Category Archives: Cathy Perkins

Review: Honor Code by Cathy Perkins

Title: Honor Code by Cathy Perkins
Publisher: Cathy Perkins
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 91 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

With HONOR CODE, award-winning author Cathy Perkins delivers a mystery NOVELLA linked to her mystery novel, THE PROFESSOR.

In a small southern town where everyone knows each other’s business, veteran detective Larry Robbins must solve the disappearance of eighty-year-old widower George Beason.

When evidence arises that Beason may have left town on his own, it would be easy for Robbins to close the case, but his gut instinct tells him more’s at stake. As he uncovers clues about Beason’s deceased wife and his estranged daughter, Robbins must untangle conflicting motives and hidden agendas to bring Beason home alive.

The Review:

Honor Code by Cathy Perkins is a fast-paced and intriguing mystery. Although George Beason is not officially a “high risk” disappearance, Detective Larry Robbins’ instincts are telling him to give this case a closer look. His investigation is full of unexpected twists and turns and raises some very puzzling questions.

Honor Code might be a novella, but Ms. Perkins does an excellent job with character and plot development. Larry Robbins is a little jaded and cynical after so many years on the job, but he has well honed instincts and a genuine concern for George Beason’s whereabouts. His investigation proves to be quite illuminating for Larry in both his professional and personal lives. As the case unfolds he learns some surprising information about his new and much younger partner Jerry Jordan. The details surrounding George’s late wife’s death causes Larry to reflect on his relationship with his wife Sharon. His introspection is insightful and provides his character with added depth.

Larry’s investigation into George’s disappearance is quite interesting and meticulously detailed. While Larry uncovers several potential motives and suspects that fit in with his kidnapping theory, he cannot quite rule out the possibility that George left of his own accord. The case takes a fascinating turn and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the pieces of the puzzle fall neatly into place.

Honor Code is another multi-layered and intricately plotted story by Cathy Perkins that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Read my review of The Professor HERE.

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Filed under Cathy Perkins, Contemporary, Honor Code, Mystery, Rated B, Review

Friday’s Feature: Interview with Cathy Perkins and Contest for The Professor

Stopping by to chat with us today is author Cathy Perkins. Her debut novel with Carina Press, The Professor, hits virtual bookshelves Monday January 23.

Kathy: Ms. Perkins, thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us today.

Ms. Perkins: Good morning, Kathy. Thanks for inviting me to stop by. Love your name, by the way.

Kathy: LOL, love yours too! I am infinitely curious about what motivates an author to begin their writing career. What prompted you to try your hand at writing? How long did it take for you to become a published author?

Ms. Perkins: While I’ve had a life-long love affair with reading, I didn’t start writing until fairly recently. This probably isn’t how most people start, but I had a lengthy consulting job in a city about 90 miles away. I’d listen to music and daydream during the commute. Pretty soon the day dream had dialogue and I thought, hmm, this is turning into a good story. That particular book lives in a box under the bed, but I was hooked. I’ve written several novels for my own enjoyment but The Professor is the first book I sought to publish. Continue reading

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Filed under Cathy Perkins, Friday Feature, The Professor

The Professor by Cathy Perkins

Title: The Professor by Cathy Perkins
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 92,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The Professor presses his palm against her flank, the warmth of her blood, hotter than her skin. Hot, like the life force that he has claimed. The power over life and death is the ultimate thrill.

Someone is murdering women on college campuses. Agent Mick O’Shaughnessy’s mission is simple: stop the killer. Following every lead, he meets Meg, the faculty advisor for one of the victims, who can help him track the killer through her campus connections.

Meg Connelly is focused on getting her master’s degree to show her estranged family she doesn’t need anybody’s help to succeed. There’s something about Mick she can’t resist, but the last time she let someone get close to her, it cost her everything.

As the investigation heats up, so does their relationship. But Mick’s interest in Meg doesn’t just endanger her heart—it puts her in the sights of the killer.

Once he gets her alone, he can take all the time he needs…

92,000 words

The Review:

Cathy Perkins’ debut novel The Professor is a terrifying look into the mind of a horrific serial killer. During his investigation for a killer targeting college co-eds Mick O’Shaugnessy becomes romantically involved with student and instructor Meg Connelly. His hunt for the killer becomes personal when the murderer taunts Mick and targets Meg.

Told from the three key players perspectives, The Professor is a tightly plotted mystery with strong character development. As the main voice, readers gain the most insight into Mick O’Shaugnessy. The interactions with his co-workers, witnesses and family provide a great deal of dimension and depth to his character.

Meg Connelly is a difficult character to get to know. Past betrayals and a complicated history play crucial roles in her inability to open up to anyone. Her independence and stubbornness prove to be her best and worst qualities. She reluctantly reveals bits and pieces from her past, and she shuts down at the first hint of trouble.

But the most revealing viewpoint is that of the serial killer dubbed “The Professor”. The perverse thoughts and twisted desires of “The Professor” are horrifying yet provide a fascinating look into what motivates and drives a person to kill. His calm and almost detached demeanor quickly devolves as his obsession with both Mick and Meg slowly spirals out of control.

The investigation and search for the serial killer is the main focus of the novel. The investigative aspect is very well done and it is apparent that Ms. Perkins did a tremendous amount of research into police procedure. Old fashioned solid detective work leads Mick and his fellow officers down a few false trails, but they eventually find the clues that lead them to the killer.

The romance between Mick and Meg is understated and plays a secondary role to the murder investigation. Their relationship develops slowly and it is a sharp contrast to the darker undertones of violence that permeate The Professor.

Although there are a couple of unanswered questions, Cathy Perkins brings The Professor to a pulse-pounding and exciting conclusion. If you are looking for a mystery that is suspenseful and realistic with just a touch of romance, then you are sure to enjoy this superb debut novel by a promising new author.

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Filed under Carina Press, Cathy Perkins, Contemporary, Mystery, Rated B, Suspense, The Professor