by Marie Flanigan
Series: Annie Fitch Mysteries #1
Genres: Mystery
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Annie Fitch, a former police detective, struggles to make ends meet as a private investigator in the sleepy town of Leesburg, Virginia. On partial disability because of gunshot injuries, she’s relegated to doing surveillance gigs and background checks. But things are looking up, since her on-again, off-again relationship is back on and might stay that way.
When Annie is hired by Laura Carlton to follow her husband to get evidence of cheating, Annie is certain the case won’t take long. Nick Carlton grew up with money and privilege and has a sex addiction dating back to his high school days. But things go sideways when Annie finds her target dead in an alley just a few blocks from her own home.
Working with her former partner, Gunnar Jansson, Annie digs deeper into Carlton’s background, slowly excavating his past to reveal the multiple suspects and motives. The list includes his many lunch-hour-tryst partners, a local shop owner, and his business partner, among others. Layer by layer, Annie uncovers a truth that runs much deeper than anyone expected.
I’ve been enjoying female detective/PI novels and was delighted to be given the opportunity to review Exposed Fury by Marie Flanigan. This is the first in the Annie Fitch Mysteries series.
Former police detective, Annie Fitch, is now a private investigator working divorce cases, background checks, etc. Her current client Laura Carlton suspects her husband of cheating, and Annie has spent the past week gathering proof. When the cheating husband Nick Carlton turns up dead in an alley, Annie soon investigates murder.
We get some background on how Annie came to be a private investigator and learn about her injuries and her decision to leave the force, but she misses aspects of it.
The author pulls us into Annie’s life, introducing her family, the man she loves, and her ex-partner from the force. We get to know some local spots as Flanigan allows the clues to unfold. She skillfully delivered red-herrings as we interviewed suspects and gathered evidence.
I like Annie, her family and Gunner, her ex-police partner. I even like her on again off-again boyfriend Ford for all that was revealed about him. Annie was genuine, vulnerable, and the author allowed readers to connect with her.
Fans of procedural mysteries, strong female characters, and small town settings will want to begin this series. Hidden Fury, the next book in the series released on March 2 and I’ve already devoured it. Look for that review next week.
Exposed Fury by Marie Flanigan is the first in the Annie Fitch Mysteries series. #murder-mystery #AnnieFitchMysteries #mystery #PI Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H. Jolley
Great review, Kimba. It sounds like a fantastic and well-written book.
Debbie Haupt
Yes please I like all those things you mentioned kim especially strong women roles thanks for sharing
MarthaE
This is a mystery I am eyeing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog
I love a good mystery and this sounds like a good one. I like the cover too! Glad to hear you enjoyed Exposed Fury. Thanks for sharing.
Olivia-Savannah @ Olivia's Catastrophe
I have actually heard a lot of stories that have this kind of premise, but this is the first with an inconsistent relationship and a disabled detective! And it sounds refreshing for those reasons. Annie sounds like a nice character,
Joyousreads
Oh man, if you’re into these type of books and haven’t read Finlay Donovan is Killing it, then, girl. You must. It’s hilarious and the investigations tie in with the “fictional story” she was writing. I think it’s going to be a series, so definitely should read it. With that being said, I’m slowly becoming a fan of this genre as well.
Go, us!
Carla
Wonderful review Kimberly. This one sounds like a great start to a new series. It sounds like a likable PI and family, those are rare. I am going to add this one and see where I can find it.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I hadn’t heard of this one. Terrific review! I probably would enjoy this one.
Victoria A Hamel
This sounds like a great book. I’m adding it to my TBR pile right now!
Sophia Rose
I really need to branch out and try more mysteries. Thanks for the intro to this one. I like the sound of Annie, her people, and the small town.
Anup Senaa
from which you can pick, and also a great indexing
A Voracious Reader
I loved this one! Looking forward to reading book 2.