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Detective D.D. Warren #10
Look for Me
In #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner's latest twisty thrill ride, Detective D. D. Warren and "Find Her"'s Flora Dane return in a race against the clock to either save a young girl's life . . . or bring her to justice.
The home of a family of five is now a crime scene: four of them savagely murdered, one—a sixteen-year-old girl—missing. Was she lucky to have escaped? Or is her absence evidence of something sinister? Detective D. D. Warren is on the case—but so is survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane. Seeking different types of justice, they must make sense of the clues left behind by a young woman who, whether as victim or suspect, is silently pleading, Look for me.
The home of a family of five is now a crime scene: four of them savagely murdered, one—a sixteen-year-old girl—missing. Was she lucky to have escaped? Or is her absence evidence of something sinister? Detective D. D. Warren is on the case—but so is survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane. Seeking different types of justice, they must make sense of the clues left behind by a young woman who, whether as victim or suspect, is silently pleading, Look for me.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
About the author
Lisa Gardner
75 books18.5k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,502 reviews
December 16, 2017
*3.5 stars*
For all of you D.D. Warren fans out there . . . she’s back. And she’s not alone. Her new sidekick or CI, the infamous survivor, Ms. Flora Dane from Find Her proves to be a witty addition to the mix. I have to say, their sarcastic banter turned out to be my favorite part of the entire book.
Considering this is only my second time suiting up and preparing to dive into the deep end of the series, it’s probably more accurate to say I’ve only just dipped in a toe or two. Just a teeny tiny feel of the vast pool that encompasses these characters. I don’t fully understand D.D.'s beginnings or how her and Alex have progressed—no shocker there, I’ve missed 7 of the 9 books—but what I have picked up on is that maybe she’s gotten a little softer around the edges. Now a mother, trying to balance a demanding career and family life, D.D.'s view on things might be a bit different. That’s where Flora makes things interesting. Her quest to provide support and toughen up other survivors has made her gutsy and maybe even a tad impulsive, adding some much needed edge to the storyline. And the best part? She doesn’t have to play by the same rules D.D. does.
When a family—mom, boyfriend and two children—end up gunned down in their own home and the oldest daughter, sixteen-year-old Roxy, is nowhere to be found, the question becomes, is she involved or a victim herself? Could she be the one that pulled the trigger and ended her entire family? D.D. and Flora's alternating perspectives, combined with essay excerpts from Roxy, offer a candid look at the relationship dynamics at play here and what it means to be a family. Regret. Mistakes. Forgiveness. Repair.
Was this the most epic read my eyes have ever landed on? Nope. Was it entertaining? Absolutely. Will I find time for the next book? Of course. Much more than just a police procedural, Look for Me examined how the foster system fails so many innocent children every day and the irreparable damage caused by abuse. Prepare to have your heart trampled.
Despite the sad topics at hand here, this was another fun buddy read with the Traveling Sisters. As always, thanks for the entertaining discussion ladies.♥
*Thank you to Edelweiss and Dutton for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
For all of you D.D. Warren fans out there . . . she’s back. And she’s not alone. Her new sidekick or CI, the infamous survivor, Ms. Flora Dane from Find Her proves to be a witty addition to the mix. I have to say, their sarcastic banter turned out to be my favorite part of the entire book.
Considering this is only my second time suiting up and preparing to dive into the deep end of the series, it’s probably more accurate to say I’ve only just dipped in a toe or two. Just a teeny tiny feel of the vast pool that encompasses these characters. I don’t fully understand D.D.'s beginnings or how her and Alex have progressed—no shocker there, I’ve missed 7 of the 9 books—but what I have picked up on is that maybe she’s gotten a little softer around the edges. Now a mother, trying to balance a demanding career and family life, D.D.'s view on things might be a bit different. That’s where Flora makes things interesting. Her quest to provide support and toughen up other survivors has made her gutsy and maybe even a tad impulsive, adding some much needed edge to the storyline. And the best part? She doesn’t have to play by the same rules D.D. does.
When a family—mom, boyfriend and two children—end up gunned down in their own home and the oldest daughter, sixteen-year-old Roxy, is nowhere to be found, the question becomes, is she involved or a victim herself? Could she be the one that pulled the trigger and ended her entire family? D.D. and Flora's alternating perspectives, combined with essay excerpts from Roxy, offer a candid look at the relationship dynamics at play here and what it means to be a family. Regret. Mistakes. Forgiveness. Repair.
Was this the most epic read my eyes have ever landed on? Nope. Was it entertaining? Absolutely. Will I find time for the next book? Of course. Much more than just a police procedural, Look for Me examined how the foster system fails so many innocent children every day and the irreparable damage caused by abuse. Prepare to have your heart trampled.
Despite the sad topics at hand here, this was another fun buddy read with the Traveling Sisters. As always, thanks for the entertaining discussion ladies.♥
*Thank you to Edelweiss and Dutton for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2017
What is the perfect family?
A question young Roxy struggles to answer.
When it became her responsibility to raise her younger siblings, Lola and Manny? When she’s taken out of her home only to be placed in a more dangerous situation - foster care? After her family is wiped out in a heartbeat? A heavy burden to be sure.
Detective DD Warren is called in to find the monster who massacred Roxy’s family. Curiously, Roxy and the two family dogs have gone missing. It’s become a race against time for the good detective to find them. While raising yet another major question… Is Roxy running because she’s guilty of these heinous murders? Or is she terrified she’ll be the final victim?
As Flora, a survivor herself, entrenches herself within the investigation, she becomes DD’s newest CI and quickly jumps in to assist in the search (in ways DD cannot)!
This is a long standing series that I have always enjoyed. Unfortunately, somehow I missed the two books prior to this release....not sure how that happened! I’m usually fastidious about reading books in order. There was some back-story I missed on Flora, but Lisa Gardner does a great job filling in the gaps. So if you are new to the series, no worries! You can jump right in!
Just be aware…there are certain parts that were difficult to read that dealt with the abuse of children, and some frightening elements of the foster care system.
But overall it was a great addition to the series and I’ll definitely go back and read the two books I inadvertently skipped over. Oops!
A traveling sister read with Brenda, Norma, Susanne, Diane, Melissa, Holly and Mackey!!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Dutton for an ARC to review
For our full traveling sister review please visit Brenda and Norma's Fantastic Traveling Sister Book Blog: http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
A question young Roxy struggles to answer.
When it became her responsibility to raise her younger siblings, Lola and Manny? When she’s taken out of her home only to be placed in a more dangerous situation - foster care? After her family is wiped out in a heartbeat? A heavy burden to be sure.
Detective DD Warren is called in to find the monster who massacred Roxy’s family. Curiously, Roxy and the two family dogs have gone missing. It’s become a race against time for the good detective to find them. While raising yet another major question… Is Roxy running because she’s guilty of these heinous murders? Or is she terrified she’ll be the final victim?
As Flora, a survivor herself, entrenches herself within the investigation, she becomes DD’s newest CI and quickly jumps in to assist in the search (in ways DD cannot)!
This is a long standing series that I have always enjoyed. Unfortunately, somehow I missed the two books prior to this release....not sure how that happened! I’m usually fastidious about reading books in order. There was some back-story I missed on Flora, but Lisa Gardner does a great job filling in the gaps. So if you are new to the series, no worries! You can jump right in!
Just be aware…there are certain parts that were difficult to read that dealt with the abuse of children, and some frightening elements of the foster care system.
