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Justice #6
Cold Justice
Judge Willa Carson Mystery
Judge Willa Carson returns in this chilling story from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Capri!
Everyone needs a vacation, even hardworking, crime-fighting Federal Judges. Looking forward to a quiet week of stunning winter scenery, roaring fires, and warm companionship, Judge Willa Carson and her husband George head north to Pleasant Harbor, Michigan – and slam into murder.
A car stranded in the road. A corpse slumped in the front seat. A gunshot wound to left temple. The scene is surreal, the execution ruthless, the victim far from innocent.
Local authorities want this case put away fast because it’s bad for their tourism business. Willa sees what the cops don’t, and she is not about to play along to get along.
The rugged, frozen landscape is not her beloved Tampa sunshine and palm trees, but Judge Willa Carson is always on the Hunt for Justice.
Judge Willa Carson returns in this chilling story from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Capri!
Everyone needs a vacation, even hardworking, crime-fighting Federal Judges. Looking forward to a quiet week of stunning winter scenery, roaring fires, and warm companionship, Judge Willa Carson and her husband George head north to Pleasant Harbor, Michigan – and slam into murder.
A car stranded in the road. A corpse slumped in the front seat. A gunshot wound to left temple. The scene is surreal, the execution ruthless, the victim far from innocent.
Local authorities want this case put away fast because it’s bad for their tourism business. Willa sees what the cops don’t, and she is not about to play along to get along.
The rugged, frozen landscape is not her beloved Tampa sunshine and palm trees, but Judge Willa Carson is always on the Hunt for Justice.
First published December 31, 2014
About the author
Diane Capri
121 books616 followersBestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 12, 2017
At only 89 pages, this was a short story and for that I am glad because it was bad. Had this been longer I would have given up on about 40 pages in but since it was so short I stuck it out. Lots of holes which could have been avoided, even though it was so short, had we not had to read all the complaints about the weather. A lot of things just didn't make sense....and where did George go when he "disappeared? Was that ever explained?? Maybe I missed it because I was so eager to be done with it.
March 10, 2017
A decent read...just a bit too sophomoric and brief! But, a nice lil' cozy read at bedtime to create a goodnight's sleep!
Night all,
Rolando
Night all,
Rolando
February 19, 2017
Story
This was a short story versus a book. The description of the terrain and the effect of travel during a blizzard was spot on. The reader could easily envision the scene.
The story line was too quick. One got the feeling that the author was on deadline and concocted the content of the book.
This was a short story versus a book. The description of the terrain and the effect of travel during a blizzard was spot on. The reader could easily envision the scene.
The story line was too quick. One got the feeling that the author was on deadline and concocted the content of the book.
August 28, 2015
II won this book on good read. I enjoyed it. good believable characters and setting. a fast read. I didn't want to put it down. A Florida judge is not about to let a small Michigan town cover up a murder. A GOOD THRILLER THAT DOESN'T TAKE WEEKS TO FINISH.
September 11, 2016
I always enjoy the adventures of Judge Willa Carson. The stories are interesting, characters engaging and descriptions visually stirring.
The speed at which this story moved to conclusion stretched the imagination a bit. Busy gal.
The speed at which this story moved to conclusion stretched the imagination a bit. Busy gal.
February 6, 2017
What a disappointing book - only 89 pages. It was not stated this was a short story. Would not recommend it.
February 22, 2017
Ended too quickly.... too short, felt like the author needed to finish up and move on to writing another book.
January 9, 2019
I read this as part of the Justice is Served short stories.
The story started off well enough with the anticipation of a long over-due vacation. A murder victim in a car in the middle of the road is discovered and analytical investigating/picture taking of evidence is done while waiting for the police. Then Willa does her usual getting insolent because she’s dismissed (as a civilian), never bringing up the fact that she had taken pictures prior to the snow removing evidence. Once they reach their destination and take a nap, Willa wakes to find George gone; no note (it seems he did leave a voice mail-after he left?). If he was as considerate of Willa as we are led to believe, he would have left a note; especially with weather conditions like they are and cell phone coverage spotty.
Willa questions Judge Tevor’s premature involvement in the murder, as his role was not official since no one had been arrested. I guess she forgot who many times she’s involved herself in similar things prior to an arrest being made.
David’s gun had been reported stolen a year ago, but all the sudden Judge Trevor, and especially Willa, are assuming he is the guilty party. She questions whether she can trust Judge Trevor but buys into his explanations and is judge and jury to Mason.
