I enjoyed Detective Harriet Foster in Tracy Clark’s Hide and this is another good one. There seems to be a serial killer on the loose in Chicago when two city aldermen are found dead, thirty dimes found with both of their bodies. Harriet, her partner Detective Vera Li, and the rest of their team have to figure out what’s going on before someone else is killed. Their investigation uncovers lots of secrets in the lives of the victims. The pieces just don’t seem to fit with the first and most obvious suspect. Harriet is still dealing with the murder of her son and the suicide of her former partner, a storyline that was left open-ended and will likely continue in future books in the series. Both Hide and Fall are quick, easy reads with beautifully written characters. I look forward to the next Harriet Foster book. Thanks to #netgalley #thomas&mercer and #tracyclark for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It has been a few months since Hide as Fall: A Harriet Foster Thriller by Tracy Clark begins and things are still rather tense in the squad room. Detective Foster is still haunted by the past and doing her best to function in her minimalist life. She works, goes home, and stares at the tree outside her house, and sleeps. That daily ritual is interrupted by having to attend the resentencing hearing of her son’s killer at the Cook County Courthouse.

Trying to explain to others the depths of her loss is unfathomable. A situation that Marin Shaw is in though in a far different way.

For one thing, her child, Zoe, is still very much alive. But, Marin Shaw has not seen her daughter in three years because former Chicago Alderman Marin Shaw has been in prison. An alcoholic, a lawyer, a wife, a mother, and a progressive Democrat member of the city council, until her personal house of cards came tumbling down. She did the crime and she has done the time though she could have made life far easier if she had rolled over for prosecutors and told all.

She steps out of Logan Correctional one winter’s day, a free woman though her guilt about what she has done is its own form of prison. Thankfully, her lawyer and friend, Charlotte Moore, is awaiting her in order to whisk her away from the prying eyes of the media and others outside the prison walls.

The plan, and it is so not her plan, is for Marin to go to the condo downtown as her husband, Will, and Zoe, wait for the latest round of media scrutiny to fade. Will does not want Marin at the house so as to not stress Zoe. All Marin cares about is Zoe, so she agrees to the situation for now.

At the same time, the story about Marin Shaw is once again a media focus. She wasn’t alone in the corruption, but she stayed quiet. With her publicized release, some of her fellow aldermen are quite concerned as to what she will do now. There are weak links in the corrupt group, as there always are, and threats are made between several group members.

Then the murders begin.

Detective Harriet Foster and Li catch the first murder. Alderman Deanna Leonard is dead on the sixth floor of a Chicago parking garage from what some would conclude was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Much the same way Foster’s old partner committed suicide, also with no warning, sometime back. And while Leonard’s death reminds her of that, there are differences, and Foster is not convinced it was a suicide. The Especially after the medical examiner confirms it definitely was not.

At the time of Shaw’s trial, it was widely speculated that Alderman Leonard was part of the latest crowd of crooks at city hall. But, Shaw never named names. That leaves Foster and Li wondering if Shaw took vengeance? Or was some sort of random killing just hours after Shaw got out. Did she do it? Did she hire someone? Is she involved?

There are many questions to answer and a lot to do.

Fall: A Harriet Foster Thriller by Tracy Clark is a complicated novel that works very well in all areas. Multiple storylines with many moving pieces, it is best to have read Hide before reading this book. Character development for Foster and several others continues and builds upon what readers already know and does so while not interfering with the main storyline. Rich, complicated, and full of detail, this second book in the police procedural series is just like the first, a mighty good read.

My digital ARC came from the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, by way of the NetGalley system. The book is currently scheduled to be released in both print and digital formats on December 5, 2023.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2023

I thoroughly enjoyed book one in this series and was ecstatic to get my hands on book two. I loved getting to know Harriet better and see her connection grow with her new partner, Vera. This case was perplexing and I was caught up in the story. I can’t wait for more featuring this dynamic duo!

A solid mystery with interesting characters and an engaging plot. I look forward to future books by this author.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

"Sounds so......Chicagoey," Li said.

Yup. The City With Broad Shoulders is battlin' crime all day, every day. And today is no exception. But crime has skipped the streets and hit the upper realm of city government. A well known female alderman has been found dead in her car in a parking garage. From all indications it seemed to be a suicide. That is until they found thirty dimes tucked away in her body........the price of betrayal.

Even though this is the second book in this series, we slip easily into the routine. Detective Harriet Foster and her partner, Detective Vera Li, get the call. It's the usual routine of trying to find out if anyone had threatened Deanna Leonard before her murder. Light shines on her wayward son and her up-and-coming lawyer daughter. City Hall is also filled with individuals who didn't agree with the strong minded Leonard.

