Book three in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense series.
Just as young journalist Lark Chadwick is about to begin her new job on the cops and courts beat, she discovers the body of a strangled girl - the first victim of a serial killer. Lark's got the inside track, but there are complications: jealous rivals in the newsroom, her job in danger, a hunky colleague who becomes a suspect, a superstar athlete with anger issues. And just who is that mysterious bag boy at the local market? With the help of her friend and mentor Lionel Stone, Lark's nerve is tested like never before in a dramatic life or death showdown with the killer.
Troubled Water is the third installment in the Lark Chadwick mystery suspense series written by long-time CNN journalist John DeDakis.
Excerpt
I felt something bump my foot. Alarmed, I switched on the flashlight and aimed it straight down at whatever it was that had just given me that gentle, but unexpected nudge. I hoped it would be nothing more than some harmless night creature out for a stroll.
But what I saw caused me to scream in terror.
Professional Reviews Jillian Harding
"What happens when you pair a cub reporter with murder, mayhem and a handsome bad boy? A great read. Once again, John DeDakis proves he knows how to write a gripping thriller. I loved it."
~Jillian Harding
Former Producer - CNBC, CBS
Kitty Pilgrim
"Troubled Water is the latest page-turner from John DeDakis, featuring no-nonsense journalist Lark Chadwick. The thriller novel is a masterful adventure that rings true to life. DeDakis really understands how reporters work, women think -- and how killers kill."
~Kitty Pilgrim, Journalist/Author
Jenna Bourne
"As a young female journalist, I spent most of this novel wondering how John DeDakis got into my head. Troubled Water is sharp, suspenseful and -- most importantly -- utterly believable."
JOHN DEDAKIS, a famous CNN journalist has chosen to write about his field of expertise in TROUBLED WATER, a story about a brazen no-holds-barred reporter, Lark Chadwick. On her way to Georgia to work for the Sun Gazette, she discovers a dead body dumped in a creek located just off the main highway very near her destination. Of course, she is obligated to phone in the story even though she hasn't officially started her new job... and so the sory unfolds. One body turns into two as Lark becomes obsessed finding a seriel killer.
JOHN DEDAKIS' TROUBLED WATER is what I would term an action-packed slow burn. I read this book in five days and I rarely read a book that quickly. The action was continuous building up over time. And honestly I could never figure out who-done-it until the very end. That's how good this book is written. A good mystery has to keep you guessing and John does this masterfully.
The front cover is a great picture of a rushing stream full of what-ifs. The back cover blurb is easy to read. The off-white heavy paper is easy on the eyes along with the choice of font and spacing. The book's size makes it easy to hold and take with you wherever you go. Keep writing John, I loved TROUBLED WATER.
Reviewed by Wendy Jensen (Reader)
Reviewed on December 12, 2019
Extremely well written! I loved that the protagonist is a journalist. As a fiction writer myself, it gave me insight into a world I have never actually been in. Even her critiquing her own writing was realistic and endearing to me.
The relationships in this novel are dynamic, the dialogue realistic. Everything moves at a fast clip, does not give you time to lose interest or get bored.
Overall, it was an extremely satisfying and entertaining read. I heartily recommend this novel for any lover of fast-paced, realistic murder mysteries!
Reviewed by E Harris (Reader)
Reviewed on April 30, 2019
Troubled Water, a mystery-suspense novel by John DeDakis, is the third book in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone book.
Lark Chadwick is making a major change in her life when she moves from Wisconsin to Georgia to work as a newspaper reporter. Before she even starts work, she discovers the body of a murdered young woman. Lark is now part of the story. Then another body is found. With her life racing in many directions, Lark does her best to focus on this case and to hopefully find the murderer. Will she become a victim, too?
The author brings to readers all the elements of a great mystery story. The well developed characters are vividly brought to life. Lark is an especially intriguing character. By following her character I came away knowing much more about journalism. She is an introspective investigator and isn't afraid to ask the right questions. There are several suspects, all with possible motives. The engrossing story moves quickly giving no hint of who the murderer is. As for the conclusion-I never saw it coming. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Wow! Another wonderful Lark Chadwick novel! 'Troubled Water' grabs you from the first few pages and keeps you riveted to the very end. This story has more twists and turns then most roller-coasters. Lark has once again found herself trying to solve two murders. I must admit, every character I thought the killer might be, turned out to be wrong! The real killer is someone you would never consider and that's all I'm saying...
John DeDakis has written another excellent page turner read that you simply cannot put down. The story line is a bit gruesome, but awesome and there are plots within plots adding curiosity and intrigue to every chapter.
Of course, Lark still turns t her friend and mentor, Lionel Stone, when she needs advice or just to talk. And, he's always quick to remind her that her old job is still available and waiting whenever she wants to return.
I have become quite a fan of John DeDakis' writing style. The characters are vivid with a great descriptive image created; along with the scenic views provided! I am so hopeful that DeDakis continues the Lark Chadwick series. The are serious, but fun, a very enjoyable read. Read them in order or as a stand alone, either way, they are great! Already looking forward to the next one!
Reviewed by Brittany Dalton (Reader)
Reviewed on June 23, 2018
Lark is an interesting character. It was really good and a page turner. I really liked how it ended. It keep me on the edge of my seat.
Willa Goodheart, honest and hard-working white collar worker finds herself connected to a police investigation for a serial killer; and she hasn't a clue why - that is, until she begins digging.
JOHN DEDAKIS' TROUBLED WATER is what I would term an action-packed slow burn. I read this book in five days and I rarely read a book that quickly. The action was continuous building up over time. And honestly I could never figure out who-done-it until the very end. That's how good this book is written. A good mystery has to keep you guessing and John does this masterfully.
The front cover is a great picture of a rushing stream full of what-ifs. The back cover blurb is easy to read. The off-white heavy paper is easy on the eyes along with the choice of font and spacing. The book's size makes it easy to hold and take with you wherever you go. Keep writing John, I loved TROUBLED WATER.
The relationships in this novel are dynamic, the dialogue realistic. Everything moves at a fast clip, does not give you time to lose interest or get bored.
Overall, it was an extremely satisfying and entertaining read. I heartily recommend this novel for any lover of fast-paced, realistic murder mysteries!
Lark Chadwick is making a major change in her life when she moves from Wisconsin to Georgia to work as a newspaper reporter. Before she even starts work, she discovers the body of a murdered young woman. Lark is now part of the story. Then another body is found. With her life racing in many directions, Lark does her best to focus on this case and to hopefully find the murderer. Will she become a victim, too?
The author brings to readers all the elements of a great mystery story. The well developed characters are vividly brought to life. Lark is an especially intriguing character. By following her character I came away knowing much more about journalism. She is an introspective investigator and isn't afraid to ask the right questions. There are several suspects, all with possible motives. The engrossing story moves quickly giving no hint of who the murderer is. As for the conclusion-I never saw it coming. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
John DeDakis has written another excellent page turner read that you simply cannot put down. The story line is a bit gruesome, but awesome and there are plots within plots adding curiosity and intrigue to every chapter.
Of course, Lark still turns t her friend and mentor, Lionel Stone, when she needs advice or just to talk. And, he's always quick to remind her that her old job is still available and waiting whenever she wants to return.
I have become quite a fan of John DeDakis' writing style. The characters are vivid with a great descriptive image created; along with the scenic views provided! I am so hopeful that DeDakis continues the Lark Chadwick series. The are serious, but fun, a very enjoyable read. Read them in order or as a stand alone, either way, they are great! Already looking forward to the next one!
Dan