Then, to top it off, because is has left in a huff and ‘can’t trust anybody’ she’s going to walk the three miles back to her cottage, in a blizzard that is dumping snow like crazy. Talk about being incredibly stupid. Her relenting after the officer’s impassioned plea to get in the vehicle doesn’t make her any less stupid. Then she states that she “see(s) a place where people get killed in their cars. And their killers get away with it.” Because, again, she has bought into the story she was told and is judge and jury.
There are only two other vehicles in the restaurant parking lot, why did Officer Kemp park far enough away from the entrance that when they are about half-way across the parking lot he stops and admires the scenery? After traveling a few yards Willa looks around and spots two figures in the distance going to the locked entrance to the old hospital. Kemp is now fifty feet from her. Again, why park so far away? Just so Willa can see the other figures bash something heavy on the door and open it?
And the killer fires three shots (not in rapid succession) prior to the fourth shot hitting the intended victim and then there is struggling? The fifth shot resulted in the killer being hit (we are told by ricochet – the second shot resulted in a ricochet). Then we find that Mason struggled with the killer and he had the gun (no ricochet?).
As if I haven’t given enough spoilers, why take Mason outside to the tunnels when the restaurant basement led to the tunnels? Though later we’re told the exit closest to the restaurant would have put her just inside the Café entrance. Judge Trevor was in jail, but the two remaining sisters should have been there as well as accessories after the fact. Though they could have claimed self-defense initially and not had all this mess. Too much confusion, displaced anger, and blame by someone who should have been doing better.
The story started off well enough with the anticipation of a long over-due vacation. A murder victim in a car in the middle of the road is discovered and analytical investigating/picture taking of evidence is done while waiting for the police. Then Willa does her usual getting insolent because she’s dismissed (as a civilian), never bringing up the fact that she had taken pictures prior to the snow removing evidence. Once they reach their destination and take a nap, Willa wakes to find George gone; no note (it seems he did leave a voice mail-after he left?). If he was as considerate of Willa as we are led to believe, he would have left a note; especially with weather conditions like they are and cell phone coverage spotty.
Willa questions Judge Tevor’s premature involvement in the murder, as his role was not official since no one had been arrested. I guess she forgot who many times she’s involved herself in similar things prior to an arrest being made.
David’s gun had been reported stolen a year ago, but all the sudden Judge Trevor, and especially Willa, are assuming he is the guilty party. She questions whether she can trust Judge Trevor but buys into his explanations and is judge and jury to Mason.
Then, to top it off, because is has left in a huff and ‘can’t trust anybody’ she’s going to walk the three miles back to her cottage, in a blizzard that is dumping snow like crazy. Talk about being incredibly stupid. Her relenting after the officer’s impassioned plea to get in the vehicle doesn’t make her any less stupid. Then she states that she “see(s) a place where people get killed in their cars. And their killers get away with it.” Because, again, she has bought into the story she was told and is judge and jury.
There are only two other vehicles in the restaurant parking lot, why did Officer Kemp park far enough away from the entrance that when they are about half-way across the parking lot he stops and admires the scenery? After traveling a few yards Willa looks around and spots two figures in the distance going to the locked entrance to the old hospital. Kemp is now fifty feet from her. Again, why park so far away? Just so Willa can see the other figures bash something heavy on the door and open it?
And the killer fires three shots (not in rapid succession) prior to the fourth shot hitting the intended victim and then there is struggling? The fifth shot resulted in the killer being hit (we are told by ricochet – the second shot resulted in a ricochet). Then we find that Mason struggled with the killer and he had the gun (no ricochet?).
As if I haven’t given enough spoilers, why take Mason outside to the tunnels when the restaurant basement led to the tunnels? Though later we’re told the exit closest to the restaurant would have put her just inside the Café entrance. Judge Trevor was in jail, but the two remaining sisters should have been there as well as accessories after the fact. Though they could have claimed self-defense initially and not had all this mess. Too much confusion, displaced anger, and blame by someone who should have been doing better.
September 13, 2022
Just not a fan of short stories and I didn’t realize it was until I purchased it in a multi-book deal on Bookbub. I like the Willa Carson series, but this short story isn’t long enough to develop it well. Willa & George take a vacation in snow country and, on the way, almost plow into a Toyota parked in the middle of the lane with a dead man in it. After the police secure the scene and they spend some time winding down and napping, Willa wakes up and George is gone without a note. We never find out where George is which seemed odd. Willa is summoned to see the local judge who she worked with years ago and something doesn’t seem right about the murder case. In my opinion, Diane Capri ought to stick to her full-length books.