Now add to this the former Chicago alderman, Marin Shaw, who has just been released from serving three years in prison for under the table behavior. Shaw did her time without revealing those who set her up to take the fall. Are there connections here?

And before you know it, another alderman is found dead. Same scene with those thirty dimes. Someone is making a statement here.......loud and clear. Harriet and Vera are perplexed as the number of possibilities starts to rise. And as a backstory, Harriet has received a phone call from someone trying to frame her former partner, Glynnis Thompson, and Glynnis' family. Glynnis is no longer alive to clear her own name.

Fall is a top-notch mystery/thriller with all the bells and whistles. The partnership between Harriet and Li is remarkable. There's even sparks of snappy dialogue between them as they go about trying to solve this escalating crime. Tracy Clark is an author to keep the light on for. Well done, Tracy Clark, oh so well done.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Tracy Clark for the opportunity.

there's a great partnership in this story that builds the overall connection. it drew me in as boo two and has me interested in going back and reading book 1

Tracy Clark writes a complex and riveting drama that had me devouring each page as I had to know who was doing what to whom. The crisp writing and the engaging dialogue give strength to the multi-plot narrative that will hold you hostage until all is final. With a few murders happening, the main suspect and other lesser suspects are pursued until the clues pinpoint the person responsible, but not before a few misunderstandings and misdirection occur that enhanced my reading pleasure. I did enjoy watching Harri and Li partnership and relationship grow while working the case. In addition to the murder, Foster is dealing with another case and reluctantly seeks assistance from her partner and boss. With great aplomb, the author delivered a well-executed and thrilling ride that left me wanting more, especially the loose thread yet to explore. Overall, this being the second book in the series, is also the best. I can’t wait for the next book in this terrific series.

This was not as fast paced as the first. That being said I was intrigued. And I actually figured out who the killer was pretty early but that didn’t deter me from the story. I’m really intrigued by the thread she started about her deceased partner. I knew that would not wrap up. So I’m dying for next book.

Foster is a strong, no nonsense heroine. And I love Li her new partner. I also love her boss. So many strong female leads. This series is great. And I’m going to be diving into this authors backlist. She has a new fan!

This was a terrific follow-up in the Detective Harriet Foster series. Harriet & her new partner Li are on the case. City officials are being murdered and while many people have motives, fingers are pointing to disgraced Alderman Marin Shaw.

Harriet and her team race against the clock to figure out the murderer. I figured it out at the 60% mark, but it was interesting to see how the case played out.

This story was more suspense than thriller, but I enjoyed the who done it. There was a secondary case thrown in halfway through the book that didn't quite flow. There was no resolution do I'm assuming there will be a follow-up book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for this eARC.

Detective Harriet Foster returns to her Chicago beat, in this second book in this series, as this top cop joins forces with her partner, Detective Vera Li, as she attempts to solve a baffling series of murders based on revenge.

That isn't her only challenge as she deals with coworkers who judge her with the rancor of sexism and prejudice.

As always, the author Tracy Clark excels in writing another entertaining and captivating police procedural.

In the second book in Tracy Clark's outstanding Detective Harriet Foster series, Harri has proven herself with her new Chicago PD team and her current partner, Vera Li, but her life is still deeply affected by the murder of her teenage son and the suicide of her former partner. When local politicians start meeting with brutal deaths, the spotlight focuses most glaringly on Marin Shaw, one of their fellow aldermen. who went to prison for three years as a scapegoat for the others. Could the 30 dimes found on each of the victims symbolize the Biblical 30 pieces of silver--a sign of betrayal? As Marin is released from prison, she wants nothing but to reunite with her young daughter and forge a new life for both of them. But whether someone is trying to frame her for the murders or whether Marin herself is responsible is a mystery that must be resolved.

Harri is a fierce and complicated character who will stop at nothing to solve a case, but she goes about it with thoughtfulness, compassion, and keen intelligence. Working together with the cops in her unit is a challenge, as Harri has to deal with the reality that some of her coworkers are biased by gender and age differences, not to mention different perspectives on how to solve a series of crimes.

There are welcome flashes of humor to relieve the often-tense situations, but Harri and Vera are dead serious in their quest to winnow out the real murderer, regardless of the danger they may face. The book succeeds as an intricately plotted police procedural that is tempered by believable, nuanced characters and an exquisitely suspenseful, heart-pounding conclusion. I can't wait for Harri's future challenges and the further development of her character as the series progresses. If you haven't read Hide, the first in the series, I recommend checking that one out as well for more on Harri's background.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

When two Chicago aldermen are found dead, detective Harriet Foster and her partner, detective Vera Li are on the case. But apart from the fact that the murders appear to be committed by the same person there is little more to go on.