But overall it was a great addition to the series and I’ll definitely go back and read the two books I inadvertently skipped over. Oops!
A traveling sister read with Brenda, Norma, Susanne, Diane, Melissa, Holly and Mackey!!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Dutton for an ARC to review
For our full traveling sister review please visit Brenda and Norma's Fantastic Traveling Sister Book Blog: http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
December 3, 2017
4.25* Stars (rounded down)
In “Look For Me” by Lisa Gardner, D. D. Warren is Back. And this time she has help, not just from her department, but from Flora Dane, the woman who survived the unthinkable - being held captive for over 400 days (see Flora’s story in Gardner’s last book, “Find Her” - which sadly I missed). Why are they working together? D. D. is called to the scene of a quadruple murder of a family, who was viciously gunned down.
Turns out, one member of the family was missing during the massacre. The family’s Sixteen Year Old Daughter, Roxy, who left the home early that morning with the family’s two senile, blind dogs. Sounds suspicious, right? It’s up to D. D. to figure out whether Roxy was a victim or the culprit. Why is Flora involved you ask? Well, she runs a Survivor Support Group and is the webmaster of a private discussion board and Roxy was a member, thus D. D. makes Flora a CI as it’s clear that she has information that D. D. does not. What is clear from the get go is that Flora and D.D. make formidable team, they are witty, funny and know how to get things done.
Roxy ends up on the run. The question is why. That is for D. D. and Flora to find out. While Roxy was in school, she wrote some essays about the Perfect Family. Both her current family and her ideal. It is a poignant glimpse into a young woman’s life.
This is more than just a mystery/suspense. It is a heart wrenching novel about the foster care system, and a family torn apart. Even though I had most of this story figured out fairly early on, it did not take away from my enjoyment of it. I loved the pacing and the banter between Flora and D.D.
“Look For Me” was only the second Lisa Gardner “D. D. Warren” book I’ve read and I can say for sure that after reading this one, I can’t wait to read “Find Her” next as I’m hooked on Flora’s story.
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Melissa, Diane S., Holly and Mackey. It was a fabulously fun sister read and I loved every second of it. Thanks sisters!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Lisa Gardner for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 12.3.17.
In “Look For Me” by Lisa Gardner, D. D. Warren is Back. And this time she has help, not just from her department, but from Flora Dane, the woman who survived the unthinkable - being held captive for over 400 days (see Flora’s story in Gardner’s last book, “Find Her” - which sadly I missed). Why are they working together? D. D. is called to the scene of a quadruple murder of a family, who was viciously gunned down.
Turns out, one member of the family was missing during the massacre. The family’s Sixteen Year Old Daughter, Roxy, who left the home early that morning with the family’s two senile, blind dogs. Sounds suspicious, right? It’s up to D. D. to figure out whether Roxy was a victim or the culprit. Why is Flora involved you ask? Well, she runs a Survivor Support Group and is the webmaster of a private discussion board and Roxy was a member, thus D. D. makes Flora a CI as it’s clear that she has information that D. D. does not. What is clear from the get go is that Flora and D.D. make formidable team, they are witty, funny and know how to get things done.
Roxy ends up on the run. The question is why. That is for D. D. and Flora to find out. While Roxy was in school, she wrote some essays about the Perfect Family. Both her current family and her ideal. It is a poignant glimpse into a young woman’s life.
This is more than just a mystery/suspense. It is a heart wrenching novel about the foster care system, and a family torn apart. Even though I had most of this story figured out fairly early on, it did not take away from my enjoyment of it. I loved the pacing and the banter between Flora and D.D.
“Look For Me” was only the second Lisa Gardner “D. D. Warren” book I’ve read and I can say for sure that after reading this one, I can’t wait to read “Find Her” next as I’m hooked on Flora’s story.
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Melissa, Diane S., Holly and Mackey. It was a fabulously fun sister read and I loved every second of it. Thanks sisters!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Lisa Gardner for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 12.3.17.
November 28, 2017
3.5 I have read most of the books in this series, though I seem to have missed the last one. A family is murdered, all but one, the eldest sister who now seems to be missing. D. D. Warren, will eventually team up with survivor Flora, and I liked these two working together. Actually Warren takes a back seat in this one, and it is Flora who will provide most of the forward momentum in this case.
Although, shortly after the middle of the book, I had some pretty good guesses on how this would turn out, and found it rather predictable, there were a few things that made this a better read. The foster care system, both sides examined, though of course the less than ideal home received most of the focus. I liked that Gardner tackled this system, the placement homes often not much better, sometimes worse than the homes the children are taken from. Not enough funding for this important program which supposedly was set up to protect children. Also, not enough of a labor source to provide the amount of overseeing it requires to be done correctly.
There is also a series of essays, written by the missing girl, titled The Perfect Family, and this was both poignant and well done. Gives the reader a special insight to what was happening within the murdered family, as well as a look at her thoughts. For me, this was one of my favorite parts.
These two reasons were the reason I went to a four in my rating. The pacing of the story was even, and the ending was rather sad. So all in all a good story for this sisters read where most of us were between the three and four mark. More than a mystery though, it was the personal elements that made the story.
ARC from Edelweiss.
Although, shortly after the middle of the book, I had some pretty good guesses on how this would turn out, and found it rather predictable, there were a few things that made this a better read. The foster care system, both sides examined, though of course the less than ideal home received most of the focus. I liked that Gardner tackled this system, the placement homes often not much better, sometimes worse than the homes the children are taken from. Not enough funding for this important program which supposedly was set up to protect children. Also, not enough of a labor source to provide the amount of overseeing it requires to be done correctly.
There is also a series of essays, written by the missing girl, titled The Perfect Family, and this was both poignant and well done. Gives the reader a special insight to what was happening within the murdered family, as well as a look at her thoughts. For me, this was one of my favorite parts.
These two reasons were the reason I went to a four in my rating. The pacing of the story was even, and the ending was rather sad. So all in all a good story for this sisters read where most of us were between the three and four mark. More than a mystery though, it was the personal elements that made the story.
ARC from Edelweiss.
May 21, 2018
I am a huge fan of LISA GARDNER and have never missed any of her books. She is one author that I absolutely cannot wait for her new book release so when I had the opportunity to read this one, needless to say I was a little excited and jumped on it immediately!
Traveling Sisters Review by Norma and Brenda with Susanne, Kaceey, Melissa, Diane S., Holly and Mackey.
LOOK FOR ME (Detective D.D. Warren #9) by LISA GARDNER is an intriguing, suspenseful, and a compelling read that is a race against time police procedural featuring our all-time favorite character Detective D.D. Warren, who teams up with survivor turned avenger Flora Dane. We all absolutely loved that she teamed up with D.D. and it was one of our favorite aspects of this novel. The witty humor, the snarky comebacks, and the dynamics between D.D. and Flora was such a good balance to the heart-wrenching storyline. They both brought out their own unique characteristics, making them the perfect entertaining team.
Even though some of us thought that the ending was a little predictable it did have us interested and guessing right from the very start and we all really enjoyed playing detective with this one.
There are a few authors that Brenda and I thoroughly enjoy and it doesn’t matter to us if their books are predictable or not, we just are so excited to read the book that we savour every moment as we are reading it. We like to follow along and learn things as they are revealed to us as the characters learn them.