January 23, 2018
This short story/novella is a quick and reasonably interesting read. It is somewhat predictable and simplistic; but the author’s writing style is mostly smooth and professional. I did spot one grammatical error (lay/laid) that the editor should have caught.
October 10, 2020
Who said 'real men wear pink well'
I sooO 💘 this Judge Willa in Cold Justice. It gives the reader so many avenues to try and manuever there own conclusion. She is one of my favorite characters Diane has created!This is my second reading of Cold Justice.😍
I sooO 💘 this Judge Willa in Cold Justice. It gives the reader so many avenues to try and manuever there own conclusion. She is one of my favorite characters Diane has created!This is my second reading of Cold Justice.😍
October 27, 2017
Judge Willa Carson mystery
May 3, 2019
Unputdownable!!!
July 17, 2020
Short
Not worth the price of admission. Weak plot lines. No suspense or questions.
Familiar characters, but no more revealed about them.
Not worth the price of admission. Weak plot lines. No suspense or questions.
Familiar characters, but no more revealed about them.
July 29, 2020
To short but enjoyed about the snow. It's 112 here. Always enjoy a story with winter in it at this time of year.
October 25, 2020
Guesswork
A murder on a frozen road in winter and judge Willa is not accepting local answers. She is on the hunt for the real killer.
A murder on a frozen road in winter and judge Willa is not accepting local answers. She is on the hunt for the real killer.
October 21, 2021
This is book 6, in Diane Capri’s Justice series. It’s a good book, even if it’s not in Judge Willia’s jurisdiction. Enjoy!
February 14, 2022
Good read
I love a good story that is told in one book and this was one, I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Diane Capri.
I love a good story that is told in one book and this was one, I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Diane Capri.
August 7, 2024
Not the best effort
March 17, 2017
Short but very good mystery.
Short and good reading. You had to wait to find out the out come until the end. It has a good 4 rating . Enjoyed.
Short and good reading. You had to wait to find out the out come until the end. It has a good 4 rating . Enjoyed.
January 18, 2015
Diane Capri’s sixth Judge Willa Carson book is a unique step into the Judge’s past. Willa and George Carson take their first long vacation traveling to Pleasant Harbor, Michigan a small community fifty miles north of Traverse City. They, plan to stay at a cottage of old friends. Both Willa and George lived in Detroit before moving to Tampa.
COLD JUSTICE is an action packed story with mystery, suspense and thrills on every page. The author places the readers in Willa and George’s car driving north on a two lane road in a blinding snow storm. The winter storm makes the roads hazardous and visibility poor. Willa is keeping a close eye on the road and suddenly see a car stopped in the middle of the two lane road. Willa and George find the driver dead from a gunshot to the head.
After the Michigan State police arrive, Willa and George travel on to Pleasant Harbor, Michigan. The storyline changes direction at the turn of the page. George and Willa put their vacation on hold. Capri places Willa in the middle of a murder investigation outside of her federal jurisdiction. A local circuit court judge and law enforcement find Willa doesn’t like taking orders They feel Willa’s stubbornness when they try and tell Willa what she can and can’t do.
Readers see through Willa’s eyes how the plot focuses on a law enforcement murder investigation. They see the storyline involving members of the community as part of investigations of missing persons and corrupt officials. It is normal for residents of small towns to know what is happening in their community and Pleasant Harbor is no exception. In COLD JUSTICE, the author keeps readers guessing who the good support characters are and who the bad support characters are. Capri introduces each character; their back story and their role in the ever changing plot.
Capri keeps readers on their toes with the changing direction and pace of the plot. The raging snow storm doesn’t slow down the antagonist’s actions. COLD JUSTICE provides a bone chilling solution to the challenges facing Willa and George. Readers see the development of clues leading to answers to the intriguing mystery.
Ongoing changes to the plot and Capri ease of keeping readers interest. She delivers skillful writing and developing of each of her characters. Readers won’t find any reason for disappointment in Capri’s unforgettable ending. COLD JUSTICE is the latest addition to Diane Capri’s Judge Willa Carson series. The author writes several series creating unique characters for her readers to embrace. Diane Capri brings "COLD JUSTICE" to life creating a must read. The story earns 5 star ranking.