Initially, one death appeared to be a case of suicide, while the other one was clearly a murder by the infliction of stab wounds. However, what gave away the connection (apart from the fact that both were aldermen), was the discovery of 30 dimes in each location.

The significance of this was that 30 dimes is the price of betrayal. But who was betrayed? And how? And perhaps most importantly who, if anyone, is next?

Against the backdrop of this baffling case, there is much else going on. At a personal level, Harri is still struggling to deal with the loss of her son, and come to terms with a senseless death.

Her previous partner's apparent suicide is also not by any means the end of the matter, since all concerned are receiving mysterious threats from an unknown source.

One distinctly bright spot in her life is Harri's growing understanding with her new partner, Vera. That chemistry is fun to watch.

This is an interesting story engagingly told. But the pacing could have been better - opportunities to create suspense were not fully exploited. Overall, a very enjoyable read though.

Disgraced Chicago Alderman Marin Shaw is released after serving three years in prison for corruption, a crime she did commit while four others involved managed to stay free. Detective Harriet Foster and her partner Vera Li are back when c0-conspirator Alderman Deanna Leonard is murdered in a parking garage with dimes shoved down her throat. The political stakes are high and Marin is the very obvious suspect. Is her greedy, philandering husband setting her up? Or one of the other corrupt Alderman? Or is Marin herself the true culprit? I think most readers will have sorted out who the killer is before the cops do, but the climax is dramatic regardless. Foster's past is still present as she deals with the loss of her son, but not as heavily touched on as in "Hide". Her mother insists she move on with living her life, but suddenly a situation involving her deceased partner Glynnis comes roaring in to drag her back to the past. We're left on a cliff hanger and I look forward to the next entry in the series!

Thankful for an opportunity to read Fall by Tracy Clark.
I felt like I had to go back and read Hide again to get in my MCs head again.
The characters were very bland, but it read like a procedural TV show, which I enjoy.
Unfortunately, I was hoping it'd grip me from the first page, but it did not and I couldn't finish.
Will try again at a later date.

I liked this book but I just couldn't get into the story. I didn't like the writing style but overall the story was good.

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.

The writing is excellent with a smooth flow, perfectly placed details that bring the story to life, and vivid characters that capture the reader's imagination.

Detective Harriet Foster is on the case, 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. The main case centers on the murders of Aldermen in Chicago, one by apparent suicide, and one brutally stabbed in his office -Interwoven with the fast-paced casework are Harriet's grief over some recent losses, and a new threat involving her former partner.

This is the second book in the Detective Harriet Foster series. I have not read the first book but was able to follow as a stand alone.

This started slow but did pick up the pace about halfway through. It was clear who the killer was early on which was a disappointment.

I did enjoy the relationship between Harriet and her partner Vera Li and the humorous banter between them and the other officers working on the case.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my voluntary and honest review.

Title: Fall
Author: Tracy Clark
Series: Det. Harriett Foster Book #2
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: December 5, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 349


I was drawn to this story as we lived in the Chicago area and loved it. True there is good, as well as the bad and ugly.
Thankfully our experienced was "All Good"

Story starts with two Chicago aldermen are dead in what seems to be suicides, however both received
a message – ‘this is what happens when you become a traitor like Judas’ and each have thirty dimes left on their bodies.

Harriet “Harri” Foster is a member of the Chicago PD and is proud to serve. She however, is still grieving from the murder of her fourteen year old son Reginald ‘Reg’ who was killed by a thief who wanted his bike. Then there was the unexpected suicide of her former partner.

Harriet and her new partner Vera Li have been assigned the alderman cases but have very little to go on. ~ Chicago has a reputation of city corruption and, political scandal connected to crime,
As the saying goes it is easier to count the politicians who haven’t gone to prison than counting who haven’t! Yep- These two have their hands full trying to get to the truth when there are so many lying.

Harri and Li are a GREAT team – I am already looking forward to next in this series!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 5, 2023.

This second installment in the Harriet Foster series does not disappoint! I was introduced to Tracy Clark by the first Foster novel Hide and was instantly smitten with Foster and her cohorts. This second installment picks right up and provides the same edge-of-your-seat action and surprises. The characters, plot and setting are all thoroughly developed and detailed and our heroine is someone to love and pity all at the same time. It's smart and cunning and keeps you interested from page 1. Love this series! Can't wait for #3.