LISA GARDNER delivers a well-written, well-paced and a cleverly-plotted storyline here that is told to us in three main voices between Detective D.D. Warren, C.I. Flora Dane, and the missing girl, Roxy. Roxy’s perspective was uniquely told to us via essay excerpts that she wrote for a school assignment that was titled The Perfect Family. We all thought this was very gut-wrenching and well executed adding tension to the story for us as it gave us a first-hand look into Roxy’s life, her family and the foster care system which stirred up quite a few emotions for us. We felt sad, shocked, and anger towards the foster home in this story.
Overall, this was another great addition to this series and we look forward to reading the next book, hoping that Flora Dane will also show another appearance! Would recommend!
Expected Publishing Date: February 8, 2018
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Dutton, and Lisa Gardner for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
Traveling Sisters Review by Norma and Brenda with Susanne, Kaceey, Melissa, Diane S., Holly and Mackey.
LOOK FOR ME (Detective D.D. Warren #9) by LISA GARDNER is an intriguing, suspenseful, and a compelling read that is a race against time police procedural featuring our all-time favorite character Detective D.D. Warren, who teams up with survivor turned avenger Flora Dane. We all absolutely loved that she teamed up with D.D. and it was one of our favorite aspects of this novel. The witty humor, the snarky comebacks, and the dynamics between D.D. and Flora was such a good balance to the heart-wrenching storyline. They both brought out their own unique characteristics, making them the perfect entertaining team.
Even though some of us thought that the ending was a little predictable it did have us interested and guessing right from the very start and we all really enjoyed playing detective with this one.
There are a few authors that Brenda and I thoroughly enjoy and it doesn’t matter to us if their books are predictable or not, we just are so excited to read the book that we savour every moment as we are reading it. We like to follow along and learn things as they are revealed to us as the characters learn them.
LISA GARDNER delivers a well-written, well-paced and a cleverly-plotted storyline here that is told to us in three main voices between Detective D.D. Warren, C.I. Flora Dane, and the missing girl, Roxy. Roxy’s perspective was uniquely told to us via essay excerpts that she wrote for a school assignment that was titled The Perfect Family. We all thought this was very gut-wrenching and well executed adding tension to the story for us as it gave us a first-hand look into Roxy’s life, her family and the foster care system which stirred up quite a few emotions for us. We felt sad, shocked, and anger towards the foster home in this story.
Overall, this was another great addition to this series and we look forward to reading the next book, hoping that Flora Dane will also show another appearance! Would recommend!
Expected Publishing Date: February 8, 2018
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Dutton, and Lisa Gardner for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
December 7, 2017
Lisa Gardner has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time now. I have read all of her books and loved them and I was quite excited to see this one on Edelweiss and quickly downloaded it to read it with my Traveling Sisters.
This one features my favorite character Detective DD Warren. She teams up with Flora Danes who I first met in Find Her. I highly recommend. I really loved the dynamics here between DD and Flora and loved how their differences and agendas worked so well together Flora is creeping up to be another favorite character from Lisa Gardner for me. I Really hope we see more of her and DD.
Our full Traveling Sister review posted by Norma can be found on our sister blog:
https://twosisterslostinacouleereadin...
This one features my favorite character Detective DD Warren. She teams up with Flora Danes who I first met in Find Her. I highly recommend. I really loved the dynamics here between DD and Flora and loved how their differences and agendas worked so well together Flora is creeping up to be another favorite character from Lisa Gardner for me. I Really hope we see more of her and DD.
Our full Traveling Sister review posted by Norma can be found on our sister blog:
https://twosisterslostinacouleereadin...
Read
July 11, 2022I read this entire book and it was nonsensical AF but what really sent me flying into outer space was Gardner repeatedly writing a grown ass middle aged man "had sex" with a 13-year-old girl. You can't "have sex" with an underage teen when you are a grown man. You are r@ping her. And you cannot seduce a 13-year-old, or vice versa. You're grooming her. Period. So because of this, I'm not going to give my full final review as usual. I like Gardner but this was NOT it.
November 28, 2017
3.5
This is a popular detective series featuring detective D.D. Warren. This is #9, although my first in the series. I would like to read the previous books and learn more about Flora’s character ( a victim who is now helping D.D. solve cases).
A tragic murder of a mom, her boyfriend, her 13 year old daughter and her 9 year old son. Missing are 16 year old daughter Roxy and their 2 senior dogs. Roxy is on their radar and they need to know if she was involved or if she is in danger. D.D. teams up with Flora to follow the many leads.
If you enjoy series with likeable characters and police procedural/detective stories, you will enjoy playing detective alongside D.D. and Flora. Although there are many likely suspects, in the end it was predictable. It was still an interesting, but tragic detective story.
Another fun Traveling Sister Group read with the ladies!! To see the combined review visit their blog here....https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
March 26, 2018
Lisa Gardner never disappoints! In the latest outing for Detective D.D. Warren she is on the trail of a teenage girl who may have killed her entire family. Warren is aided (at times unwillingly) by Flora Dane, the survivor of an extended kidnapping who has made it her mission to help other female crime victims.
Whether Gardner is writing stand-alones or books in the FBI profiler or D.D. Warren series, she is an author who always brings her best game. Her books are filled with well-developed characters, thrilling and suspenseful plots, and the very real sense that this is how actual law enforcement officers work - it’s not a stereotypical cop drama. Gardner does a great deal of research for each of her books and in “Look For Me” she provides an intimate and disturbing look at the lives some foster children experience. One of the character’s essays about what makes a perfect family was heartbreaking.
It’s great to see D.D. back in action, watch Flora Dane’s efforts to rebuild her life, and meet the best spotted dog in all the land.
Whether Gardner is writing stand-alones or books in the FBI profiler or D.D. Warren series, she is an author who always brings her best game. Her books are filled with well-developed characters, thrilling and suspenseful plots, and the very real sense that this is how actual law enforcement officers work - it’s not a stereotypical cop drama. Gardner does a great deal of research for each of her books and in “Look For Me” she provides an intimate and disturbing look at the lives some foster children experience. One of the character’s essays about what makes a perfect family was heartbreaking.
It’s great to see D.D. back in action, watch Flora Dane’s efforts to rebuild her life, and meet the best spotted dog in all the land.
October 13, 2020
The crime scene is distressing as Detective D. D. Warren is investigating the massacre of a family, two adults and two children. However, another child is missing and the team isn’t certain if she’s at risk or the perpetrator. And, Flora Dane is back, shadowing the case as she’s created and leading her own support group for survivors like her, teaching them to go beyond just coping. She’s got a special interest in finding Roxy Baez, the missing daughter, and D. D. isn’t sure whether she’s helping or a nuisance.
This was a challenging story but one that was excellent in how it illustrated the effects on children placed in the foster care system when the wrong caretakers aren’t properly supervised and monitored. The device Gardner used to give us that insight was extremely effective and compelling without having to devote a lot of time to backstories. Peeling back the chapters of this family’s lives and circumstances was at times complicated as it often went in surprising directions. It was also great to see Flora again and watch her evolution.
I liked the story but near the end I tired of the mystery and just wanted it solved. Listening to these stories is always an added benefit as Kirsten Potter wears the characters with ease and is a natural. There’s a change in D. D.’s household that provided lots of levity to a really tragic and weighty story. While it’s not my favorite, it was insightful and relevant. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This was a challenging story but one that was excellent in how it illustrated the effects on children placed in the foster care system when the wrong caretakers aren’t properly supervised and monitored. The device Gardner used to give us that insight was extremely effective and compelling without having to devote a lot of time to backstories. Peeling back the chapters of this family’s lives and circumstances was at times complicated as it often went in surprising directions. It was also great to see Flora again and watch her evolution.
I liked the story but near the end I tired of the mystery and just wanted it solved. Listening to these stories is always an added benefit as Kirsten Potter wears the characters with ease and is a natural. There’s a change in D. D.’s household that provided lots of levity to a really tragic and weighty story. While it’s not my favorite, it was insightful and relevant. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
February 5, 2018
Detective D.D.Warren and Find Her's Flora Dane return in a race against the clock to save a young girls life. The home of a family of five is now a crime scene: four of them have been savagely murdered, one, one, a sixteen year old girl is missing. Was she lucky to have escaped? Or is her absence evidence of something more sinister? Detective D.D. Warren is on the case - but so is survivor - turned - avenger Flora Dane. They must make sense of the dues left behind by a young woman, who, whether as a victim or suspect, is silently pleading Look For Me!
Flora Dane is a former captive, but is now a survivor. The two main narrators are D.D. Warren and Flora Dane. A family of five, two adults and three kids. Shots have been fired, but only four bodies have been found. This is a complex and emotional read. It's also well written, tense and keeps you guessing to the end. This book can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and the author Lisa Gargener for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Flora Dane is a former captive, but is now a survivor. The two main narrators are D.D. Warren and Flora Dane. A family of five, two adults and three kids. Shots have been fired, but only four bodies have been found. This is a complex and emotional read. It's also well written, tense and keeps you guessing to the end. This book can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and the author Lisa Gargener for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
First of all, many thanks to Dutton/Penguin Random House for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Second of all, I LOVED this book. I cannot believe it is the first time I've read anything by Lisa Gardner, or that I waited so long to do so!!!
Look For Me, told in alternating viewpoints, is the story of a family that gets murdered in their home, but their 2 dogs and a 16 year old daughter (Roxanna) have gone missing. Thus beginning the investigation of who killed the family and where have Roxanna and the two dogs gone?
This book has such an intricate plot, and there is more to it than the quadruple murder and missing girl aspect. Look For Me begins with Sarah who is a college student when her roommates are murdered by a psychopath; Sarah being the only survivor. And Flora, who was kidnapped off a beach at the age of 18 while on spring break, and held captive for 472 days by a rapist and murderer. Flora and Sarah both end up helping Warren (in their own way) with the police investigation for Roxanna, and we get their viewpoints as well as Boston Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren.
Look For Me has all of the qualities that I look for in a book. Relatively short chapters, pretty much constant action and/or mystery, multiple viewpoints, character depth, and an ending I didn't see coming. I didn't dislike a thing about this book which is pretty uncommon for me!
Look For Me is number 9 of the Detective D.D. Warren books, but I didn't feel confused at all while reading it. Apparently this is actually Flora's second appearance as well, but everything is told so well (and with enough backstory), that I didn't feel like I was missing much of anything.
I was in tears at the end, and my heart broke at many different points in this novel. So be warned there are some pretty emotional parts, and even more heavy topics besides murder.
I've seen mixed reviews for this book, but what book is for everyone? It just worked for me on so many levels, and it felt like an incredibly fast read. Pacing, plot, and characters were on point in my opinion.
Final Thought: PSA, there is a bit of gore in this book (this IS about a quadruple homicide after all), and there are also some mentions/insinuations of abuse, neglect, and rape. I thought this novel was very suspenseful, and there is so much going on with any given character, plus the police investigation, that I was never bored. This book read really well as a standalone which I appreciate, but I still can't wait to read the rest of this series. If you are on the fence about starting it, or it's a ways back in your TBR, I totally suggest moving it up. Gardner officially has me hooked!
*This title was published on 06 Feb 2018*
First of all, many thanks to Dutton/Penguin Random House for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Second of all, I LOVED this book. I cannot believe it is the first time I've read anything by Lisa Gardner, or that I waited so long to do so!!!
Look For Me, told in alternating viewpoints, is the story of a family that gets murdered in their home, but their 2 dogs and a 16 year old daughter (Roxanna) have gone missing. Thus beginning the investigation of who killed the family and where have Roxanna and the two dogs gone?
This book has such an intricate plot, and there is more to it than the quadruple murder and missing girl aspect. Look For Me begins with Sarah who is a college student when her roommates are murdered by a psychopath; Sarah being the only survivor. And Flora, who was kidnapped off a beach at the age of 18 while on spring break, and held captive for 472 days by a rapist and murderer. Flora and Sarah both end up helping Warren (in their own way) with the police investigation for Roxanna, and we get their viewpoints as well as Boston Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren.
Look For Me has all of the qualities that I look for in a book. Relatively short chapters, pretty much constant action and/or mystery, multiple viewpoints, character depth, and an ending I didn't see coming. I didn't dislike a thing about this book which is pretty uncommon for me!
Look For Me is number 9 of the Detective D.D. Warren books, but I didn't feel confused at all while reading it. Apparently this is actually Flora's second appearance as well, but everything is told so well (and with enough backstory), that I didn't feel like I was missing much of anything.
I was in tears at the end, and my heart broke at many different points in this novel. So be warned there are some pretty emotional parts, and even more heavy topics besides murder.
I've seen mixed reviews for this book, but what book is for everyone? It just worked for me on so many levels, and it felt like an incredibly fast read. Pacing, plot, and characters were on point in my opinion.
Final Thought: PSA, there is a bit of gore in this book (this IS about a quadruple homicide after all), and there are also some mentions/insinuations of abuse, neglect, and rape. I thought this novel was very suspenseful, and there is so much going on with any given character, plus the police investigation, that I was never bored. This book read really well as a standalone which I appreciate, but I still can't wait to read the rest of this series. If you are on the fence about starting it, or it's a ways back in your TBR, I totally suggest moving it up. Gardner officially has me hooked!
*This title was published on 06 Feb 2018*
October 9, 2018
3.5 stars roundup to 4.
D.D. Warren and Flora Dane find themselves (albeit grudgingly)working together to track a missing teenager after her entire family is killed in the family home. But is she victim or killer? Or are there more chilling secrets to be uncovered?
As per usual, Lisa Gardner focuses most of her case in a very limited amount of time with clues and witnesses popping up everywhere. But I like the dogged determination of D.D and her team who remain a tight unit even after all the cases they have worked together. I do miss that D.D.'s husband, Alex tends to be regulated more to cameo appearances. I would hope they would get to collobrate a bit more on a case in the future. Although this is a series, I do believe that this works as a standalone too. As for the case itself, I felt a lot of sadness in this one. When the truth came about, I didn't feel horrified. Sometimes instead of gruesome, the revelations just seem heartbreaking. But maybe that's just the mood I am in this weekend.
D.D. Warren and Flora Dane find themselves (albeit grudgingly)working together to track a missing teenager after her entire family is killed in the family home. But is she victim or killer? Or are there more chilling secrets to be uncovered?
As per usual, Lisa Gardner focuses most of her case in a very limited amount of time with clues and witnesses popping up everywhere. But I like the dogged determination of D.D and her team who remain a tight unit even after all the cases they have worked together. I do miss that D.D.'s husband, Alex tends to be regulated more to cameo appearances. I would hope they would get to collobrate a bit more on a case in the future. Although this is a series, I do believe that this works as a standalone too. As for the case itself, I felt a lot of sadness in this one. When the truth came about, I didn't feel horrified. Sometimes instead of gruesome, the revelations just seem heartbreaking. But maybe that's just the mood I am in this weekend.