COLD JUSTICE is an action packed story with mystery, suspense and thrills on every page. The author places the readers in Willa and George’s car driving north on a two lane road in a blinding snow storm. The winter storm makes the roads hazardous and visibility poor. Willa is keeping a close eye on the road and suddenly see a car stopped in the middle of the two lane road. Willa and George find the driver dead from a gunshot to the head.
After the Michigan State police arrive, Willa and George travel on to Pleasant Harbor, Michigan. The storyline changes direction at the turn of the page. George and Willa put their vacation on hold. Capri places Willa in the middle of a murder investigation outside of her federal jurisdiction. A local circuit court judge and law enforcement find Willa doesn’t like taking orders They feel Willa’s stubbornness when they try and tell Willa what she can and can’t do.
Readers see through Willa’s eyes how the plot focuses on a law enforcement murder investigation. They see the storyline involving members of the community as part of investigations of missing persons and corrupt officials. It is normal for residents of small towns to know what is happening in their community and Pleasant Harbor is no exception. In COLD JUSTICE, the author keeps readers guessing who the good support characters are and who the bad support characters are. Capri introduces each character; their back story and their role in the ever changing plot.
Capri keeps readers on their toes with the changing direction and pace of the plot. The raging snow storm doesn’t slow down the antagonist’s actions. COLD JUSTICE provides a bone chilling solution to the challenges facing Willa and George. Readers see the development of clues leading to answers to the intriguing mystery.
Ongoing changes to the plot and Capri ease of keeping readers interest. She delivers skillful writing and developing of each of her characters. Readers won’t find any reason for disappointment in Capri’s unforgettable ending. COLD JUSTICE is the latest addition to Diane Capri’s Judge Willa Carson series. The author writes several series creating unique characters for her readers to embrace. Diane Capri brings "COLD JUSTICE" to life creating a must read. The story earns 5 star ranking.
February 8, 2017
Judge Will a does it again.
A strange murder, a family in turmoil and Willa and George on vacation in Michigan. It all adds up to a great read by Diane Capri.
A strange murder, a family in turmoil and Willa and George on vacation in Michigan. It all adds up to a great read by Diane Capri.
February 11, 2017
Too Short
I liked the book, but wanted more. I felt like it was too short a story. It ended abruptly after Willa got out of the tunnel.
I liked the book, but wanted more. I felt like it was too short a story. It ended abruptly after Willa got out of the tunnel.
October 14, 2015
Loved the story but way too short.
This Willa Carson book was way too short. The story continued the feelings, attitudes, and perceptions of the two main characters, but there wasn't enough filler to really appreciate what was happening with them and between them unless you're familiar with them already from the other stories. I became a fan of Willa in the first four books so I had no problem with Willa jumping in head first where she clearly is not appreciated and pursuing the matter to the very end. I think this book is great fun but do recommend that new readers grab a prior book, most especially book one to understand Willa and George.
This Willa Carson book was way too short. The story continued the feelings, attitudes, and perceptions of the two main characters, but there wasn't enough filler to really appreciate what was happening with them and between them unless you're familiar with them already from the other stories. I became a fan of Willa in the first four books so I had no problem with Willa jumping in head first where she clearly is not appreciated and pursuing the matter to the very end. I think this book is great fun but do recommend that new readers grab a prior book, most especially book one to understand Willa and George.
June 13, 2018
Did not like the way Diane capri wrote her character Willa carson this book. True,she can be a pain in the ass personality but in. This book she comes across as so over the top self righteous. Spoiler: the only thing that redeems her was Judge Trevor was guilty but that could not be known at the time and I felt the way author wrote the character made her a very unsympathetic ,unlikeable character.
May 16, 2015
Excellent story regarding a judge's attempt at a winter vacation which quickly turns into suspense and intrigue as a frozen body turns up on a snowy Michigan road. This story kept my attention throughout the entire book and I highly recommend reading this book.
October 2, 2015
GREAT READ! JUDGE WILLA CARSON AND HUSBAND GEORGE TRY TO GET AWAY ON OVERDUE VACATION FROM FLORIDA, ONLY TO DISCOVER A BODY ON THE WAY INTO TOWN WHERE THEY USED TO LIVE IN MICHIGAN. WHICH OF COURSE CHANGES THEIR PLANS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
February 6, 2017
Another good read from Ms. Capri. This is a very short book that is almost a novella. Still, it moves along quickly with good character development and story line.
June 4, 2016
A good read, interesting characters and the plot was okay
May 16, 2015
An interesting way to show what family will do to protect family and their reputation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews