A story that starts very slow and because i haven't read the other two books in the series, i felt like missing something but so big. I was intrigued because i always look for different and unique mysteries to be solved and this story did hold my attention after the first quarter more because as i said, it starts slow but when it picks up, it's just don't stop!
Crime after crime, the guilty person is trying to cover his traces but the detective Lauren won't give up so easy in finding the culprit.
It's a mystery crime story, a Cold Case episode even (which i love) with so many turns and twists that will keep you wanting more and more.
The ending was brilliant but i still have questions that i feel like weren't answered but hopefully, there will be another book in the series.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

a decomposing corpse found where another body was found with hints to a cold case

can the cold case team find enough evidence to put the killer behind bars this time...

lauren riley is trying to find enough evidence to put david spencer behind bars and then another girl goes missing

its a high stake game can they find the missing girl and put david away

another thriller of a ride in this series with loads of twists and turns along the way...

I'm sorry but all the missing and misspelled words in this ARC drove me absolutely crazy and I couldn't continue reading it.

A Means to an End (Cold Case Investigation #3) by Lissa Marie Redmond

September 2019
fiction, suspense, book series
Midnight Ink
Rating: 4/5

I received this digital arc from NetGalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an unbiased review.

I was excited to read this new installation of the series since I was able to preview the first two books!

I wouldn’t recommend reading these books as a “stand alone” in order to fully understand the cast of characters and their relevance.

The murder isn’t over until the killer stops deriving pleasure from the crime.

Lauren Riley is a cold case detective working with her partner Shane Reese. Divorced with two adult daughters, she takes on cases as a private investigator on the side. She has a complicated relationship with her ex-husband Mark who is an accomplished attorney.

In the first book, she agrees to take on a PI case for attorney Frank Violanti, with whom she has been adversaries on many cases. She is annoyed to discover that Joe Wheeler, a former fiancé, is involved with this high profile case. Lauren ends up seeking assistance from unlikely sources to assist her investigation. Ultimately, she is left frustrated and dissatisfied with the results of acquittal in the Katherine Vine murder trial.

Next, a year later, Lauren is stabbed in the back while working late at the Precinct. Her partner Shane Reese had just left the office and returned to retrieve his baseball hat when he finds her bloody body on the floor. It seems pretty obvious that the crime was an “inside job” since the cold case files were kept in a secure location.

Why would anyone want to steal the Cold Case Murder Book? It seems there is a “mole” leaking information regarding investigations. Being a victim doesn’t stop Lauren from investigating her own case. She won’t stop until the person is apprehended unfortunately cases aren’t as cut and dry as Lauren would like. This book ends with another question mark regarding the involvement of a former client who was acquitted in his murder trial. Why does he continue to taunt Lauren? What is his end game?

In this latest installation to the Cold Case series, it is 4 months later on a cold March day in New York when Lauren and Shane arrive at a crime scene. Apparently, two hunters found the gruesome corpse of a woman in two pieces. It seems that Brianna McIntyre, a 22 year old, went missing last May after telling friends she was meeting a man she met online in a coffee shop. Manny Perez, the state police senior investigator, had consulted Lauren and Shane since he noted that Amber Anderson’s body was found in the same spot 2 years ago and murder case remains unsolved. There are no coincidences when it comes to crime and they fear they have a serial killer on the loose. Unfortunately, Lauren is certain she knows who is responsible and will do anything to see justice finally served.

Although this book ties up all the loose ends from the prior books, the characters are well developed and I could easily see this evolving into other books.

Book 1: Cold Case Investigation
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2072195169

Book 2: The Murder Book https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2524928945

Another great story by Lissa Marie Redmond. I enjoy Lauren and Reese as characters. Their partnership and friendship are believable.
Lauren helped to get David Spencer out of a murder charge. Now she has realized the mistake she has made. In tracking down David she is not only jeopardizing her own life but the lives of others close to her. Will her obsession with David ever end.

I jumped into this series with this book. However, there was enough backstory to fill me in on the major points. While I enjoyed the story, I didn't much like the main character Lauren Riley. She was always lying and sneaking around. Not what I consider good qualities in a police officer.

Again, it was still a decent story. Just not for me. Also the story leaves unanswered questions. That always bugs me.

As the third installment in the Cold Investigations series, A Means to An End opens with Detective Lauren Riley and her partner, Shane Reese, called to a wooded crime scene. The body of a young woman has been found in the same location as a victim of one of Lauren’s most haunting cases. She becomes, by her own admission, obsessed with finding the killer who she suspects is a man she once helped set free.

Initially, I was drawn to this series due to a familiarity with the setting, Buffalo, NY, which also hooked me on the series. Plenty of local color in this entry to peak my interest including a visit to Lily Dale, most known as a center of the Spiritualist culture.

I highly recommend this series, and particularly A Means to AN End, to those looking for a crime novel featuring a dogged, somewhat rogue cop and her partner with just enough detail without being overly graphic. Plus there’s a touch of romance and family connections to complement the twists and surprises that kept me turning pages. The dynamics between Lauren and Shane play a key role in this series and take a big turn in this installment.

FYI - even though this series can be read out of order it works best, in my opinion, in order.

Note: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Means to An End is the third book in the Cold Case Investigations and it picks off where the second one left off. Lauren keeps obsessing over David Spencer, keeps lying to almost everyone and no matter how much trouble she gets in because of these, she just doesn’t seem to change. At all.
I enjoyed the first two books very much but I was hoping for something new, for some character development. I liked the story but I fidn’t enjoy it like I did those. That is why I’m giving only 3 stars.

I will read the next book because I want to know what will happen to Lauren after the ending of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Midnight Ink and Lissa Marie Redmond for my copy.

At the end of her previous novel, The Murder Book, Lissa Marie Redmond leaves the reader hanging with Lauren's health and obsession over helping a guilty person get away with murder. A Means to an End picks up where the previous one left off. Another murder, the body in the same place, and Lauren knows who did it. Now, besides her dedicated partner, Reese, she's got to get others on board. This is a very satisfying novel with many twists and turns... and some in-depth conversation about Reese and Lauren's relationship. And again, she leaves the reader on the "edge" at the end of this novel, so I personally cannot wait to see where she takes Lauren next! A great weekend read!

After thoroughly enjoying "The Murder Book" by Lissa Marie Redmond, I was very happy to receive this third book in the Cold Case Investigations series.

In "A Means to an End," Detective Riley is set on making sure that the person that she holds responsible for multiple murders from the previous books gets put away for it. In general, we know who the 'bad guy' is throughout the book and have very little reason to think otherwise, so the book is not a mystery the way that the second book was. I read the second book in the series without having read the first one and still liked it. I enjoyed the third book because I had the background from the second book. You could probably figure out the story without having read the first two, but I recommend reading the first books (or at least the second one!) before going into this one.

More than anything else, I enjoyed the character development of Lauren Riley from the previous book and into this one. She is not always a likeable (or relate able) character, but I have never outright disliked her or hated her for her choices (I think it's always hard to enjoy a book when the main character is awful). I felt that the supporting cast was a bit bland at times- hence, the four star review. Yet, I am very happy with this installment to the Cold Case Investigations. It was a quick read and I would recommend it to others who are interested in the genre.

Thank you Netgalley and Midnight Ink for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was so happy to be given another Lissa Marie Redmond book for review! :) :)

The author is talented, the book is well written, it just wasn't for me. I found myself detached and not really caring what was happening. I wanted to like it, it sounds like the kind of book I'd love. It just didn't work for me.

Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley is back doing what she does best, investigating murders. A woman has been murdered and her body dumped in a wooded area, an area where a previous victim was once found. Lauren has survived being stabbed by a fellow officer and now will not rest until she gets justice for the victim and hopefully before there are more victims. She has a mission that she cannot fail…proving that David Spencer was guilty of murder and has continued to kill. She unwittingly helped to acquit him of the first murder and now she won’t give up until he is in jail or dead. An exciting follow-up to the second book in the series “The Murder Book”. Ms. Redmond’s writing style is crisp and moves the reader along eagerly waiting for the final explosive ending. Lauren is a slightly flawed character who knows she was scammed by the murderer once and has no plans to allow him to get away again. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Thank you Lissa Marie Redmond, Midnight Ink and Net Galley for a chance to review this book.

The series is growing in strength with Lauren Riley's Cold Case Investigation. I have now read all 3 books in the series and surely the author has provided some exceptional writing. The story begins with the discovery of a body where different police forces are involved. A task force is formed with a single member from each jurisdiction. It's not necessary to read the books in order coz enough background data is provided so that the reader doesnt miss much but I think to understand the dynamics of Lauren's single minded obsession of David Spencer it's best to read them in order.
All 3 books ends with a cliffhanger that makes me look forward to the next in the series but I am not sure if I am going to be the sole voice in that I wanted the friendly and warm relationship between Riley and Reese to continue.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Lauren Riley is back on the job after suffering from an attack from a fellow officer.

As she and her partner Reese been called to a site where a young woman was murdered and dump and Lauren believes it the work of David Spencer.

When Lauren suggest to form a task force to investigate these murders she will have to work with someone new who isn't her partner Reese and it driving a wedge between them as Reese distant himself from her as she works with her new partner Jack she start to be at odd with everyone because she is determine to believe that David is connect to these murders because she still feel guilty for helping setting him free.

I like the character of Lauren she been through hell and back and she not afraid to step out to get justice serve she reminds me of Lily Rush and Olivia Benson characters on this tv show Cold Case and Law & Order Suv.

It had some great twist and turns as the play catch and mouse with David and the ending was good that it leaves you wanting the next book.

Unfortunately this book was a little out of my comfort zone and while I like to explore genres, this wasn't for me. The author is talented and definitely worth a look if it is along the lines of what you would normally read. Good luck.

Another Gripping Cold Case

The novel opened up at a crime scene about 60 miles from Buffalo. The basic structure of the novel was established in the first chapter. The crime scene belonged to Chautauqua County Sheriff Office. They were supported by the New York State Police, the Garden Valley Police because the body may be a missing person from their jurisdiction, and the Buffalo Police because the ID found near the body was of a woman missing from their jurisdiction. Let’s say that the atmosphere was not collegial between some of the agencies present. Later the Buffalo Police Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley suggested the formation of a task force to investigate the cases. The agreement is for only one person from each jurisdiction to be on the Task Force. The State Attorney General person would oversee the Task Force. This split Riley from her partner Reese. The main storyline grew from this beginning.

One of the major themes in this novel was conflict and strong feelings. Reese grew more distant with Riley. Riley strongly believed that the murder of the present victim was David Spencer who left a previous victim in this same exact spot. Unfortunately through her efforts Spencer was not convicted for that murder. The Garden Valley Police representative wanted to investigate Riley and Reese for the unsolved murder of a Garden Valley detective who was Riley’s ex-husband. Riley and Reese were investigated initially for that murder in the previous novel in this series. You might feel now that you must read the first two novels before reading this novel. I do recommend reading them first, but it is not necessary. The background is explained that I believe is adequate for understanding the actions in this novel.

This novel did capture my imagination. The mixing of the twists, turns, and misdirections within environment of conflict did make an interesting and engaging novel. This is one of my major criteria for high star ratings. This novel did not capture my imagination to the level of novels that a rate with five stars.

As for the aspects that may be objectionable for some, there were about two dozen f-bombs and about four times of the use of lesser vulgar language. They were all in character or context appropriate for the situations. There were not any graphic sex scenes either. This language did not pose a problem for me, and I believe that for most readers this should not be a problem.

All of the threads and storylines were tied up at the end except one. This was left as a teaser for the next book in the series. I call these endings after a season finale of Dallas TV series that I call who shot JR. I normally drop at least one star rating when this type of ending is used. This ending did not bother me here because a follow-on novel clearly was expected by the end. The other aspect a little troubling for me was that Riley’s behavior was not in character as the end of the novel approached.

Based upon the above I rate this novel with four stars. I did enjoy reading it and do recommend reading it. I am looking forward to reading the next novel.

I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Midnight Ink with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this novel early.

A Means to an End is one of the Cold Case Investigations series by Lisa Marie Redmond. The series follows the investigations of the Cold Case Squad in the Buffalo PD, namely Lauren Riley and her partner Shane Reese.

Lauren has returned to work following being injured on the job. Her assailant was a fellow police officer. She has her sights set on David Spencer as the offender in a number of murders, after she and Reese have been called to yet another young woman found murdered and dumped. The numbers are stacking up and the evidence, speaks to Lauren of Spencer’s guilt but is not swaying many of her colleagues. Lauren is already beating herself up after having played a role in Spencer being acquitted of a previous crime as a result of her relentless PI work, a side-hustle she has now abandoned. She knows Spencer’s is good for this and intends to pursued any lead relentlessly.

Lauren is at odds with a number of her colleagues who are assigned to a newly formed Taskforce to investigate the murders/disappearances. So much so that a couple of her colleagues have her in the frame for murder.

Who can Lauren trust? Reese, and what about her new partner on the Taskforce Jack Nolan? Is Lauren fixated on the wrong man? Will Spencer get the better of them all?

I didn’t know this book was part of a series when I began reading it. There are two previous instalments A Cold Day in Hell and The Murder Book. There is enough information to allow the reader to put it all together without negatively impacting the reading experience, The reader still gets a great handle on Lauren as a character. She’s likeable, brave and ballsy professionally, and has no regard for her own personal or professional safety. She’s somewhat irreverent and an absolute emotional mess as far as her personal life goes.

Reese and Nolan provide strong supporting roles and are both great characters future story lines might be developed around. There is a good balance between the detective-work on the one hand and the personal aspect for most of this book. I’m not really sure about the possibility of a romance appearing in the next instalment and I’m not sure it’s really necessary but I will definitely be reading with interest to see what happens with Lauren Riley and the Cold Case Squad.

Thank you Lisa Marie Redmond, Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I rate this 4.5 /5 and recommend this as a must read for people who love crime and courtroom dramas and thrillers.

This is due for publication 8 September 2019.

Review to appear on goodreads and also on my page Instagram @aplace_inthesun

Well-written and fast- paced, this thriller missed the mark for me. Disclaimer- I have not read the other books I’m the series and think that may contribute to me feelings about the book. I was not able to get invested in the characters motivations, including lead Lauren, her work motivations or her personal relationship. I also found the suspense and mystery around the chase to catch David lacking.

Thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

“She didn’t want the sex, not really. What she had desired most was just to be close to him. To feel something other than numb or mad or frustrated. She had failed miserably in her attempt. She wasn’t the hotshot twenty-something young detective anymore. She was a middle-aged woman with bags under her eyes and saggy pants, who should have been focusing on her victim and not on herself.”*

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cold case investigator Lauren Riley can’t stop her obsession with David Spencer, the young serial killer she helped set free by poking holes in the case against him. Now, more women are dead, and she’s been implicated in the murders of two police officers she suspects he killed. She is assigned to a special task force investigating the murders, which drives a wedge between her and her partner. She becomes attracted to a man in the team, while others believe she is guilty of killing the officers. Meanwhile, the stakes rise in her cat and mouse game with David. Another woman is abducted. She’s determined to save David’s latest victim and make him pay for his crimes-even if it kills her.

Lauren is a tough woman. Her ex-husband used her as a punching bag. In THE MURDER BOOK, she was stabbed and left for dead. At work, she’s something of a pariah. Yet she keeps driving forward to right the wrong of David Spencer’s acquittal. While she’s a fantastic detective, she isn’t afraid to step outside the boundaries of the law to see justice served.

A MEANS TO AN END explores Lauren’s relationships with her coworkers and friends, particularly her relationship with partner Reece, who ticks both boxes. She’s aware of the consequences of her actions. In fact, she’s still dealing with the ramifications of going rogue in THE MURDER BOOK.

Lauren makes for a great lead in that she’s strong, yet flawed. Her relationships are complicated. Her passion is a force. She isn’t always a likeable character, but she’s someone who commands attention and respect. Someone who is driven by a deep-seeded belief system. This third installment of the series has the potential to uproot Lauren’s life and threatens all she holds dear including her sense of identity. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to experience this book in advance of its release.

*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.

This book was packed full of action, it was very hard to put down. A determined police detective trying to catch a psychopathic young killer who is very smart and determined,, so smart that he even fooled said detective in a prior case. I thought this book was very detailed and descriptive in police procedures which made it a great read for me.