October 24, 2017
When four members of a family are brutally murdered, there is only one survivor .. a teenage girl and her two blind dogs. They are all missing. Is she a victim? .. or a killer?
Flora Dane was last seen in FIND HER. She is reunited with Detective Warren in this story of love, loss, strength, surviving, perseverance. Flora Dane is a survivor herself but she has turned vigilante. Flora has resources that Warren can't touch, but it's going to take the two of them to find the missing teen and either save her life .. or put her in jail.
Whether suspect or victim, this girl has had a really bad life. Roxy's story is told by a series of papers she has written talking about family and the awful things that happened to her and her younger sister and brother while they were in foster care for one very long, horrifying year.... and again later.
The story premise is terrific. The characters are finely drawn. This one touched all my emotions .... sadness, empathy, anger, helplessness.
I have followed this series since 2005 and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend this series, and much better to read in order, so you don't miss those little nuances that make this series so good.
Many thanks to the author / Penguin Publishing / Edelweiss for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. My review is unbiased and entirely my own.
Flora Dane was last seen in FIND HER. She is reunited with Detective Warren in this story of love, loss, strength, surviving, perseverance. Flora Dane is a survivor herself but she has turned vigilante. Flora has resources that Warren can't touch, but it's going to take the two of them to find the missing teen and either save her life .. or put her in jail.
Whether suspect or victim, this girl has had a really bad life. Roxy's story is told by a series of papers she has written talking about family and the awful things that happened to her and her younger sister and brother while they were in foster care for one very long, horrifying year.... and again later.
The story premise is terrific. The characters are finely drawn. This one touched all my emotions .... sadness, empathy, anger, helplessness.
I have followed this series since 2005 and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend this series, and much better to read in order, so you don't miss those little nuances that make this series so good.
Many thanks to the author / Penguin Publishing / Edelweiss for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. My review is unbiased and entirely my own.
May 28, 2018
Look For Me is the ninth book is the D.D. Warren series, second to feature rescued “victim,” Flora Dane and yet it is the first Lisa Gardner’s that I ever have read! I don’t know how I missed her to this point except to say that there are a lot of great authors whose names are Lisa – Gardner, Unger, Jewell – and I like them. I put the word victim in quotes because Dane would never consider herself a victim but rather a survivor.
Despite the fact that I came in on the second chapter of Flora Dane’s story, there is plenty of background within this book to fill in any gaps and answer any questions the reader (me) might have. Dane was a victim of an extended hostage/abuse situation and Warren was one of the detectives who helped solve the case. The two do not see eye to eye on how to handle men who prey on women and often cross paths as they search out these men in the world – one through legal means, the other as a vigilante. However, their paths converge when they both are trying to help or look for a young runaway/suspect named Roxanna who either is the only survivor of a very brutal murder or the primary suspect – depending on your view point. As Warren works the case, Dane searches for Roxanna in order to help her. Eventually, Warren makes Dane a criminal informant in order to keep Dane under her watchful eye. Let me note that I appreciate the fact that Gardner made Dane a CI rather than allowing her to continue to meddle at free will. No cop in their right mind would allow a citizen, regardless of their past, free reign into an investigation which is what so many writers would have us believe. So thank you, Lisa Gardner, for keeping things real!
The remainder of the book is told in alternating chapters by the two women. This was a good way to handle the back and forth timeline as well as the different focus that these women had on working this case. I won’t go into the actual book any further – you could and should read it for yourself. I will say that this series is very well written. There are two very strong women, very different personalities, but both of whom are characterized extremely well. The story never gets lost in the character development and we never lose sight of the fact that both of these women have personal lives and demons on which they must focus. That is a realistic aspect for most women today.
Again, although there are books that proceed this one, you can read it as a stand alone. It would simpler if you read the first in the Flora Dane series, but it won’t hinder your enjoyment if you do not. I have since gone back and started at the beginning of Warren’s series in order to fully appreciate her and her story. You can find this book in hardcover, paperback and e-book. Your library, always, is a good source as well. I hope you read and enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the #PenguinPublishingGroup for my copy of this book.
Despite the fact that I came in on the second chapter of Flora Dane’s story, there is plenty of background within this book to fill in any gaps and answer any questions the reader (me) might have. Dane was a victim of an extended hostage/abuse situation and Warren was one of the detectives who helped solve the case. The two do not see eye to eye on how to handle men who prey on women and often cross paths as they search out these men in the world – one through legal means, the other as a vigilante. However, their paths converge when they both are trying to help or look for a young runaway/suspect named Roxanna who either is the only survivor of a very brutal murder or the primary suspect – depending on your view point. As Warren works the case, Dane searches for Roxanna in order to help her. Eventually, Warren makes Dane a criminal informant in order to keep Dane under her watchful eye. Let me note that I appreciate the fact that Gardner made Dane a CI rather than allowing her to continue to meddle at free will. No cop in their right mind would allow a citizen, regardless of their past, free reign into an investigation which is what so many writers would have us believe. So thank you, Lisa Gardner, for keeping things real!
The remainder of the book is told in alternating chapters by the two women. This was a good way to handle the back and forth timeline as well as the different focus that these women had on working this case. I won’t go into the actual book any further – you could and should read it for yourself. I will say that this series is very well written. There are two very strong women, very different personalities, but both of whom are characterized extremely well. The story never gets lost in the character development and we never lose sight of the fact that both of these women have personal lives and demons on which they must focus. That is a realistic aspect for most women today.
Again, although there are books that proceed this one, you can read it as a stand alone. It would simpler if you read the first in the Flora Dane series, but it won’t hinder your enjoyment if you do not. I have since gone back and started at the beginning of Warren’s series in order to fully appreciate her and her story. You can find this book in hardcover, paperback and e-book. Your library, always, is a good source as well. I hope you read and enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the #PenguinPublishingGroup for my copy of this book.
November 27, 2020
Another page turning, can't stop reading now, thriller from Lisa Gardner featuring Boston Detective D. D. Warren and survivor / vigilante Flora Dane from Find Her. From the opening detailing a dorm room slaying to the climatic ending where the perpetrator is revealed this book was hard to put down and the only reason I did was because I have a job and other responsibilities.
The story alternates between three different voices. D. D. Warren, Flora Dane, and Roxy Baez. Roxy is a sixteen-year-old girl who’s gone missing after her entire family was murdered. Was she lucky to have been away at the time? D. D. and the entire police department are looking for her. If she is innocent why can't she be found? Flora Dane recently started a group for survivors and Roxy had reached out to the group. Flora contacts D. D. While the two of them may not have declared a truce they do form a reluctant alliance. The rest of D. D.'s squad is not thrilled. In fact one of them tells D. D. - "You're crazy". Only someone close to her could get away with saying something like that. In fact while D. D. and Flora are opposites they are very similar. Both have passion and resolve and won't back down. They make a great team.
Roxy's voice is heard through a writing assignment for school. What is the perfect family? Her mother is an alcoholic. She doesn't know who her father is. Neither does her mother. Roxy has had to assume the role of parent in caring for her younger sister and brother because her mother, in her addiction, can't. At one point they get put into the foster care system. A system that is meant to help but often fails those who need the help. It is no wonder that Roxy has difficulty trusting adults and authority figures. It makes for some painful reading.
This is a very enjoyable series and I like how the character of D. D. Warren has developed. She has always been tough, dedicated, and driven but over the course of the series she has gotten married and has a son. She is learning to balance career and family life which is not easy. In this installment they have decided to grant her son's wish for a dog. Now D. D. has to adjust to another member of the household. She is thrilled for Jack but is worried about her shoes.
