Review: Fish in a Barrel by Amy Lane

FISH IN A BARRELL (Fish Out of Water #7) by Amy Lane

Fiction, LGBTQ+, Crime/Mystery, Adult (18+) Spicy heat (345 pages) 

4****

Blurb: Jackson and Ellery face their toughest case yet—against the criminal justice system itself. Jackson Rivers and Ellery Cramer have worked difficult jobs before, but usually it’s getting the facts that’s the problem. For their newest client, the trouble isn’t finding the truth—it’s corruption at the highest levels of the justice system. It isn’t enough to find the actual perpetrator and unveil a heartless plot—not when the DA is the bad guy and he’s using cops as his goons. Keeping their vulnerable client alive and out of jail takes blood, sweat, and tears. When one of their major antagonists is killed and the DA tries to pin the death on Jackson, he’ll need every ounce of luck and all his resources to clear his name—and to find the perpetrator before the DA can use the murder to further his own agenda. They soon find that it’s easier to spot an honest man in a field of thieves than it is to shoot fish in a barrel—and both the man and the fish will be lucky to survive….

Thoughts: Wow. Strong crime books are not usually my thing. I prefer them lighter and cozier, but the author grabbed me, pulled me in with really good writing, and didn’t let go of me even after the story ended. That’s because she added some quick story bites after the story. Those were just fun and Interesting. 

First of all, the writing. Amy Lane is an amazing writer. Her characters, setting, plot… it all works together to make one amazing story. Jackson Rivers is a PI who has a rough background and is always getting hurt, much to his partner Ellery’s dismay. In this one, they are fighting corruption at the highest levels. Jackson gets badly injured (of course) and spends most of the story bleeding through his shirts and suits. The relationship between Ellery and Jackson is beautifully done. The emotions come through and you really feel for them. The best part of the story for me, was the old brown hauntedmini-van Jennifer. The way she helps them, lets them know her feelings. She was such a fun character!

What I didn’t like: I was really confused by some of the relationships in the story, but that’s only because I haven’t read any of the previous books. An issue I am going to immediately correct. The writing is that good. But I really suggest you start with the beginning books first. This does stand alone, but I think you’d get so much more out of it if you had more b ackground on the series.

Recommendation: Highly recommended. 

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”