with twists and surprises. The best books are ones that demand you sit down and read them. This is one such book.

Look for Me is the ninth installment of the D.D. Warren series by Lisa Gardner. The novel begins at the discovery of a family that has been murdered – a mother, her boyfriend, and two of three children. The third child is missing with the family dogs. D.D. Warren is called in to investigate, and isn’t sure whether the missing child, Roxanna, who is the oldest, is also a victim and is hiding, or is the murderer of her family. As the story progresses, readers learn of the dysfunctions of the family in the past, and how the mother, Juanita, was a recovering alcoholic who had been sober for some time, and that the children were taken from her for a year previous where they were in foster care and were possibly abused. Lola, the youngest of the girls, is beautiful, but has spunk and has joined a dangerous gang. Her sister, Roxanna isn’t as pretty, but is a good, responsible student, and has always taken care of Lola and her little brother Manny. Lola resents the mothering from her older sister.

D.D. Warren seeks the help of Flora Dane, who is the survivor of a kidnapping; she first came up in a previous Lisa Gardner Novel. Much of the story is told through the eyes of Flora, and the novel doesn’t really feel like D.D. Warren is the main investigator. The characters are well-developed, however, and the story flows as a good novel should. Much of the story is heartbreaking, and there are twists and turns which build suspense and keep readers on the edge. Gardner is an excellent storyteller, and readers won’t be sure of the actual murderer’s identity until the final pages.

Lisa Gardner fans will enjoy this novel, and even though this is the ninth installment, new Lisa Gardner readers will also enjoy it; Look for Me can be read as a stand-alone novel, but readers will most likely want to pick up the previous novels to get to know D.D. Warren.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

RATING: 4 STARS
​(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY​)
(Review Not on Blog)

D.D. and Flora are back and I loved it! D.D. and Flora are on the same team with the same end goal, but how they get there is completely different. I really like Flora as a character - she is both kick-ass and annoying. And, frankly, D.D. is pretty much the same, lol. What makes Flora so interesting, is that she was once a victim of a crime herself. She leans towards the vigilante side of justice, whereas D.D. is cop through and through. D.D. cares about victims and their loved ones but she does it through proper channel. When a family of five have been found murdered in their home it is discovered one is actually still alive...and missing. As the two women race to find her they are trying to figure out of she is the murderer or the next victim. In this one the case had me all over the place that I didn't bother trying to figure it out and enjoyed the ride. Gardner is on my must-read author list and, on the most part, hasn't disappointed. I cannot wait for the next suspense novel!

Gardner shocks reader from the very beginning, opening with a grizzly scene—an entire family murdered execution style with the eldest daughter on the run. The clock starts ticking as Detective D.D. Warren and team race to find the teenage girl who could either be the culprit or in the crosshairs of a killer.

This fast-moving, fast-paced narrative certainly feels like a race as tension ratchets and bullets fly. There is never a dull moment as D.D. tries to unravel what seems to be an endlessly tangled tale of abuse, abandonment and anger.

Gardner brings back Flora Dane—whom we met in Find Her—a survivor turned vigilante who seeks the girl on the run for reasons all her own. It was a smart move to bring Flora back, as she added an exciting counterpoint to D.D. and their banter was great fun.

D.D. and Flora uncover surprising truths and everyone is a suspect at one time or another. Family, friendships and foster relationships are explored in this emotional, page-turning, thriller.