If you enjoy Angela Marsons's Kim Stone, Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite, or Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series I think you would enjoy this series. While it can be read as a stand alone I would recommend reading in order to see how the character(s) develop.
The story alternates between three different voices. D. D. Warren, Flora Dane, and Roxy Baez. Roxy is a sixteen-year-old girl who’s gone missing after her entire family was murdered. Was she lucky to have been away at the time? D. D. and the entire police department are looking for her. If she is innocent why can't she be found? Flora Dane recently started a group for survivors and Roxy had reached out to the group. Flora contacts D. D. While the two of them may not have declared a truce they do form a reluctant alliance. The rest of D. D.'s squad is not thrilled. In fact one of them tells D. D. - "You're crazy". Only someone close to her could get away with saying something like that. In fact while D. D. and Flora are opposites they are very similar. Both have passion and resolve and won't back down. They make a great team.
Roxy's voice is heard through a writing assignment for school. What is the perfect family? Her mother is an alcoholic. She doesn't know who her father is. Neither does her mother. Roxy has had to assume the role of parent in caring for her younger sister and brother because her mother, in her addiction, can't. At one point they get put into the foster care system. A system that is meant to help but often fails those who need the help. It is no wonder that Roxy has difficulty trusting adults and authority figures. It makes for some painful reading.
This is a very enjoyable series and I like how the character of D. D. Warren has developed. She has always been tough, dedicated, and driven but over the course of the series she has gotten married and has a son. She is learning to balance career and family life which is not easy. In this installment they have decided to grant her son's wish for a dog. Now D. D. has to adjust to another member of the household. She is thrilled for Jack but is worried about her shoes.
If you enjoy Angela Marsons's Kim Stone, Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite, or Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series I think you would enjoy this series. While it can be read as a stand alone I would recommend reading in order to see how the character(s) develop.
November 11, 2017
There is no possibility of putting this book down, from the shocking dorm room slaying of the opening sequence to the who-really-did-it resolution saved right till the end.
The story is told between three main voices: DD Warren- homicide detective, Flora Dane- kidnap survivor and vigilante, and Roxy-a missing girl who may be in danger or who is the danger. While investigating the family annihilation and disappearance of Roxy in their individual fashions, Dane and Warren bounce off each other, too similar in some respects and in complete opposition in others. They're great characters, each a vibrant, complicated woman who isn't prepared to back down but who both want to work this case with intelligence, resolve, and passion. It's this that gives them the connection they need to make it work, despite having obvious reservations... Roxy has a much more vulnerable and tortured voice, told through a personal narrative writing assignment set by the school, she's had it hard, and is still so young that you feel her pain acutely, even as you're aware that it might have taken her to a dark place.
Cleverly plotted, with the kind of high-energy uncertainly that keeps you turning pages beyond the time for lights out, this was a thrilling read. I hadn't read any DD Warren books before this one and didn't suffer for it, but i'll be looking into the previous instalments as I enjoyed the characters so much. I certainly hope we see more of Flora and her band of survivors in the future-their own series maybe??
ARC via Netgalley
The story is told between three main voices: DD Warren- homicide detective, Flora Dane- kidnap survivor and vigilante, and Roxy-a missing girl who may be in danger or who is the danger. While investigating the family annihilation and disappearance of Roxy in their individual fashions, Dane and Warren bounce off each other, too similar in some respects and in complete opposition in others. They're great characters, each a vibrant, complicated woman who isn't prepared to back down but who both want to work this case with intelligence, resolve, and passion. It's this that gives them the connection they need to make it work, despite having obvious reservations... Roxy has a much more vulnerable and tortured voice, told through a personal narrative writing assignment set by the school, she's had it hard, and is still so young that you feel her pain acutely, even as you're aware that it might have taken her to a dark place.
Cleverly plotted, with the kind of high-energy uncertainly that keeps you turning pages beyond the time for lights out, this was a thrilling read. I hadn't read any DD Warren books before this one and didn't suffer for it, but i'll be looking into the previous instalments as I enjoyed the characters so much. I certainly hope we see more of Flora and her band of survivors in the future-their own series maybe??
ARC via Netgalley
February 13, 2018
I fell in love with Lisa Gardner's books almost exactly seven years ago. She has never disappointed me.
This book is about the Baez-Boyd family. Mom Juanita has two young girls when she meets Hector Alvalos. They have a son, but they are both deep into alcoholism. Eldest daughter Roxanna becomes “mother” to sister Lola and brother Manny. After a violent episode, Hector leaves, the kids are moved into foster care, and the nightmare gets worse. Eventually Juanita cleans herself up, meets all the court's requirements, and gets her kids back. Juanita meets Charlie Boyd and they start to build a new life, a happy life.
That’s just the beginning. This is a D. D. Warren book after all and that means a murder or two need to be investigated. D. D. gains a confidential informant in the form of Flora Danes, a victim in a previous book. Alternating chapters are distinguished by D. D. in third person and Flora in first person. Interspersed are poignant pages written by Roxanna for a homework assignment.
I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the characters and the plot. Flora, her friend Sarah, and Roxanna in particular were multifaceted. So many damaged people barely surviving and searching for a better life. The inclusion of dogs gave the story a small anchor in happiness, but still a heartbreaking story.
This book is about the Baez-Boyd family. Mom Juanita has two young girls when she meets Hector Alvalos. They have a son, but they are both deep into alcoholism. Eldest daughter Roxanna becomes “mother” to sister Lola and brother Manny. After a violent episode, Hector leaves, the kids are moved into foster care, and the nightmare gets worse. Eventually Juanita cleans herself up, meets all the court's requirements, and gets her kids back. Juanita meets Charlie Boyd and they start to build a new life, a happy life.
That’s just the beginning. This is a D. D. Warren book after all and that means a murder or two need to be investigated. D. D. gains a confidential informant in the form of Flora Danes, a victim in a previous book. Alternating chapters are distinguished by D. D. in third person and Flora in first person. Interspersed are poignant pages written by Roxanna for a homework assignment.
I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the characters and the plot. Flora, her friend Sarah, and Roxanna in particular were multifaceted. So many damaged people barely surviving and searching for a better life. The inclusion of dogs gave the story a small anchor in happiness, but still a heartbreaking story.
July 19, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Look For Me hit me from the first page of the Prologue. Using colourful descriptions and a first person narrative Lisa Gardner creates atmosphere, fear and suspense in large measures. Before Chapter One started I was already hooked.
Over the next few chapters the intrigue continues as the reader works out the relationship between the three different narratives that Lisa uses to tell the story. We have Flora in the first person, Roxy’s school essays and third person sections written from D.D.’s perspective; all in addition to that Prologue in Sarah’s first person. If you are concerned that this will confuse then put your mind at rest; it all adds to the understanding and the mystery.
I am aware that there have been several books featuring D.D. Warren and Flora who make an interesting couple. It is always nice to read about a good cop with a happy married life and no personal hang-ups. In contrast Flora Dane and her group of similarly affected “survivors” have more than enough baggage for all of us. They do however provide an interesting foil, giving the author the means to stretch the investigation beyond today’s routine police procedures.
The children’s storylines are at times troubling and if there is any truth in the activities described in the foster home that is a worrying indictment on the US child care systems.
Prior to Look For Me Lisa Gardner had published several novels and that experience and success shows in the quality of this book. Her well-crafted story appears to have been supported by first class editing and proof-reading because every sentence flows with correct grammar and spelling. I was lucky enough to be sent a hard-back copy with a jacket bearing credits from eight of the current biggest selling novelists; support that most struggling writers can only dream of.
This would not be a balanced review without some negative comment but all I can manage is that on occasions the three narratives repeat themselves as the various parties catch up with events. Not really an issue and I often appreciate an update.
Give Look For Me a try, you will not be disappointed. Indeed, the Whispering Stories review machine is currently running a little slow and the sequel Never Tell has already been published in the UK so why not get them both. I have awarded a nearly perfect four and a half stars.
Look For Me hit me from the first page of the Prologue. Using colourful descriptions and a first person narrative Lisa Gardner creates atmosphere, fear and suspense in large measures. Before Chapter One started I was already hooked.
Over the next few chapters the intrigue continues as the reader works out the relationship between the three different narratives that Lisa uses to tell the story. We have Flora in the first person, Roxy’s school essays and third person sections written from D.D.’s perspective; all in addition to that Prologue in Sarah’s first person. If you are concerned that this will confuse then put your mind at rest; it all adds to the understanding and the mystery.
I am aware that there have been several books featuring D.D. Warren and Flora who make an interesting couple. It is always nice to read about a good cop with a happy married life and no personal hang-ups. In contrast Flora Dane and her group of similarly affected “survivors” have more than enough baggage for all of us. They do however provide an interesting foil, giving the author the means to stretch the investigation beyond today’s routine police procedures.
The children’s storylines are at times troubling and if there is any truth in the activities described in the foster home that is a worrying indictment on the US child care systems.
Prior to Look For Me Lisa Gardner had published several novels and that experience and success shows in the quality of this book. Her well-crafted story appears to have been supported by first class editing and proof-reading because every sentence flows with correct grammar and spelling. I was lucky enough to be sent a hard-back copy with a jacket bearing credits from eight of the current biggest selling novelists; support that most struggling writers can only dream of.
This would not be a balanced review without some negative comment but all I can manage is that on occasions the three narratives repeat themselves as the various parties catch up with events. Not really an issue and I often appreciate an update.
Give Look For Me a try, you will not be disappointed. Indeed, the Whispering Stories review machine is currently running a little slow and the sequel Never Tell has already been published in the UK so why not get them both. I have awarded a nearly perfect four and a half stars.
June 9, 2018
I have wanted for a long time to read a Lisa Gardner book, so I was thrilled when I got the chance to read book nine in the Detective D.D. Warren series. Since I'm a newbie when it came to this series did I not have any previous knowledge about the characters in this book, but I'm pleased to say that I have found myself a new favorite series!
The story starts off with a BANG! Frankly, this is one of the best intros I have ever read when it comes to a crime novel and I was instantly hooked. And, the book never got boring. I found both Detective D.D. Warren and vigilante Flora Dane to be interesting characters in their own ways, and I loved to follow the investigations from their different perspectives. I need to get to the past books in the series, both because I want to know more about D.D's past, but also get Flora's story.
The story is very tragic, and towards the last 100 pages of the book did I start to suspect the killer's identity and yeah I was right about it. But, it didn't bother me, it was more a feeling of almost dread when I started to suspect the truth. It's a book about consequences and thinking back to what started it all, how people's decisions in the end led to the killing of almost a whole family is heartbreaking. Thankfully is there some really sweet moments in the book as well with D.D's son getting a puppy.
This is my first Lisa Gardner book, but it sure isn't my last!
I want to thank Dutton for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review
The story starts off with a BANG! Frankly, this is one of the best intros I have ever read when it comes to a crime novel and I was instantly hooked. And, the book never got boring. I found both Detective D.D. Warren and vigilante Flora Dane to be interesting characters in their own ways, and I loved to follow the investigations from their different perspectives. I need to get to the past books in the series, both because I want to know more about D.D's past, but also get Flora's story.
The story is very tragic, and towards the last 100 pages of the book did I start to suspect the killer's identity and yeah I was right about it. But, it didn't bother me, it was more a feeling of almost dread when I started to suspect the truth. It's a book about consequences and thinking back to what started it all, how people's decisions in the end led to the killing of almost a whole family is heartbreaking. Thankfully is there some really sweet moments in the book as well with D.D's son getting a puppy.
This is my first Lisa Gardner book, but it sure isn't my last!
I want to thank Dutton for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review
December 29, 2018
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.
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.
February 10, 2018
"Look For Me" is the 9th book in Lisa Gardner's Detective D.D. Warren series.
A family of four are violently murdered in their home and the 16 yr old daughter is missing with the families two elderly, blind Brittany Spaniels. Is she the killer or is she on the run afraid for her life?
D.D. Warren is called in to investigate the brutal crime scene and Flora Dane, a survivor from a previous case joins her. Flora created a survivors group after being kidnapped and held captive under horrific conditions for 472 days before escaping and getting just revenge on her captor. Will this group aid the investigation or seek vigilante justice?
Not one of the best books of the series but still very good. I was hoping to read more about D. D.'s personal life as we have in her other books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A family of four are violently murdered in their home and the 16 yr old daughter is missing with the families two elderly, blind Brittany Spaniels. Is she the killer or is she on the run afraid for her life?
D.D. Warren is called in to investigate the brutal crime scene and Flora Dane, a survivor from a previous case joins her. Flora created a survivors group after being kidnapped and held captive under horrific conditions for 472 days before escaping and getting just revenge on her captor. Will this group aid the investigation or seek vigilante justice?
Not one of the best books of the series but still very good. I was hoping to read more about D. D.'s personal life as we have in her other books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
It seems ages since I read a D.D. Warren book and gosh it was good! I was not able to put it down!
In Look For Me we meet up again with Flora the survivor and she actually threatens to take over from D.D. as the most important character. There are lots of murders, some clever detective work from Flora as well as D.D. Warren, and a totally unexpected murderer. I did not have a clue who it was going to be.
A very enjoyable book as I have come to expect from Lisa Gardner and it looks as though the next book will feature D.D. and Flora working together again which I certinly look forward to.
In Look For Me we meet up again with Flora the survivor and she actually threatens to take over from D.D. as the most important character. There are lots of murders, some clever detective work from Flora as well as D.D. Warren, and a totally unexpected murderer. I did not have a clue who it was going to be.
A very enjoyable book as I have come to expect from Lisa Gardner and it looks as though the next book will feature D.D. and Flora working together again which I certinly look forward to.
March 17, 2018
4.5/5
You guys.. it’s SO GOOD! If you enjoy thrillers you will love it.
Sergeant Det. D.D Warren and “Find Her” Flora Dane work together to solve the crime of a family gunned down, while trying to find their eldest daughter who is now missing. You’ll become absorbed into the story line of this families troubled history and you’ll be flabbergasted by who the killer is. I had no idea until it was revealed!
I didn’t realize this is a female detective series. I’m planning on going back throughout the year and reading some of the earlier books in this series. Highly recommend. 🍀💚🍀
You guys.. it’s SO GOOD! If you enjoy thrillers you will love it.
Sergeant Det. D.D Warren and “Find Her” Flora Dane work together to solve the crime of a family gunned down, while trying to find their eldest daughter who is now missing. You’ll become absorbed into the story line of this families troubled history and you’ll be flabbergasted by who the killer is. I had no idea until it was revealed!
I didn’t realize this is a female detective series. I’m planning on going back throughout the year and reading some of the earlier books in this series. Highly recommend. 🍀💚🍀
December 5, 2017
Look For Me by Lisa Gardner. I have read and enjoyed books by this author previously but this is the first book in this series that I have read. I was hooked from the first page and I am looking forward to reading the previous books in this series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2018
I received an advanced copy of Look For Me (Detective D.D. Warren #9) by Lisa Gardner from Penguin Random House’s First to Read Program for an honest review. I wish to extend my thanks to the Publisher and the Author for this opportunity.
I have read almost all of the Lisa Gardner’s books across her multiple series. I have enjoyed the D.D.Warren series, and have especially enjoyed seeing D.D. having a personal life alongside her professional career ( I feel it has made her a more realistic and believable character).
In this installment, I felt that D.D. was not a focal character, but more of a secondary or background player, sharing the stage with Flora and Sarah (both survivors of heinous crimes in earlier books) and Roxy. In my opinion, I found Look For Me to be a long-winded, tedious, and repetitively written book. The multiple viewpoints, frequently repeated info the reader had already been given. I found the book to be neither thrilling, suspenseful, nor mysterious. I felt as if I was reading a family drama, a ripped from the “headlines” story. The book is a commentary on the “failings” and mismanagement of children placed in the foster care or child protective system. This is a theme I have read from other authors as well, and the overall conclusions are very similar, the system needs help!
The story is basically about a family given a second chance at being together, but fate has different plans. The family is found murdered, and the only survivor, a 16-year-old is missing. The big question becomes, did this person commit the crimes and if so why.
There were some touching moments in the story, D.D.’s family is shown in cameo’s revolving around the acquisition of a new puppy, and the care and love of the two older blind dogs that the Baez family had. I also noticed the story really doesn’t place any blame on any one thing, but questions how a situation could have been done differently, leading to a different outcome.
In my opinion, I felt this book was a step outside of the D.D. Warren series and should have been standalone book “featuring” characters from the D.D. Warren series.
My rating on the book is low, basically due to the repetitiveness of the story and the fact that the book really didn’t hold my attention as previous books in the series have. For me, this was a 2.75-star read which I will rise to 3 stars.
I feel that readers of the series should check it out and make their own decision on the story and its inclusion in the D.D. Warren series.
I have read almost all of the Lisa Gardner’s books across her multiple series. I have enjoyed the D.D.Warren series, and have especially enjoyed seeing D.D. having a personal life alongside her professional career ( I feel it has made her a more realistic and believable character).
In this installment, I felt that D.D. was not a focal character, but more of a secondary or background player, sharing the stage with Flora and Sarah (both survivors of heinous crimes in earlier books) and Roxy. In my opinion, I found Look For Me to be a long-winded, tedious, and repetitively written book. The multiple viewpoints, frequently repeated info the reader had already been given. I found the book to be neither thrilling, suspenseful, nor mysterious. I felt as if I was reading a family drama, a ripped from the “headlines” story. The book is a commentary on the “failings” and mismanagement of children placed in the foster care or child protective system. This is a theme I have read from other authors as well, and the overall conclusions are very similar, the system needs help!
The story is basically about a family given a second chance at being together, but fate has different plans. The family is found murdered, and the only survivor, a 16-year-old is missing. The big question becomes, did this person commit the crimes and if so why.
There were some touching moments in the story, D.D.’s family is shown in cameo’s revolving around the acquisition of a new puppy, and the care and love of the two older blind dogs that the Baez family had. I also noticed the story really doesn’t place any blame on any one thing, but questions how a situation could have been done differently, leading to a different outcome.
In my opinion, I felt this book was a step outside of the D.D. Warren series and should have been standalone book “featuring” characters from the D.D. Warren series.
My rating on the book is low, basically due to the repetitiveness of the story and the fact that the book really didn’t hold my attention as previous books in the series have. For me, this was a 2.75-star read which I will rise to 3 stars.
I feel that readers of the series should check it out and make their own decision on the story and its inclusion in the D.D. Warren series.
June 2, 2021
Despite a fabulous premise and an interesting choice of subject (foster families), the story didn't hold my attention and I skimmed through the last part (especially after guessing the culprit!).
The investigation was very repetitive and I wasn't satisfied with the ending.
I feel like I didn't really like Gardner's books for a little while... Right Behind You is on my TBR, but maybe I'll skip it. I'll definitely wait before giving it a try!
The investigation was very repetitive and I wasn't satisfied with the ending.
I feel like I didn't really like Gardner's books for a little while... Right Behind You is on my TBR, but maybe I'll skip it. I'll definitely wait before giving it a try!
January 14, 2018
While I adore Lisa Gardner and she has in fact written one of my all time favorite thrillers (FIND HER), Look for Me just didn’t cut the cake.
It’s a strange experience, going from writing such high reviews on her previous work to writing less than glowing reviews on her most recent.
Gardner is an efficient writer, her words flow smoothly, and as a result the pages in her books generally turn pretty quickly. However, this time I found myself bored and ready to be done by page 150. I’m sure you can imagine that the remaining 230 odd pages felt near torturous.
At midway through I was ready to give three stars and call it fine enough. But as the pages went on the plot became more transparent and the chapters repetitive. I found myself becoming more and more annoyed. I don’t want to ever feel annoyed when reading, isn’t this supposed to be the most eloquent form of escapism after all?
I just couldn’t relate to the characters in this book and I wasn’t at all interested in the crime that took place or the mystery surrounding it. It just wasn’t for me.
In no way does this mean I support Lisa Gardner’s work any less. After all, after writing more than 28 novels (to my best estimate), are you not allowed one or two that turn out more mediocre than miraculous?
Maybe this one isn’t for you, dear reader. But if you’re at all curious in her work and haven’t yet read Find Her, then I strongly suggest you pick that one up or add it to your Want to Read shelf instead.
It’s a strange experience, going from writing such high reviews on her previous work to writing less than glowing reviews on her most recent.
Gardner is an efficient writer, her words flow smoothly, and as a result the pages in her books generally turn pretty quickly. However, this time I found myself bored and ready to be done by page 150. I’m sure you can imagine that the remaining 230 odd pages felt near torturous.
At midway through I was ready to give three stars and call it fine enough. But as the pages went on the plot became more transparent and the chapters repetitive. I found myself becoming more and more annoyed. I don’t want to ever feel annoyed when reading, isn’t this supposed to be the most eloquent form of escapism after all?
I just couldn’t relate to the characters in this book and I wasn’t at all interested in the crime that took place or the mystery surrounding it. It just wasn’t for me.
In no way does this mean I support Lisa Gardner’s work any less. After all, after writing more than 28 novels (to my best estimate), are you not allowed one or two that turn out more mediocre than miraculous?
Maybe this one isn’t for you, dear reader. But if you’re at all curious in her work and haven’t yet read Find Her, then I strongly suggest you pick that one up or add it to your Want to Read shelf instead.
February 15, 2020
This is the 9th book in the D.D Warren series and I am over the moon that Flora is back and working with D.D Warren, together they make a formidable team!!
The investigation takes them to a murder of a family in their home, the mom and dad and 2 children are killed but their 2 dogs and their other daughter Roxanna have gone missing. Is Roxanna guilty of this crime or is her life at risk now?
Another highly addictive read!!
The investigation takes them to a murder of a family in their home, the mom and dad and 2 children are killed but their 2 dogs and their other daughter Roxanna have gone missing. Is Roxanna guilty of this crime or is her life at risk now?
Another highly addictive read!!
June 5, 2020
Dark. Tragic. Horrific.
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